Verified Job
Recruiter / HR / Admin
Nature Guide Manager
Recruiter / HR / Admin
#801129
Remote / WFH
Real Journeys
Job Description
At RealNZ, we create extraordinary experiences in some of Aotearoa's most iconic environments. We're now looking for an experienced Nature Guide Manager to lead the delivery of our world-renowned Te Anau Glowworm Caves experience, ensuring exceptional guest experiences, operational excellence, and a high-performing team.
About the role
This is a pivotal leadership role where you'll oversee the day-to-day operation of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves experience while leading and developing a team of passionate Nature Guides.
Working closely with the Experience Manager – Caves & Guiding Project Lead, you'll ensure the seamless delivery of daily operations, maintain exceptional safety and service standards, and drive continuous improvement across the experience. You'll play a key role in shaping both the guest journey and the development of your team, helping to create unforgettable moments for visitors from around the world.
What you'll be doing
Lead and develop the Nature Guide team, creating a positive, engaged, and high-performing culture
Manage recruitment, onboarding, training, competency sign-offs, and ongoing staff development
Coordinate daily staffing, deployment, and operational resources to ensure exceptional guest experiences
Oversee the day-to-day delivery of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves experience, ensuring safe and efficient operations
Drive continuous improvement initiatives, product enhancements, and service excellence
Ensure Health & Safety systems, emergency procedures, and compliance requirements are maintained and continuously improved
Manage operational supplies, equipment, maintenance requirements, and site presentation standards
Support financial performance through effective rostering, expenditure management, and operational reporting
Collaborate with internal stakeholders to enhance product delivery and achieve operational goals
What you'll bring
Proven experience leading teams within tourism, guiding, hospitality, or visitor experience environments
Strong people leadership skills with experience coaching, developing, and motivating teams
Experience managing operational delivery, workforce planning, and staff deployment
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
A strong understanding of interpretation and creating engaging, meaningful guest experiences
At least three years' experience in nature guiding or a similar operational tourism environment
Strong organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to adapt in dynamic environments
Experience in recruitment, performance management, budgeting, or operational reporting would be advantageous
What's in it for you?
Be part of a business that cares deeply about people, place, and the environment
Enjoy some incredible staff perks! Bring a friend along to experience RealNZ's unforgettable adventures at a fantastic discount, explore the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, cruise Milford & Doubtful Sound, dine at Walter Peak, and discover Rakiura
FREE Cardrona/Treble Cone season pass
Medical insurance cover included
Interim accommodation may be available for the right applicant
Opportunities for leadership development and career growth
Real people, real places, real experiences. Welcome to Real.
When's the best time to join the Real whānau? Now's good.
We're the conservation business that's enabled by tourism. We're helping the world fall in love with conservation, one guest at a time. We inspire people to leave places better than they found them, delivering a guest-centric approach that creates Aotearoa's most unforgettable experiences.
It's our unique environment that makes careers at RealNZ truly special. From secluded islands to scenic fiords and snow-capped maunga, no two days are the same. Our people, places, and work are diverse, dynamic, and full of purpose.
At RealNZ, we're committed to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Guided by our values of Pono (Keep it real) and He waka eke noa (We're all in this together), we celebrate the perspectives and experiences that make our team stronger. Everyone is welcome here.
How to apply
Click Apply to be taken to our careers page.
Job Details
Company
RealNZ
Reference #
43271
Posted on
24 Jul 2026
Closes on
28 Aug 2026 17:00
Location(s)
Te Anau
Expertise
Nature Guides - Glowworm Caves
Job level(s)
Experienced, Management
Work type(s)
Permanent - Full Time
Show less
About the role
This is a pivotal leadership role where you'll oversee the day-to-day operation of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves experience while leading and developing a team of passionate Nature Guides.
Working closely with the Experience Manager – Caves & Guiding Project Lead, you'll ensure the seamless delivery of daily operations, maintain exceptional safety and service standards, and drive continuous improvement across the experience. You'll play a key role in shaping both the guest journey and the development of your team, helping to create unforgettable moments for visitors from around the world.
What you'll be doing
Lead and develop the Nature Guide team, creating a positive, engaged, and high-performing culture
Manage recruitment, onboarding, training, competency sign-offs, and ongoing staff development
Coordinate daily staffing, deployment, and operational resources to ensure exceptional guest experiences
Oversee the day-to-day delivery of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves experience, ensuring safe and efficient operations
Drive continuous improvement initiatives, product enhancements, and service excellence
Ensure Health & Safety systems, emergency procedures, and compliance requirements are maintained and continuously improved
Manage operational supplies, equipment, maintenance requirements, and site presentation standards
Support financial performance through effective rostering, expenditure management, and operational reporting
Collaborate with internal stakeholders to enhance product delivery and achieve operational goals
What you'll bring
Proven experience leading teams within tourism, guiding, hospitality, or visitor experience environments
Strong people leadership skills with experience coaching, developing, and motivating teams
Experience managing operational delivery, workforce planning, and staff deployment
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
A strong understanding of interpretation and creating engaging, meaningful guest experiences
At least three years' experience in nature guiding or a similar operational tourism environment
Strong organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to adapt in dynamic environments
Experience in recruitment, performance management, budgeting, or operational reporting would be advantageous
What's in it for you?
Be part of a business that cares deeply about people, place, and the environment
Enjoy some incredible staff perks! Bring a friend along to experience RealNZ's unforgettable adventures at a fantastic discount, explore the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, cruise Milford & Doubtful Sound, dine at Walter Peak, and discover Rakiura
FREE Cardrona/Treble Cone season pass
Medical insurance cover included
Interim accommodation may be available for the right applicant
Opportunities for leadership development and career growth
Real people, real places, real experiences. Welcome to Real.
When's the best time to join the Real whānau? Now's good.
We're the conservation business that's enabled by tourism. We're helping the world fall in love with conservation, one guest at a time. We inspire people to leave places better than they found them, delivering a guest-centric approach that creates Aotearoa's most unforgettable experiences.
It's our unique environment that makes careers at RealNZ truly special. From secluded islands to scenic fiords and snow-capped maunga, no two days are the same. Our people, places, and work are diverse, dynamic, and full of purpose.
At RealNZ, we're committed to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Guided by our values of Pono (Keep it real) and He waka eke noa (We're all in this together), we celebrate the perspectives and experiences that make our team stronger. Everyone is welcome here.
How to apply
Click Apply to be taken to our careers page.
Job Details
Company
RealNZ
Reference #
43271
Posted on
24 Jul 2026
Closes on
28 Aug 2026 17:00
Location(s)
Te Anau
Expertise
Nature Guides - Glowworm Caves
Job level(s)
Experienced, Management
Work type(s)
Permanent - Full Time
Show less
