Visitor Centre Ranger (Fixed Term)

New Zealand Government; Greymouth; On-site; NZD 62,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

New Zealand Government via the Department of Conservation seeks a Visitor Centre Ranger for Paparoa National Park. The role is fixed-term or on secondment through to May 2027, focusing on high-quality information, bookings and safety for visitors, while promoting conservation and local attractions.

You will work with a collaborative team, engaging diverse visitors, and supporting community partners. A staff accommodation option is available via tenancy at Punakaiki.

Qualifications

• Passion for conservation and connecting people with nature.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to engage confidently with a wide range of visitors and stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a collaborative teamwork approach.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience in customer service, tourism, retail, sales or visitor services.
• Holding a full New Zealand Driver Licence.

Responsibilities

• Provide visitors with up-to-date information on tracks, huts, weather, conservation projects and recreational opportunities.
• Promote and sell DOC visitor experiences, bookings and merchandise.
• Assist with visitor bookings, administration and cash handling processes.
• Support visitor safety by sharing alerts, hazards and track conditions.
• Help maintain a welcoming, well-presented Visitor Centre environment.
• Support relationships with local communities, iwi and partner organisations.
• Contribute to a positive team culture focused on safety and exceptional visitor experiences.
• Assist wider District work including biodiversity, heritage and community engagement.

Skills

Conservation passion

Customer service

Visitor engagement

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Organisational skills

Driver Licence

Job description

Engage with visitors from around New Zealand and the world, sharing knowledge about local recreation, conservation and cultural heritage.

Salary Range: $62,192 - $67,446

Secondment/Fixed Term opportunities until May 2027 based at the Paparoa National Park Visitor Center

Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa Mō te tūranga

About the role

We're looking for a customer-focused and enthusiastic Visitor Centre Rangers to join our team on a fixed-term or secondment basis through to May 2027. This role is at the frontline of DOC's visitor experience, providing high-quality information, advice and support to visitors while helping connect people with Aotearoa New Zealand's unique natural and cultural heritage. You'll play a key role in promoting conservation, recreation opportunities, local attractions and visitor safety while supporting the day-to-day operation of the Visitor Centre. Working as part of a passionate and collaborative team, you will:

• Provide visitors with up-to-date information on tracks, huts, weather conditions, conservation projects and recreational opportunities.
• Promote and sell DOC visitor experiences, bookings and merchandise.
• Assist with visitor bookings, administration and cash handling processes.
• Support visitor safety by sharing relevant alerts, hazards and track conditions.
• Help maintain a welcoming, well-presented and professional Visitor Centre environment.
• Support relationships with local communities, volunteers, iwi and partner organisations.
• Contribute to a positive team culture focused on safety, conservation and exceptional visitor experiences.
• Assisting the wider District work delivery across other areas, such as biodiversity, heritage and visitor, community engagement and education opportunities.

This position operates on a rostered schedule. While you will have a regular roster that includes working on weekend days, flexibility is required from time to time to support operational requirements, including covering shifts, public holidays and periods of increased visitor demand.

This role comes with the option of DOC staff accommodation in Punakaiki, available via a tenancy agreement and within walking distance of the Visitor Centre.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

We are keen to hear from you, if you have;

• A passion for conservation and connecting people with nature.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• The ability to confidently engage with a wide range of visitors and stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach to teamwork.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience in customer service, tourism, retail, sales or visitor services.
• The ability to work independently and use good judgement in a dynamic environment.
• A commitment to health, safety and providing accurate visitor information.
• An understanding of, or willingness to learn about, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and working in partnership with iwi and tangata whenua.
• A full New Zealand Driver Licence

He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | What's in it for you?

DOC is committed to a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We're driven by our values and behaviours, and are working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive by default.

Salary: $62,192 - $67,446, depending on skills and experience.

Eligibility: You must hold a valid NZ work visa that covers the duration of employment.

Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday 27 September

For further enquiries, please contact Justin Blacklock at [e-mail] or 027 208 3416.