(Please do not apply without experience or qualifications.)

We’re getting ready for our busy season and seeking enthusiastic, and reliable Outdoor Education Instructors to join our small team!

Kaiako/Instructors play a huge role in ensuring the quality and safety of our experiences including kayaking & rafting, high ropes climbing, abseiling, hiking, bush skills, archery, and more!  We provide meaningful outdoor and social experiences, expanding the horizons of our participants.

We're looking for someone with outdoor experience and/or relevant qualifications, ideally in High Ropes. This role includes supporting junior instructors and their development and training, programme design, safety inspections, and client liaison and logistics. You should have solid experience in these areas; high ropes climbing and abseiling (be ready to show logbooks).  Additional experience with flat water kayaking and tramping would be a bonus. Flexible contracts are negotiable including seasonal, fixed term, and variable hours options (e.g. if you want to travel globally, or seasonally island hop). Competitive pay based on experience.

Preferred skills and experience

• Skilled in outdoor instruction, group facilitation, and risk management.
• Great communication and teamwork, with solid inter- and intrapersonal capabilities.
• Competence in various Adventure Activities (ideally High Ropes and Abseil).
• Experience and ability to manage emergency situations in a controlled environment.
• Extensive understanding of outdoor education and youth work principles.
• Facilitation expertise with a proven ability to engage challenging groups and deliver on outcome themes.
• Collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including schools, community and church organisations, and other providers.
• An understanding of how to incorporate and promote bi-cultural practice and uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Preferred NZIOA level 1 awards or equivalent (e.g. Level 5 High Ropes-strand Degree) with a minimum of 1 years’ experience in the outdoor industry.
• Current PHEC, Remote, or Wilderness First Aid (or the ability to acquire).

Key responsibilities

• Supervise and train a team of up to 20 instructors and visiting staff.
• Provide ongoing support for instructor development.
• Instruct students in various outdoor activities.
• Manage equipment inspection cycles, especially High Ropes.
• Maintain our Safety Management Plan with a safety-first mindset and ensure audit readiness alongside management at all times.
• Administration and logistics, with the abilities in scheduling, programme design, coordination, rostering, and facilitation along with other operational tasks.
• Assist with minor facility maintenance to uphold site presentation and environmental preservation.

How to apply

Email us for more details!

Submit your CV / Resume along with a cover letter detailing any qualifications, and experience, and your suitability for the role to which you are applying with social blurb about your everyday self (Who are you? What gets you going in the morning?). 

References and certifications (Senior Role) may be requested during the application process. 

Preferred traits for all candidates: reliable, punctual, proactive, trustworthy, a strong work ethic, safety focused and flexible.

Respond to: Manager@kokakolodge.org.nz    

Visit our website: kokakolodge.org.nz

Apprentice and University Placement options exist. 

You must be entitled to work in New Zealand. Applicants must be a NZ citizen, resident or have a current visa allowing you to work in NZ.  To accept any position, you will need police vetting clearance.