Skipper and Assistant Marine Operations Manager

The Hermitage; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Onsite accommodation available at reasonable rent

Free access to all activities after eight weeks

Generous discounts on food and beverage

Job summary

The Hermitage in Aoraki/Mount Cook is seeking a Skipper and Assistant Marine Operations Manager to lead guided trips on the Tasman Glacier Lake. This role involves operational management, team leadership, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. The ideal candidate has maritime experience and a commitment to guest satisfaction.

This full-time position offers a competitive salary of $75–85k per annum and includes benefits like onsite accommodation, free activity access after eight weeks and discounts on food and beverage.

Qualifications

• Experience in maritime or adventure tourism with a focus on guest service.
• Ability to assist with recruitment, training, and team development.
• Practical understanding of vessel and maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage Glacier Explorers operations.
• Ensure safe, compliant delivery of guided trips.
• Coordinate daily operations including staffing and scheduling.
• Support with incident management and safety systems.

Skills

Maritime operations management

Guest experience focus

Team leadership

Problem-solving

Safety compliance

Education

Qualified Skipper or working towards qualification

Current First Aid Certificate

Job description

Skipper and Assistant Marine Operations Manager

Aoraki / Mount Cook, Canterbury Region 7999, New Zealand

For those who dream bigger!

At the Hermitage, Aoraki/Mount Cook, our guests stay with us because of the unique location, amazing views, excellent service, and the one‑off experiences we provide. Our team members choose to work with us because of the extraordinary career opportunity to work in the national park whilst delivering memorable guest experiences. Our team sees every aspect of the hospitality industry, while gaining a unique experience that develops their career and can be transferred when they are ready for the next exciting adventure.

Are you a safety‑focused maritime professional and emerging leader with a passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences in a unique alpine environment? We are seeking a hands‑on Skipper and Assistant Marine Operations Manager to support the Glacier Explorers (GE) operation delivering guided trips on the stunning Tasman Glacier Lake in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.

Reporting to the Lead Skipper and Marine Operations Manager GE, you will play a key role in the safe, efficient, and high‑quality delivery of Glacier Explorers operations. You’ll support daily activities across both land and water, ensuring compliance with Maritime NZ regulations while helping lead and develop a high‑performing team of Skippers who deliver unforgettable guest experiences.

Working as part of the Activities leadership team, this is an exciting developmental leadership opportunity, where you will contribute to operational delivery, team coordination, safety compliance, and continuous improvement in a dynamic alpine environment.

What will you bring to the role?

• You are a motivated and capable emerging leader with operational experience in maritime or adventure tourism, with a strong focus on guest experience and service delivery.
• You are a Qualified Skipper (or working towards it) who leads by example through active participation in skippering and frontline guest engagement.
• Support the Operations Manager in day‑to‑day leadership of the Glacier Explorers operation and step into their duties in their absence.
• Ensure safe and compliant delivery of all guided trips in line with Maritime NZ and company standards.
• Demonstrated ability to assist in recruitment, onboarding, training, and coaching team members.
• Commercial awareness, with exposure to cost control, stock, or supporting operational budgets.
• Practical understanding of vessel and vehicle maintenance, or ability to support planned maintenance programmes.
• A proactive approach to problem‑solving, process improvement, and supporting operational planning.
• Assist in coordinating daily operations, including staffing, scheduling, guest flow, and equipment readiness.
• Support with incident management, reporting, and continuous improvement of safety systems.
• A full, clean NZ driver’s licence (or international equivalent), with Class 2 and P endorsement advantageous.
• Have a Fit & Proper Person clearance and current First Aid Certificate (or able to obtain them).

The role and benefits

• Full Time, Permanent position, working 80 hours per fortnight, salary range $75–85k per annum.
• Live in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park with stunning surroundings and an unparalleled commute.
• Onsite accommodation available at reasonable rent (including Wi‑Fi and power).
• Free access to all activities offered by The Hermitage Hotel after eight weeks’ service.
• Generous discounts on food and beverage from day one.
• Discounted hotel accommodation for friends and family after eight weeks.