Here at Porters Alpine Resort we are looking to make our 2022 Winter season the best yet!
To do this we need to hear from you. At Porters, our guests are at the centre of everything we do. They expect the very best when it comes to safety, snow conditions and customer service.
We employ around eighty Team Members during the winter season, which runs from late June to the beginning of October. We also have part-time positions for the July school holidays and weekends.
You will be part of a close, hardworking Team here at Porters and although the work can be challenging on occasions, you will have plenty of time to learn or improve your ski and/or snowboarding skills as well as joining us in some great social events.
If you feel you not only have the appropriate skills required but, more importantly, the right attitude to give our guests the best experience and create some lasting memories for them and for you, then please read through all the information and list of available roles below then submit an online application. If your application is successful we will be in touch with you to arrange an interview time.
Positions available
Food & Beverage Team
Lodge positions
Mountain positions
We are on the lookout for an experienced ski patroller looking to step into a management role. We have built a strong team this year, and the transition into this role will be supported by the current manager and leadership team.
General Description
The role of the ski patroller is to ensure the well-being of guests and staff on the mountain at Porters and offer friendly assistance to those in need. This means showing commitment to hazard management and accident response by performing a broad range of specialised and general duties. The patrol manager shall motivate and lead the patrol team to ensure a safe and friendly mountain safety service for all guests and staff.
Key Responsibilities
- Hazard management at the ski area in accordance with Porters safety management manuals & systems
- Adhere to all policies and procedures outlined in the safety management plan, staff handbook, and patrol handbook
- Demonstrate a high level of skiing, including the ability to handle all terrain and conditions, as well as transport of patients in a toboggan
- Safety assessment of lifts, lift tracks & ski runs, and proactive management in preventing accidents
- Maintenance of signs, fences, barriers, and closures
- Assist with evacuate of lifts in the event of a breakdown
- Perform any duties (within your level of training and experience) as requested by the operations manager to enhance the performance of the department.
- Conduct avalanche control and snow safety operations as directed by the Snow Safety Officer
- Gather and record weather, snowpack, and avalanche observations
- Initiate a rescue response to avalanche incidents
- Participate in snow user education and public relations with all ski field staff and guests
- Respond to accidents and provide first aid and evacuation to the level of your training
- Maintain a professional appearance with adherence to wearing uniform and safety equipment supplied by Porters
- Participate in an on-going training program to maintain currency and upskill
- Lead the patrol team in morning setup and general operations
- Hold a leadership position in responding to mountain emergencies
- Organise and conduct staff training
Personal Attributes
- Excellent public relations skills with the ability to communicate to the guests in a calm, friendly and professional manner
- The ability to work as part of a team, to show consideration, trust and understanding of fellow patrollers
- Strong communication skills with the ability to relate data and information to other guests, patrollers, and management
- Physically and mentally fit and resilient to work long hours outside in all weather conditions
- Be able to anticipate dangerous situations and respond in an appropriate manner
- Exhibit self-motivation with a desire to learn new skills and a commitment to improving the patrol
- Flexible approach to work schedules and customer needs
- Open to contribute to a strong and positive patrol culture at Porters
- Maintain open and honest communication between all staff members.
- Build and maintain effective working relationships with all staff and the skiing public.
- Respond in a positive manner to feedback from the management team.
- Maintain an approachable and cooperative persona.
Health & Safety
- The position of patrol manager includes the role of Health and Safety Officer at Porters. This is an important role and needs to be treated as such.
- Help establish and maintain a positive health and safety culture within all departments.
- Be familiar with relevant/current HSE legislation.
- Ensure all staff/department heads know how the HSE systems (hazard register) work and how they are used
- Facilitate timely meetings with the management team to track the progress of any HSE issues.
- Ensure all accidents/incidents are reported and recorded on the NID.
- Demonstrate awareness of the ‘Health and Safety in the Workplace Act 2015’ .
- Actively promotes a culture of safety within the workplace
- Seeks to constantly assess and improve any procedures or activities in the work environment especially relating to the patrol operation
Minimum Qualifications and Experience
- New Zealand Certificate in Avalanche Risk Management – Level 5 (Or equivalent)
- Prehospital Emergency Care Certificate (or equivalent).
- Ski Patrol Course (e.g., TPP) or period of in-house/volunteer/trail safety experience
- 3+ years experience in a patrol role
- Approved handler’s test certificate & CSL license (hand/case charging & heli bombing)
- New Zealand Certificate in Avalanche Risk Management – Level 6
- Heights Safety / Rope Access (IRATA)
- Formal medical or rescue training
The main function of this role is to teach and improve ski and/or snowboard skills to students and guests. You will become part of a team dedicated to creating the best possible environment for taking and teaching a ski and/or snowboard lesson. Ski/Snowboard instructor will act as a professional representative of Porter Alpine Resort both on and off the job.
