Website Department of Conservation
- 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 walking adventures 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.
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
