Senior Jet Boat Driver

Watersports Limited; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Watersports Limited in Queenstown is seeking an Experienced Jet Boat Driver to lead Thunder Jet Queenstown tours on Lake Wakatipu. You will shape guest experiences, guide a high-energy team, and help maintain safety standards across our marine adventure offerings.

Key requirements include NZ Commercial Jet Boat Driver Licence, First Aid, and strong leadership and communication skills. This is a on-site role with growth opportunities within the Watersports Limited portfolio.

Qualifications

• Must hold NZ Commercial Jet Boat Driver Licence and First Aid Certificate.
• Proven leadership and people-management experience.
• Solid understanding of MNZ rules and local regulations.
• Strong communicator with a customer-focused approach.

Responsibilities

• Operate and lead commercial jet boat tours safely and confidently.
• Deliver high-energy guest experiences and share local knowledge.
• Maintain vessels and equipment to be guest-ready before trips.
• Uphold safety culture, incident reporting, and regulatory compliance.

Education

NZ Commercial Jet Boat Driver Licence

First Aid Certificate

Leadership experience

People skills

Operational awareness

Strong communication

Computer literacy

Job description

Watersports Limited – Queenstown, South Island

Senior Jet Boat Driver – Thunder Jet Queenstown

Watersports Limited is a dynamic new company uniting some of Queenstown’s most exciting water-based experiences. Our portfolio includes the newly rebranded Thunder Jet, Queenstown Paraflights, Hydro Attack, Queenstown Jet Ski Tours, Queenstown Ferries, andBoat Charters.

Are you passionate about the outdoors, thrive under pressure, and bring good energy? Thunder Jet Queenstown is on the lookout for an Experienced Jet Boat Driver to join our high-energy team on Lake Wakatipu. This is more than a jet boat driving role - it’s an opportunity to shape our guest experiences, guide and help grow a high-performing team, and help maintain a high standard for marine adventure tourism in Queenstown.

Our mission is simple: to create unforgettable adventuresthat stand out in the tourism industry. We’re growing our team and on the hunt for our next legend behind the wheel.

Key Responsibilities

Our drivers are more than just thrill-seekers - they’re a fine blend of personality, skill, and professionalism, each highly trained to ensure a safe and exhilarating experience for every passenger. As a Jet Boat Driver, you’ll be the face of Thunder Jet, you’ll also be responsible for:

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all operations comply with Maritime New Zealand regulations, local bylaws, and company Standard Operating Procedures.
• Lead by example in fostering a proactive safety culture across the team, including regular safety briefings and emergency drills.
• Oversee and support accurate incident reporting, hazard identification, and risk assessments in alignment with the Watersports Health & Safety Management System.
• Ensure vessels are operated and maintained safely and responsibly, with regular checks and environmental precautions considered.
• Maintain current certifications and licences, including First Aid, Radio, and NZ Commercial Jet Boat Driver Licences.

Driving & Customer Experience

• Operate commercial jet boats with confidence and precision - deliver fun, safe, and high-energy jet boat experiences that exceed guest expectations and showcase the best of Queenstown’s waterways.
• Greet every guest with genuine enthusiasm, be a great storyteller, share local knowledge, and bring good energy to your work.
• Represent the Watersports brand with professionalism and pride, ensuring all interactions reflect our values and commitment to quality.
• Maintain clean, presentable vessels and ensure all equipment is guest-ready before every trip.
• Identify opportunities to upsell or cross-promote Watersports experiences while creating memorable customer touchpoints from kiosk to disembarkation.

What we’re looking for:

• NZ Commercial Jet Boat Driver Licence (Essential)
• Proven leadership experience with strong people skills
• Operational awareness and sound judgment under pressure
• First Aid Certificate
• Strong working knowledge of MNZ rules and local regulations
• Confident communicator and team player
• Computer literacy and organisational skills
• A natural coach and trainer – you bring out the best in others!

Why Join Us?

• Play a pivotal role in delivering one of Queenstown’s thrilling water-based experiences.
• Work in a fun, adventure-filled industry surrounded by stunning landscapes and like-minded people.
• Be part of a growing watersports group with exciting opportunities for career development across multiple brands.
• Enjoy a dynamic and supportive team environment where no two days are the same.
• Competitive pay with training and opportunities to grow within the wider Watersports Limited portfolio.

Hours of Work

This role offers guaranteed ordinary hours of 80 hours per fortnight, to be worked between 8:00am and 6:00pm, Monday to Sunday (inclusive). Availability to work on weekends and public holidays is required as part of the position.