Ranger Search and Rescue

• Unique opportunity to join a high-performing Search and Rescue team  

• The salary range for this position is $65,590 to $76,589    

• Full time, permanent role, based in Aoraki/Mount Cook  

• Flexible start date may be considered for the right candidate.   

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.  

He angitūtanga | About the role  

This role will function as a developing Team Leader for our Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Rescue Team. The team functions during operations and trainings with one team leader for the task and two to four rescuers.

The team is responsible for delivery of key functions: provision of search and rescue response work, training, and programme maintenance and development.  

The successful applicant will be required to live in Aoraki/Mount Cook and participate in the seasonal standby and duty officer roster.  

This is a unique role and work environment which requires a high level of physical and mental fitness. An ongoing interest in developing industry best practices, mentoring of staff and alpinism are key qualities for the successful applicant.  

To ensure currency and competency in the alpine environment all staff are required to meet minimum standards in alpine climbing and skiing to satisfy the health and safety requirements of the AMCART program.  

Sole-occupancy DOC accommodation is available if required.   

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience  

Essential skills:  

• Rock/ ice climbing, mountaineering and alpine skiing competency to a high skill level with demonstrated experience and currency in both summer and winter disciplines  

• Must be able to verify skills/ experience with current climbing and skiing logbook to NZMGA standard  

• Capable of climbing (minimum) a range of Aoraki/Mount Cook seriousness grade III  

• Capable of climbing a range of rock grade 16 on traditional protection  

• Expert alpine skier in steep, glaciated terrain  

• New Zealand Certificate in Avalanche Risk Management (Level 5) OR recognized overseas equivalent (A3 Pro 1, CAA Operations 1 or similar)  

• PHEC (Pre-Hospital Emergency Care) Medical qualification (or equivalent)  

• Current full driving licence required  

• Computer literate using Word, Excel and cloud-based computing products.  

Specialist skills and experience within one or more of the following areas:  

• Search and rescue or emergency management  

• Ability to produce a professional operational avalanche forecast  

• Visitor information delivery and management  

• Visitor hazard management systems  

• Working at height or Industrial Rope Access.  

 Desirable qualifications:  

• Suitable guiding qualifications – NZMGA Hard Ice/Alpine Trekking/Ski Guide/Climbing Guide/IFMGA or recognized overseas equivalent  

• Suitable instruction qualifications – NZOIA Bush 2/Alpine 2/Rock 2  

• A logbook suitable for application to the NZMGA Ski and Climbing Guide pathways  

• Coordinated Incident Management System (CIMS) 2/4 qualifications  

• New Zealand Certificate in Avalanche Risk Management (Level 6) OR recognized overseas equivalent (A3 Pro 2, CAA Operations 2 or similar) – or able to be completed in an agreed period  

• Advanced first aid/medical qualification, eg EMT (or equivalent)  

• Advanced risk management/avalanche terrain mapping/emergency management skills or qualifications  

Mō te tīma | About the team   

He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata.  

What is the most important thing in the world?  It is people, it is people, it is people.  

Our team lives and works in the presence of Aoraki, son of Raki – the sky father, and Pokoharua-Te-Pō – the mother of storms. Aoraki/Mt Cook Village is a small community, in a privileged location in the heart of Aotearoa's outdoors.

As a team, we often form strong friendships and spend much of our time together: socializing, recreating, and working. The team experiences its highs and lows together, treating quiet periods as times of opportunity. We support each other through hardship and celebrate each individual success as belonging to us all.

We are a team of passionate and hardworking individuals, dedicated to making a difference through service to others. We strive for constant improvement, learn from our differences, and are focused on solutions not problems. We are grateful, so that we might learn to be great.  

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | 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.  

Tono ināianei | Apply now  

Depending on the volume of applications received, we may close this advertisement early, please submit your application as soon as possible.  

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 throughout the recruitment process, please do let us know.   

The salary range for this position is $65.590 to $76,589 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.  

Rā katinga | Applications close at 11:59pm on Thursday 20 August 2026.

Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, please feel free to contact Andrew Bridgman, Supervisor, Search and Rescue, at [email protected]