Outdoor Rental Centre Lead

STUDENT SERVICES | TE RATONGA ĀKONGA UNIPOL RECREATION | TE WHARE O TE RĒHIA

The role | Te mahi

Turn your passion for the outdoors into a career. We're looking for an experienced and student-focused leader to take full ownership of the University of Otago's Outdoor Rental Centre and Trotters Gorge Hut.

From helping students plan their next adventure to leading a small team and overseeing a large outdoor equipment fleet, this is a unique opportunity to shape student experiences and encourage participation in the outdoors.

In this role, you will:

• Take full ownership of the Outdoor Rental Centre and Trotters Gorge Hut, leading their day-to-day operation and ongoing development.
• Manage equipment, bookings, procurement, inventory, and budgets.
• Lead and develop the Outdoor Rental Coordinator and a team of student employees
• Ensure high standards of customer service, safety, compliance, and risk management.
• Identify opportunities to enhance and grow the service while promoting student wellbeing, connection, and belonging.
• Provide expert advice on equipment selection, use, and safety.

Our team | Mō te tīma

Based within Unipol Recreation, the Outdoor Rental Centre helps thousands of students access outdoor adventures each year. Located in one of New Zealand's premier outdoor destinations, we provide students with access to equipment, expert gear advice, and opportunities to enjoy a wide range of outdoor experiences.

As the only university in New Zealand with an outdoor rental centre of this scale, we're proud to play an important role in the student experience.

Your skills and experience | Kā pūkeka me kā wheako

You will bring:

• Experience in outdoor recreation, equipment rental, recreation management, or a related field.
• A relevant qualification in outdoor recreation, leadership, or management.
• Proven leadership, customer service, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organisational and administrative capability, including managing competing priorities.
• A commitment to health and safety, inclusion, and student wellbeing.
• A current First Aid Certificate and full New Zealand driver's licence.

This is a rare opportunity to combine your love of the outdoors with a rewarding leadership role that makes a real difference to the student experience. This is someone’s dream job – if it’s yours, we'd love to hear from you!

Further details | Pūroko This is a permanent, full-time (37.5 hours) position based in Ōtepoti, Dunedin. You'll generally work within the Centre's operating hours of 9am–7pm, Monday to Friday, with some weekend work required during peak and busy periods.

The appointment range for this role is $69.931 to $74,609. Top of range it $80,285.

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this role.

For further information, please contact Liz Campbell, via the contact details below.

Application | Tono

To submit your application (including CV and cover letter), please click the apply button below. Applications quoting reference number 2601513 will close on Sunday, 22 November 2026.

Applications may be reviewed as they are received, and candidates may be asked to interview immediately. The University reserves the right to close this vacancy at any time.

Additional Information

Contact: Liz Campbell

Position details: Job Description

Further Information: Department Website

Create an email with a link to this vacancy: Create email

Location: About Dunedin

Job Details

Primary Location: NZL-SI-Dunedin

Employment Status: Permanent

Salary Level and Range: Level 5 (Range of Appointments $69,931 to $74,609, Top of Range $80,285)

Organisation: Recreation Services

Job Function: Advice, Support and Welfare