Ranger, Visitor Centre at Department of Conservation, Christchurch

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Are you someone who enjoys the outdoors and wants to influence how visitors experience Arthur's Pass National Park?
• 4 weeks + 3 days annual leave per year
• Permanent, full-time role based in Arthur's Pass Visitor Centre

About the role

As a Visitor Centre Ranger you will have oversight of the day-to-day operations of the visitor centre, ensuring that everything is kept running smoothly. This Ranger position has more responsibility than our other Visitor Centre Ranger roles as you will be required to provide leadership for other Visitor Centre rangers, implement best practice systems, and oversee the back-office procedures.

You will deliver quality information on conservation and recreational activities to visitors, maintain stock, coordinate purchases and build relationships with local suppliers. You will also be required to create the rosters for the visitor centre staff members, which run on a seven-day week basis. We are hoping to find someone who is open to learning how to take a lead in compliance enforcement for the wider North Canterbury District.

We are looking for an innovative, out of the box thinker who has some leadership experience and is comfortable working on the front desk and the back office. This rewarding role is based in Arthur's Pass, in the heart of the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana.

Core components of this role include:

• Creating rosters for visitor centre staff members
• Assisting the front desk by providing visitors with up-to-date information on visitor safety, weather and conditions of the track and huts and recreation opportunities, and local conservation projects,
• System improvement
• Managing relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
• Monitoring sale of stock
• Assisting visitors with retail purchases
• Providing media and communications support
• Conveying visitor safety information clearly, concisely and in a positive manner
• Supporting wider district community programmes

This role will be rostered on a seven-day week basis, so some weekend work will be required.

Rental accommodation will be available for the successful candidate (however, this may be on a shared basis).  

Skills and experience

If you have the following attributes, we are keen to hear from you:

• The ability to lead a team and lead the delivery of day to day activities within the visitor centre
• Ability to review and implement processes to ensure efficiency
• Experience creating or managing rosters
• Ability to be resourceful, adaptable and have situational awareness of their surroundings.
• Demonstrated competence in customer service, computer skills, sales, and retail
• Works co-operatively and collaboratively as a member of a team to accomplish goals and resolve problems.
• Strong communicator with the ability to interpret, explain and convey information
• Innovative and creative mindset
• The ability to inspire others to make the great outdoors the ultimate experience for every visitor
• Confident interacting with people from all walks of life
• An active interest in outdoor pursuits and conservation
• Desire to live in a small, remote community who are passionate about the work you do

Desirable:

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Tikanga Māori and Te Ao Māori is an advantage
• Compliance experience would be advantageous, for example checking campsite registrations and concessions monitoring
• Current First Aid Certificate

What's in it for you?

Te Papa Atawhai is committed to fostering a diverse workforce that represents the communities we serve, creating an inclusive workplace culture, supporting the relationship between Māori and the Crown, and lifting our cultural capability. We encourage our people to bring their authentic self and unique perspectives to work, in pursuit of our collective aspirations. Our commitment to well-being and professional development includes:

• Career development, secondment and training opportunities to help you realise your goals
• Study assistance in programmes that are relevant to your work
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and discounted medical insurance
• Great discounts on DOC accommodation and outdoor apparel and gear so you're ready for your next adventure
• Te Pukenga Atawhai – Cultural Capability Development Programme

Apply now 

Apply online via the DOC Careers Centre with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai.  

The salary range for this position is $54,314 to $69,401 with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience.  

Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory – this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment. 

Applications close at 5 pm on Sunday, 5 February 2023

For further enquiries contact Ronan Grew on rgrew@doc.govt.nz or 027 683 9030

Job reference: 400/08132