Ranger Visitor Centre (Permanent Part-time and Casual) at Department of Conservation | Te Papa Atawhai

Saint Arnaud, Tasman, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

27 Apr, 26

Salary

66911.0

Posted On

27 Jan, 26

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Customer Service, Communication Skills, Teamwork, Outdoor Recreation, Sales, Interpersonal Skills, Organizational Skills, Safety Awareness, Computer Skills, Knowledge of Conservation, Geographical Knowledge, Cultural Awareness, Problem Solving, Adaptability, Time Management, Public Engagement

Industry

Government Administration

Description

Work at the gateway to Nelson Lakes National Park, surrounded by alpine scenery, beech forests, and crystal-clear lakes Help visitors experience numerous day walk and iconic overnight tramps including Angelus Hut, the Travers–Sabine Circuit and the Te Araroa Trail Be part of a passionate team promoting conservation, safety, and care for Aotearoa’s natural heritage Live and work in the relaxed alpine village of St Arnaud, with tramping, skiing, biking, and lake activities on your doorstep 2x roles available; 1x permanent part-time and 1x casual role, based in St Arnaud, Rotoiti Nelson Lakes Visitor Centre with accommodation options available 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. Mō te tūranga | About the roles We have two roles available to be the welcoming faces of Te Papa Atawhai | Department of Conservation at Nelson Lakes National Park, the Visitor Centre team plays a vital role in helping visitors connect with this special place. From planning a Great Walk adventure to seeking local knowledge, exploring displays, purchasing tramping gear, or simply escaping the weather, you’ll help ensure every visitor has a positive, safe, and memorable experience. These roles are about sharing knowledge, fostering care for the natural environment, and encouraging safe and responsible recreation in one of Aotearoa’s most spectacular alpine landscapes. The varied and rewarding work includes: Providing visitors with accurate, up-to-date information on local and regional recreation opportunities, safety considerations, weather conditions, and conservation initiatives Liaising closely with field rangers and technical staff regarding track, hut, and backcountry conditions, including monitoring field staff intentions Sharing the cultural stories of the area and showcasing our partnership with Tangata Whenua Facilitating bookings for DOC huts and campgrounds, and issuing sighting-in permits Promoting and selling high-quality conservation and outdoor recreation merchandise The Nelson Lakes Visitor Centre operates 7 days per week during the year and only closed Christmas Day. This role includes weekend and public holiday work to support our busy seasonal operations. Weekend and public holiday shifts are required to support our busy team. Click here for the Role Description Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience This is a fast-paced, people-focused role that suits someone who enjoys variety and thrives in a dynamic environment. If you have some of the following, we’d love to hear from you: Experience in a visitor centre, tourism, or customer-focused role, ideally including sales or retail Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a collaborative, team-oriented approach Ability to relate to overseas tourists and New Zealanders alike Ability to remain calm, professional, and organised during busy periods A genuine passion for the outdoors, conservation, and helping others enjoy nature safely Strong computer skills and the ability to learn new systems quickly Confidence in delivering clear, consistent, and positive safety messaging Availability to work weekends and public holidays A full, current New Zealand driver’s licence Desirable: Knowledge of conservation, recreation, and outdoor activities in Nelson Lakes National Park and the wider region Good geographical knowledge of New Zealand He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | What’s in it for you? DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We’re working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default. You can learn more about what we offer here. We support flexible work arrangements for our kamahi who are working in a wide variety of roles and locations across Aotearoa. Flexible options will be considered based on your role and in discussion with your leader. Tonoa inaiānei | Apply now Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai. Please note, due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications and provide feedback to those not shortlisted. If you require any accommodations or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. The salary range for this position is $60,703 to $66,911 pro-rata 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. Due to high volumes, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role. Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Tuesday 10 February 2026. Depending on the volume of applications received, we may close this advertisement early, so please submit your application as soon as possible. Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Paul Thornton, Supervisor Visitors Centre, pthornton@doc.govt.nz Please note that we have replaced our previous recruitment system with Workday, you will need to create a new Candidate Home account when applying for new roles. The Department of Conservation is a great place to work for anyone who is passionate about nature and the environment. Our people are responsible for caring for our land, water and native species. Spread throughout the country, they ensure that nature can thrive. They perform a huge range of tasks in roles from technical specialists to support staff and frontline rangers. Read more about Our role: About us

Responsibilities

The roles involve providing visitors with information on recreation opportunities and ensuring a positive experience at the Visitor Centre. Responsibilities also include facilitating bookings and promoting conservation merchandise.