Nature Birdwatching Guide

SUMMARY 

Train to be a Nature & Birdwatching Guides - experience beautiful Stewart Island/Rakiura, our flora and fauna. Help guide discerning clients. 

Seasonal work from October to April. Ongoing / permanent contracts available. We will prefer minimum 2 year commitment due to training involved and quality of tours offered. 

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE 

• NZOIA Bush Leader or Bush Leader Overnight Endorsement  or overseas equivalent. 
• Tertiary qualification in some aspect of Natural History or strong interest in nature and the outdoors. 
• Current Outdoor First Aid (valid for the duration of the work contract).
• Clean NZ Driver’s License Class 1 with Passenger Endorsement essential.
• Hiking experience in NZ and some guiding experience ideal. 
• Good leadership and risk management skills. Safety conscious.
• Birdwatching and identification skills with good knowledge / experience of NZ birds / plants and willingness to learn. 
• Fluent written and spoken English. 
• Customer orientated, with excellent interpersonal and people skills and ability to communicate with visitors in a confident, friendly & professional manner at all levels and with all cultures.
• Good organisation, time management.
• Ability to work in a team and as necessary supervise other staff effectively.

OTHER

You must be comfortable travelling in boats (and if required light aircraft).

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Position suitable for a reliable, enthusiastic and outgoing mature person, with good work ethics and, a keen interest in New Zealand natural history and birdwatching. A very good level of health and fitness is required.

• Undertake training. You are also required to learn in your own time. 
• Guide clients on day walks and hikes based on your skills and aptitude. 
• Guide Evening Eco Watch / Kiwi Spotting trips (must be comfortable working late at night). 
• Work as Driver / Guide on scenic and birding road tours.
• Transport clients to / from tours / tracks. 
• Assist as support staff on overnight hikes and train to guide the 3 day Rakiura Great Walk and the overnight hike to Mason Bay (if you are willing to return for a second season).

Prior to Trips

*  Liaise with team members, regarding tour logistics.

*  Carry out trip planning, including maintaining appropriate records in a timely manner. 

*  If food is provided for clients, organise gear and pick-up food. 

*  Pick up / drop-off clients before the trip if required.  

*  Brief and guide clients, providing any assistance as required. 

*  Any other reasonable pre-tour tasks.

During Trips

*  Providing quality interpretation according to business standards on fauna, flora, ecology, conservation and cultural history.

*  Provide wildlife and nature observations throughout the tour.

*  Ensure the safety and well being of all party members. Provide clients with any assistance during the walk.

*  Prepare and serve snacks, hot drinks, meals.

*  Clear-up and clean ensuring huts and campsites are left clean and tidy.

*  Maintain communication with the office.
 

After Trips

*  Assist clients to their accommodation venues / departure points, if required.

*  Unpack, check, clean and store equipment.

*  Liaise with other team members as required.

*  Complete and submit all relevant paperwork.

Other Duties

• Carry out any other reasonable task to support the business.
• Take part in any ofter required training. 

HOURS OF WORK 

This will vary depending on scheduled work and the skills / aptitude / experience of the staff member and their flexibility. 

Daily work is not routine, nor are the daily work hours, but is varied, based on customer demand.  Tours are not all pre-booked.  It is essential that you are flexible and supportive when work needs to be carried out.

However, the business will offer minimum 60 hours each fortnight which can increase during busy times.  

ABOUT RUGGEDY RANGE

Ruggedy Range Wilderness Experience is a small nature tourism business, operating in Stewart Island since 2000 offering guided walks, bird watching, kiwi spotting tours, boat cruises, water taxi charters, along with operating a small outdoor shop within the booking office. 

Nature, wildlife and the environment are our key focus. We actively seek to develop a positive team, with supportive, caring, reliable and competent staff, so that our customers get the best possible attention and service we can offer.

Key tourist months are October through to April / May, with intermittent off-season tours.

BENEFITS

• Working for a small established business provides a greater opportunity to learn, do and see more. 
• Learn about our wildlife and natural environment. Develop new skills. 
• Be part of a small positive team where your contribution matters.
• Interact with interesting and knowledgeable visitors from around the world. 
• Live surrounded by beautiful scenery and wildlife in Stewart Island / Rakiura.
• For the right person, the opportunity to develop into other roles in the business. 

STAFF ACCOMMODATION

Shared staff accommodation available in clean, comfortable, fully equipped 3-bedroomed house, centrally located with small garden area, native birds and car parking. A few minutes walk to office, shops, eateries and beach. 

MUST HAVE

Eligibility to work in New Zealand and time living here before coming to Stewart Island.