Job Opportunities in New Zealand

Looking for Dolphin Tour Guides for the summer ahead who can share their passion for the marine environment with our customers along the stunning coastline of Kaikōura, New Zealand!

About you: Someone who would love their “office” to be the Pacific Ocean! A team orientated natural communicator, with great energy and a commitment to keeping our tours safe and sound, whilst ensuring our customers have the time of their lives!

About us: Kaikōura is one of the best places in the world to encounter wild dolphins in their natural environment. Operating ethically and sustainably for over 35 years; we have had the privilege of introducing people from all over the world to bucket list experiences with wild dusky dolphins in our incredible blue backyard!

The role:

• Safety First: Working with our skippers to manage risk and ensure the highest safety standards for swimmers and spectators.
• Guest Experience: Facilitating unforgettable experiences for each of our diverse customers; creating memories to last a lifetime.
• Teamwork: Collaborating with our passionate and dedicated team, to make each tour a success.

What we are looking for:

• Sea savvy: ideally you have some solid experience at sea and on boats. You don’t get motion sick and are comfortable on the water. If you’ve worked with a similar tour operator before, that’s a big plus!
• Marine enthusiast: keen to share your passion with others. A background in marine science and/or experience working with marine mammals. Experience in guiding, interpretation, and/or education would also be fantastic.
• Safety smart: well-versed in risk management and safety protocols. Numerate and calm under pressure.
• Customer service star: you have a knack for tailoring experiences to make people smile.
• Positive vibes: upbeat energy and a strong work ethic are your trademarks.
• Team spirit: you work well with others and can manage any situation with ease and professionalism.
• All-rounder: a self starter, willing to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in to any task either on land or at sea, with a keen eye for detail.
• Ready to go: physically fit; having the stamina to handle long days with a good attitude.

Schedule details:
We have a few positions available for the 24/25 season

• Fixed Term Contract: Approximately 18 months, from Sept/Oct 2024 through to May 2026.
• Seasonal Contract: 7 months minimum, from Sept/Oct/Nov 2024 until May/June 2025, subject to business demand.

Please note: A minimum of 7 months is required for all crew roles, and we do not offer shorter-term contracts for guiding positions.

Our business operates 364 days per year, 7 days a week. All roles require weekend and public holiday work. Shifts range from 5.00am to 6.00pm, with some extended days of up to 12 hours. Flexibility is key, as shifts will vary and change in response to weather and business need.

Applicant requirements:

• must be able to legally work in New Zealand, we will not consider applicants who are not visa ready.
• must be fully fluent in English. Other languages are also handy!
• must be available for the full season, with no extended absence planned during it.
• will have most of what we are looking for or equivalent on their CV
• having industry specific qualifications and/or licences is ideal, but not essential.
having a class 2 licence and/or a P endorsement would be a great bonus!

Why Join Us?

• Stunning work environment: work in marine hotspot with breathtaking landscapes and incredible wildlife encounters.
• Great team: work with a likeminded, friendly crew who love what they do!
• Be part of a world class experience: delighting customers from all over the world.
• Benefits: full induction and training with ongoing support for your development. Staff discounts across the wider business and the opportunity to swim with dolphins on your days off!
• Lifestyle: enjoy the village community and outdoor lifestyle of Kaikōura.

If you’re excited about this opportunity and meet all of the applicant requirements we would love to hear from you!
Please complete our application form below, attaching your CV and a cover letter explaining why you are the perfect fit for this role.

***We respectfully request no agencies please***