Avalanche and Snow Programmes Lead and Lecturer
Fulltime, permanent
Tēnā koutou katoa
Ko wai mātou | About us as an organisation
At Te Kura Matatini ki Otago/Otago Polytechnic, we are committed to attracting, developing and retaining kaimahi (staff) who are passionate, creative, future-focused and dedicated to help set the direction for quality vocational and applied learning to meet tomorrow’s needs.
We are guided by our values and we are proud to be Rainbow Tick certified. We aspire to create a working environment that is inclusive and meets the aspirations of mana whenua ensuring equity for Māori and increasing access for all.
Mō te tūraka mahi | About the role
This role is dual in providing academic leadership for the Avalanche and Snow programmes operating from Otago Polytechnic’s Central Campus and well as being a Lecturer.
As a Programme Lead, you work alongside the Director: Central Campus to ensure the assigned programmes meet our educational and financial performance indicators fostering academic excellence, supporting kamahi (staff) and ākonga (learners), and ensuring the success of the snow programmes. There is a heavy emphasis on fostering strong relationships with external partners and stakeholders. You will co-ordinate the teams of contractors and employees on the snow programmes providing academic lead.
As a Lecturer you will teach on the Snow Programmes developing and providing innovative blending learning opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge of our ākonga (learners) in both theory and practical settings.
Ko wai koe | About you
You will be a passionate and dedicated educator with a positive reputation in the snow community. Ideally you would have extensive experience in as many of the following sectors as possible: ski patrolling (Supervisor or above ideal), Ski (and mountain) Guide, (both human powered and mechanically assisted – heli and cat), Roading Operational Avalanche Team (e.g. Milford Alliance), Mountain Safety Council Regional Forecaster (or similar forecaster), and Avalanche Search and Rescue Team (e.g. Aoraki/Mt Cook).
Your focus on safety is paramount.
An IFMGA or NZMGA Ski Guide qualification is essential (or well down the path to completion) while an NZSIA ski instruction qualification would be an advantage.
Key skills to be successful in this role include impeccable organisation and problem solving along with computer experience in MS office products, Moodle and Teams.
The successful applicant will uphold our organisation’s commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi by continuously developing and upholding your understanding of our obligations and connection with Te Tiriti as an individual and as an organisation
Through recognition, empowerment and inclusion, you will give greater acknowledgement to the unmet needs of Māori, Pasifika and disabled people and their whanau.
You will have demonstrable health and safety best practices and enjoy being part of a team who support each other. You will easily be able to build and maintain relationships and communicate well via email, phone and face-to-face.
Tono ināianei | Apply now
For specific information please contact John Christie 0800 762 786 or john.christie@op.ac.nz
For a position description or to apply please click on the link.
Applications close 12 noon, Wednesday 29 April 2026.
Proposed interview date: Friday 1 May 2026.
Applications for this role will take you to the advertisers site.
