Head Skipper

Ready to lead from the helm and inspire a crew on the beautiful waters of Akaroa Harbour?

Our client is one of New Zealand's leading eco-tourism operators and is looking for a Head Skipper with proven maritime experience, leadership skills, and a passion for customer service to join their team in the stunning seaside town of Akaroa, Banks Peninsula.

This is a unique opportunity to skipper a diverse fleet - from 8m through to their 18m on both Swimming with Dolphins and Nature Cruise experiences.

**What You'll Be Doing**
- Skipper all vessels in the Akaroa fleet, delivering unforgettable dolphin and harbour cruise experiences.
- Delivering engaging, educational, and entertaining commentary with support from your onboard crew.
- Lead and mentor a dynamic team of skippers and crew through hands-on training, coaching, and drills.
- Oversee vessel readiness, safety, maintenance, and compliance in coordination with Operations and Maintenance Managers.
- Drive operational excellence while contributing to cost-saving and revenue-generating initiatives.
- Support health & safety, environmental sustainability, and uphold, MNZ MOSS, DOC and Qualmark standards.
- Represent and champion the company values within the community and tourism industry.

What You'll Bring To The Role
- SRL Skipper's Qualification (24m with passenger endorsement) or equivalent
- Current First Aid Certificate and Full NZ Drivers Licence
- DOC SMART Operator Course or willingness to complete
- Experience working with MOSS systems, vessel maintenance planning, training delivery
- Strong leadership with interpersonal skills with a collaborative, hands-on approach
- A passion for marine wildlife, storytelling, and sustainable tourism
- Flexibility to work rostered hours, including weekends and public holidays, with occasional early starts or late finishes

They don't just run tours - They create lasting connections between people and the marine environment. With a passionate team and a legacy of conservation and community engagement, this is an opportunity for a skipper who wants to make a difference.

If you have what we are looking for, we would love to hear from you.

WHIRIA TE TANGATA

WEAVE THE PEOPLE TOGETHER