Website Department of Conservation
- Adventure at your doorstep—hike, climb, ski, and explore some of New Zealand’s most iconic backcountry trails.
- Seasonal variety and adventure—each day brings a new challenge, from managing campgrounds to exploring alpine tracks.
- Inspire and engage visitors from around the world with your local knowledge and conservation insights.
- Connect with nature daily—watch native wildlife, rare plants, and stunning night skies free from city lights.
- The salary range for this position is $60,703 to $66,911
- 16 month full-time, fixed term based in Aoraki Mt Cook with accommodation 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 role
This exciting role is part of the Heritage & Visitor team, where you’ll play a key role in creating memorable, safe, and enjoyable experiences for visitors from around the world. You’ll be at the heart of day-to-day operations, keeping campgrounds, huts, and facilities welcoming, well-maintained, and safe. Your work will also involve sharing knowledge, providing guidance, and promoting conservation messages to visitors—all while living amidst Aoraki / Mount Cook’s incredible alpine environment.
- You’ll follow a rotating 5-days-on, 2-days-off roster, including weekends, and your focus will include:
- Ensuring campgrounds, shelters, toilets, and visitor facilities are clean, safe, and well-presented.
- Providing friendly, expert advice to visitors about safety, local attractions, weather, and conservation.
- Assisting with campsite bookings, compliance checks, and handling cash/EFTPOS transactions.
- Coordinating with hut wardens and field staff to support smooth operation of tracks, huts, and recreational areas.
- Spotting and reporting maintenance issues, track hazards, and health & safety risks to protect visitors and colleagues.
- Following Heritage & Visitor procedures and operational standards to maintain high-quality visitor experiences
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:
- High level of fitness and backcountry experience
- A commitment to practicing good Health and Safety processes
- Field skills: scrub-barring, track work, trapping, monitoring, pest/weed control
- Basic solar, septic, and water system maintenance
- Excellent communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills
- Tech-savvy and quick to learn new systems
- Able to work independently, in teams, and in isolated environments
- Embrace Tikanga Māori cultural perspectives and values
- Full NZ Driver’s Licence and ability to drive a manual
Desirable
- Experience/qualifications: chainsaws, scrub bars, LUVs
- Current First Aid certificate
- Competent with power tools and equipment
- Self-motivated with minimal supervision
Even if you don’t tick all the boxes but believe your skills and experience closely align, then we still encourage you to apply.
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 with the starting salary of the successful applicant 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 Thursday 5 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 Charlotte Day, Operations Advisor, chday@doc.govt.nz
