Skipper - Invercargill

Carry out regular boat checks and basic maintenance.

Aihe Wildlife Cruises & Water Taxi is fully owned by Ruggedy Range, providing an essential water taxi service for its guided tours and for independent customers, along with wildlife, scenic and historic cruises.

Aihe is a 7.6 m StabiCraft with a 250 hp outboard motor. Licensed to carry 12 passengers and 2 crew.

LOCATION OF WORK

Occasional trips may take place to Bluff for maintenance work.

The Island is a wonderful place for anyone who thrives in a semi-remote location, enjoys nature and the outdoors.

ABOUT RUGGEDY RANGE

Ruggedy Range Wilderness Experience is a small owner / operated nature tourism business, operating entirely in Stewart Island since 2000. Our customers are New Zealanders and internationals from over 40 countries.

Nature, wildlife and the environment are our key focus. The business actively seeks to develop a positive team, with hardworking, professional, supportive, caring, reliable and competent staff, so that our customers are able to undertake our tours and, get the best possible attention and service we can offer.

• Command the vessel and crew and carry out all onboard duties.
• Operate the vessel safely and efficiently.
• Carry out all other duties safely and to the specifications and standards required by the business.
• Carry out basic maintenance.
• Provide our customers with a reliable, timely, safe and comfortable experience, enhanced with quality information on the area, wildlife and history.
• IN ORDER TO CARRY OUT YOUR WORK YOU WILL NEED TO:
• Row a dinghy to / from the mooring
• Lift gear
• Work in varying weather conditions
• Decant, transport fuel for our vessel.
• Assist as required with health and safety and Maritime Operator Safety System
• Carry out regular safety drills and train crew / guides on board
• Carry out any other reasonable task to support the business.

To succeed in this job you must be able carry out all the above duties satisfactorily and have the following:?

• Leadership skills.
• Good written and spoken English are essential.
• Ability to communicate effectively and clearly with radio bases, customers and other staff.
• Good customer relationship skills.
• Ability to supervise staff.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Good record-keeping.
• Versatile and adaptive.
• Ability to work accurately and at speed under often-difficult conditions.
• Education and / or Experience
• A valid Maritime New Zealand Qualification at least an SRL (or MNZ approved overseas qualification).
• Competent and experienced in operating an outboard motor boat in changeable weather and able to demonstrate good boat handling and safety skills. Where possible we prefer you to have at least two years commercial experience in New Zealand waters.
• Experienced in operating an outboard motor vessel
• Mechanical knowledge and ability to carry out basic repair / maintenance work.
• Knowledge of safe working procedures
• Current first aid (valid for minimum 12 months at start of employment).
• NZ Drivers Licence is desirable.
• Work experience with the general public and / or experience in the tourism industry.

Physical demands

You will be expected to have good standard of health and fitness to enable you to carry out all of the duties above. We prefer non-smokers.

HOURS OF WORK

Five days a week, minimum 40 hours with the majority of the work carried out from 7.00 am to 6.30 pm. During the off-season (June, July, August) work is part-time and staff are encouraged to take annual leave during this period.

Daily work is not routine, nor are the daily work hours, but is varied, based on customer demand. Tours may not all be pre-booked and last minute bookings are common. It is essential that you are flexible and supportive when work needs to be carried out as customer booking patterns vary.

You must be an NZ resident or have have the eligibility to work in NZ to apply for this role.