Visitor Centre Ranger (Fixed Term)

Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai; West Coast; On-site; NZD 62,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

DOC staff accommodation in Punakaiki

Job summary

The Department of Conservation, Te Papa Atawhai, is seeking Visitor Centre Rangers for a fixed-term/secondment through to May 2027 at Paparoa National Park Visitor Centre. You will be the frontline source of up-to-date information, advice and support for visitors, promoting DOC experiences and merchandise while handling bookings and cash.

You'll work in a fast-paced environment, with a roster including weekends, and may access staff accommodation in Punakaiki.

Qualifications

• A 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.
• 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 in partnership with iwi and tangata whenua.
• A full New Zealand Driver Licence

Responsibilities

• Provide visitors with up-to-date information on tracks, huts, weather conditions 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 and professional Visitor Centre environment.
• Support relationships with local communities, volunteers, iwi and partner organisations.
• Contribute to a positive team culture focused on safety and exceptional visitor experiences.
• Assist wider district work across biodiversity, heritage and education opportunities.

Skills

Customer service

Communication skills

Visitor engagement

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Industry experience (tourism/retail)

Independence

Health and safety

Te Tiriti o Waitangi awareness

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.

• 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.

Skills and experience

• 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

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.

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

The Department of Conservation, Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive. Ko tā Te Papa Atawhai he tiaki, he whakarauora anō hoki i te taiao puta noa i Aotearoa. He oranga taiao, he oranga tangata. Our people bring this vision to life. Spread across Aotearoa, they care for our land, water, and native species. From frontline rangers and technical experts to vital support teams - we have a diverse range of roles.