Visitor Centre Lead

• Lead a team committed to exceptional visitor experiences — where nature and people connect every day.

• Permanent, full-time role based in based in Wānaka

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

You will support the Principal Ranger and work closely with the Visitor Centre staff and wider leadership team. You’ll ensure the team has the resources and skills to deliver high‑quality service, share local and regional information, and strengthen connections with tangata whenua and our unique cultural heritage. You will lead, train, and mentor staff, help drive community engagement initiatives, coordinate daily tasks, and foster a strong health and safety culture.

The Visitor Centre Is open to the public six months of the year over the summer high season, and up to 7 days a week over that period, including public holidays. 

Click here for the Role Description

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:

• Proven experience managing or leading a team in a customer service or visitor centre space.

• Ability to manage competing priorities, and balance planned and reactive work.

• A strong health and safety focus.

• Ability to lead, mentor and coach others, with effective conflict resolution skills.

• Tech savvy with ability to pick up new systems and databases quickly.

• An understanding of recreation and tourism opportunities throughout Aotearoa and knowledge of conservation, recreational and community engagement activities available in Wānaka.

• The ability to convey visitor safety information clearly, concisely and in a positive manner.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to maintain high standards and a positive attitude while working under pressure and/or performing repetitive tasks.

• The ability to work weekends and across the holiday period.

• Current Driver’s Licence.

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 kaimahi 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 $68,878 to $87,265 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.

Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday, 8 February  

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 Andrew Watt, Supervisor, at [email protected]