Visitor Centre Ranger (Fixed Term)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Staff accommodation at Punakaiki

Job summary

Department of Conservation (DOC) is seeking a Visitor Centre Ranger for Paparoa National Park on a fixed-term or secondment basis through to May 2027. You will be at the frontline, delivering high-quality information and supporting visitors to enjoy safe, memorable experiences.

This role promotes conservation, recreational opportunities and local attractions, with duties including bookings, cash handling, and collaboration with iwi and community partners. A NZ Driver Licence is required.

Qualifications

• Passion for conservation and connecting people with nature.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• 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 or visitor services.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Organisational skills

Problem solving

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 t\u016uranga | 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 īvŇe me īŋ 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 īnā ůungi mů? | 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 anŋ, whakapā mai | For further enquiries

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