Supervisor Search and Rescue

Lead New Zealand's only dedicated Search and Rescue team | Highly operational | Specialist alpine rescue capability required
- Permanent role, based in Aoraki/ Mount Cook, Accommodation available if required
- Salary range of $79,656 - $100,639

**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**

Reporting to the Principal Ranger, Visitor and Safety, this newly created role of Supervisor SAR (search and rescue) will lead New Zealand's only professional alpine Search and Rescue team (SAR team). This is a unique role and work environment which requires a high level of physical and mental fitness. An ongoing interest in alpine rescue, climbing and alpinism is a key quality 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 in order to satisfy the health and safety requirements of the AMCART program.

The position will be focussed on:

- Active participation in alpine search and rescue
- Providing effective leadership and delivery of complex search and rescue operations across New Zealand
- Supervision of a small team of Rangers to ensure effective integrated delivery of conservation work
- Contribute to the strong safety-first environment
- Planning and scheduling of work
- Partnering with whānau, hapū and iwi to build capability and create opportunities for participation

This role is based on site at Aoraki/ Mount Cook. Accommodation is available if required.

**Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience**

We are looking for someone with the following skills and attributes;
Essential Skills:

- High capability in rock / ice climbing, mountaineering and alpine skiing competency to a high skill level with demonstrated experience and currency in both summer and winter disciplines
- High capability and experience in alpine search and rescue
- Must be able to verify skills/experience with current climbing and skiing logbook
- Capable of climbing minimum Aoraki Mount Cook seriousness grade III
- Capable of climbing 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, leadership and participation
- Ability to produce a professional operational avalanche forecast
- Visitor information delivery and management
- Visitor hazard management systems
- Construction and maintenance of sites and assets

Desirable qualifications:

- Suitable guiding qualifications - NZMGA Hard Ice / Alpine Trekking / Ski Guide / Climbing Guide / IFMGA or recognized overseas equivalent
- Co-ordinated 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, e.g. EMT (or equivalent)
- Advanced risk management / avalanche terrain mapping / emergency management skills or qualifications

**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 kamahi 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.

If you require any accommodations or adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please do let us know.

The salary range for this position $79,656 - $100,639 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.

**Te tohutoro tūranga | Job reference**: DOC/1877963

Job details

**Job reference**:

- DOC/1877963A

**Location**:

- Aoraki Mt Cook

**Date posted**:

- 13-Aug-2025

**Application close date**:

- 24-Aug-2025