- Are you passionate about conservation?
- Do you thrive outdoors and enjoy meeting people from all walks of life?
- Are you ready to help create unforgettable backcountry experiences? If so, this could be your next adventure.
- Salary range $62,192–$67,446 (pro-rata) depending on skills and experience
- 3.5 year Fixed term, working Monday to Monday eight days on, six days off (64 hours per fortnight)
- Based in Thames, accommodation is provided for the duration of the shift
Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa
Mō te tūranga | About the role
We have an exciting opportunity for a practical, motivated and people-focused Hut Warden to join our hard-working Hauraki team in a fixed term role based at the iconic Pinnacles Hut in the Kauaeranga Valley.
Working 64 hours per fortnight (Monday–Monday) occasionally additional days may be offered depending on operational needs. You’ll live and work onsite, carrying out planned facilities, track and heritage maintenance while delivering excellent customer service to both overnight guests and day visitors. Reporting to the Visitor Centre Supervisor and supervised by the team at the Kauaeranga Visitor Centre, you’ll be one of two Hut Wardens.
This role involves remote living and may suit someone comfortable with solitude and a quiet, outdoors-focused lifestyle. The track receives a high number of visitors, so strong customer service skills are essential.
You must walk in and out each work week (approximately three hours each way), carrying your own food and personal gear. The successful applicant must be prepared to live onsite at the Pinnacles Hut for eight consecutive days out of every fortnight. A Warden’s Hut is provided for this purpose.
The position will be focussed on:
- Maintaining backcountry sites, tracks and heritage areas
- Ensuring hut facilities and amenities are clean, safe and welcoming
- Helping visitors with information, guidance and support
- Overseeing hut bookings and visitor movements
- Identifying and managing visitor safety risks
Click here for the Role Description
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
We are looking for a responsible and reliable team player, who is not afraid of hard work, with the following skills:
- Knowledge and/or experience in field delivery work
- Experience and/or qualifications in working with generators, water pumps and other field-based equipment
- A current First Aid certificate
- Good basic knowledge of conservation
- Experience in carpentry and facilities maintenance would be an advantage
- Experience in customer service would be an advantage
- Reliability, initiative, and a positive attitude with visitors.
- Have a practical background, ‘can do’ attitude, and good physical fitness,
- Have the confidence and resourcefulness to cope with a variety of situations
- Practical problem-solving abilities.
- Experience or confidence working alone in a remote environment.
- Ability to live simply and independently during your rostered days.
- A valid full New Zealand driver's licence
He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | What’s in it for you?
DOC is committed to a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We’re driven by our values and behaviours, and are working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive by default.
Want to know more?
Tonoa inaiānei | Apply now
Apply online with your CV and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation. We’re unable to accept emailed applications or provide feedback to applicants not shortlisted.
If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, let us know and we’ll try to accommodate.
Salary: $62,192–$67,446 (pro-rata) depending on skills and experience.
Eligibility: You must hold a valid NZ work visa that covers the duration of employment.
Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Wednesday 7 October 2026
Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Hugh Gordon, Principal Ranger Heritage and Visitor at hgordon@doc.govt.nz
