Ranger (Search and Rescue)

Assist in leading the Alpine Search and Rescue Team (SAR), conduct SAR training/operations/program maintenance and development, contribute as a member of the Incident Management Team and Aoraki Fire and Emergency NZ Fire Brigade
- Take advantage of a range of development and training opportunities across the organisation
- 4 weeks + 3 days annual leave per year, flexible working options
- Permanent full time, Aoraki Mt Cook Village

**Toitū te marae a Tāne, toitū te marae a Tangaroa, toitū te tangata**

**If the land is well and the sea is well, the people will thrive**

**He angitūtanga | About the role**

Are you a highly motivated and skilled mountain professional? Welcome to your new office - the Central Southern Alps.

Due to internal promotion Te Papa Atawhai Department of Conservation's Alpine Rescue Team have an exciting opportunity as a senior member of their close-knit team, with the ability to step into an operational team leadership role as required. As Ranger (Search and Rescue) you will be able to work autonomously with additional responsibility of having oversight of volunteers and contractors as required.

This is a vital role packed full of purpose, providing search and rescue over the summer season participating in the seasonal standby and duty officer roster. Work on exciting projects training and collaborating with NZ Police, Defence Force, St Johns, Land SAR, and Air Assets.

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. We are passionate about developing and upskilling our people with training on the 5 skill pillars; Aviation, Alpine, Avalanche, Terrestrial and medical, as well as opportunity for courses in LandSAR Rescue Skills, Instruction and Guide qualifications.

This is a unique role and work environment which requires a high level of physical and mental fitness, with specialised health, safety and wellness support provided. Your ongoing interest in developing industry best practices, mentoring of staff and alpinism will be key qualities for your successful in this role.

**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 summer climbing 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 rock grade 16 on traditional protection
- 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 clean full NZ driving licence
- 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
- Expert alpine skier in steep, glaciated terrain
- Co-ordinated Incident Management System (CIMS) 2 /4 qualifications
- New Zealand Certificate in Avalanche Risk Management (Level 6) OR recognised overseas equivalent (A3 Pro 2, CAA Operations 2 or similar)
- or able to be completed in an agreed period
- Advanced first aid or medical qualification, e.g. EMT (or equivalent)
- Suitable instruction qualifications - NZOIA Bush 2 / Alpine 2 / Rock 2
- Advanced risk management / avalanche terrain mapping / emergency management skills or qualifications

**Ko ngā hua | What we offer**

A fantastic supportive and collaborative working environment. Being the multiple award winner of the most attractive employer in the public sector (and second overall) with an average turnover beyond 10 years, we know people generally really enjoy working with us

We take pride in enabling our people to bring their unique perspectives to mahi, in pursuit of our collective aspirations. Our commitment to well-being and professional development includes:

- Flexible working options available during Winter months: mid-February - early October
- DOC perks: Free accommodation in our backcountry huts and campsites, visitor centres product discounts, outdoor apparel and gear discounts (including Bivouac Outdoor, Macpac, Mountain Avenue )
- Opportunity to develop and grow your skills within the group and wider organisation
- Te Pukenga Atawhai - Cultural Capability Development Programme
- Active employee netw