Trainee Nature & Birding Guide – Steward Island, Southland

BEST THINGS ABOUT THE JOB

• Experience varied work, in and around Rakiura National Park.
• 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 in Stewart Island / Rakiura.

JOB SUMMARY

Help us create a memorable experience for our customers. Train to guide clients on specific day tours on Ulva Island and Stewart Island. Provide quality interpretation – helping our clients appreciate our natural flora, fauna and cultural history. Show clients kiwi in the wild on our evening / night time tours ensuring that kiwi remain undisturbed. Provide interesting and accurate information to help clients understand and appreciate our wildlife. Assist as driver guide on some of our cultural and birding road tours. Help drive shuttle transfers.

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.

ABOUT THE ROLE

• Your leadership and safety skills are essential to the smooth running of all tours.
• Your genuine interest, knowledge and care for the environment and its wildlife and your bird and plant observation skills will enhance customers experiences.
• Clients will feel safe and valued as a result of your outgoing, friendly and caring nature.
• Your ability to convey information in a clear and concise manner to visitors from different nationalities will allow for an all-inclusive quality experience for everyone.
• Your attention to detail, time management and excellent communication skills will be important in making our customer’s journey a quality experience of a high standard.

DUTIES

• 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.
• 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 year).

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 high quality interpretation 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.

SKILLS AND 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).

ACCOMMODATION Room in shared staff accommodation (fully furnished and equipped, clean, comfortable) with small garden, available to rent. Centrally located less than 10 minutes walk from our office.