Visitor Centre Ranger (Fixed Term)

Department of Conservation (DOC); National Park; On-site; NZD 62,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Conservation (DOC) is seeking a Visitor Centre Ranger for a fixed-term/secondment role through to May 2027 at the Paparoa National Park Visitor Centre. The role focuses on frontline visitor service, delivering up-to-date information and practical support to ensure safe, enjoyable experiences while promoting conservation values.

You’ll work as part of a collaborative team, handling bookings, guiding visitors, and sharing alerts on tracks and hazards.

Qualifications

• A 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 and collaborative teamwork abilities.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience in customer service, tourism, retail or visitor services.
• Ability to work independently and use good judgement in a dynamic environment.
• Commitment to health, safety and providing accurate visitor information.
• Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and working with iwi and tangata whenua.
• Full New Zealand Driver Licence

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Engaging diverse visitors

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Experience in tourism/retail/visitor

Independent work

Health & safety

Te Tiriti o Waitangi knowledge

NZ 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

Mó 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 nā 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 nŁū iāu? | 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.

Rā whakakapi | Applications close

at 11:59 pm on Sunday 27 September

Me he pātai anā, whakapā mai | For further enquiries

please contact please contactJustin Blacklock [e-mail]027 208 3416.