Minimum qualifications and experience:
- Level 2 NZSIA certification (or equivalent) OR
- Level 1 Ski and Level 1 Snowboard
- Previous instructor experience
- Must demonstrate excellent communication and “people” skills
Getting our Guests and our Team safely up and down the mountain is crucial for our operations. You will be the first person many of our Guests come into contact with so a great attitude and a fantastic personality is essential. You must have NZ Class 2 Licence with P Endorsement and need to have experience in driving small buses. Daily duties will include transporting Porters staff from Springfield to the mountain, shuttling our customers when business levels require, supporting other departments or taking time off to go skiing!
This role covers all areas linked to assist guests with parking and ensuring they find their way around our mountain. You will also find yourself working with and learning a number of the other operations on the mountain so this is a great role for someone who wants variety in other departments. At times the carpark can be a busy place as everyone arrives in the morning, having an attention to detail and an ability to work under pressure at times is required.
Our Guest Service and Ticket office Team are the face of Porters. To apply for this position you must have exceptional Guest service skills and be familiar with computer/ticketing/EFTPOS systems, cash handling, daily reconciliations, dealing with Guest requests, sense of humour and patience for those busy times.
The main function of this role is to manage all daily operations of the rental shop, ensuring employee rosters, schools, rental inventory, repairs, and returns are handled efficiently and appropriately.
Minimum qualification and experience:
- Previous Ski/SB tune and repair experience
- New Zealand Certificate in Snowsport Equipment (or equivalent)
- Friendly, personable, and comfortable working with people
- Disciplined, responsible, and accountable.
The main function of this role is proper selection, fit and adjustment of the customer’s skis or snowboards, boots, bindings and poles according to their height, weight, and skiing ability.
Minimum qualification and experience:
- No previous experience in ski industry needed, training provided
- Friendly, personable, and comfortable working with people
- Strong customer service skills
- English fluency
- Passion for ski industry (preferred)
Duties include the operation and basic maintenance of snow groomers. It is essential that applicants possess a minimum of 3 winter seasons experience in the operation of winch snow groomers, grooming downhill ski slopes and terrain parks, a working knowledge of heavy machinery and a strong mechanical aptitude, a can-do attitude and not afraid of hard work to achieve the task at hand. Applicants require a NZ drivers licence and tracks endorsement or overseas equivalent.
Applicants should be a competent skier/boarder, enjoy working with the public and have a tidy appearance. Working on our Lift crew you will make great friends and get to spend heaps of time out on the snow. We will rely on you to get our guest safely up the mountain every time.
We are looking for PART TIME Team Members in: lift operations, car park attendants, ticket office, ski hire, cafe and qualified instructors for half-day and full-day work, particularly on weekends and during the July school holidays. We also look for shuttle drivers with NZ Class 2 and P-Licence for weekends.
A Note About All Positions
At Porters, we work together as a unified team across all departments. As rates of busyness fluctuate from department to department, on any one day you could be asked by management to work outside of your given job description, so a flexible attitude to helping your fellow team members where possible is essential to every position. Management will not abuse this by requesting your assistance outside of your physical ability or your job training level.
Who are we looking for when we employ team?
We are really looking for a Team that is dedicated to giving a Great Guest Experience. You must be prepared to work with a small hard working Team. You need to have a great attitude, be energetic and positive, be able to work under pressure, love the outdoors and its challenging environment. We will do our best to ensure your time with us leaves you with some great memories and some new skills.
It is difficult to be exact about the full season dates due to the nature of the great NZ weather but we are anticipating our 2022 season will run from 1st July to early October. Of course we will confirm this as soon as possible.
How do I apply for a Position?
We only accept applications by our online application form (link below).
Please include a cover letter (within the same file) with your current curriculum vitae. Additionally, please state if you want a full-time or part-time position, part-time means weekend and holidays only. For the Ski & Snowboard School, please include with your CV a copy of relevant qualifications, plus a photograph.
Also please remember to tell us if you have any managerial or supervisory experience.
All applicants need to send a recent passport-type photograph plus a copy of your work visa (where applicable).
We are only able to help fully qualified instructors, patrollers and groomer operators to obtain a work permit. Please note that the position of ‘Instructors’ and ‘Ski Technician’ is on our Immediate Skill Shortage List, so you can apply for a visa directly through your nearest NZ Embassy.
All others positions need to obtain a working holiday visa before we can consider the application (does not apply to NZ or Australian residents).
Further Employment Details
Working Holiday Visas
Citizens of the following countries can apply for a 12-month working holiday visa:
UK; Japan; Canada; Ireland; Netherlands; France; Germany; Italy; Sweden; Chile; Japan; Malaysia; Korea; Singapore; Hong Kong; Czech Republic, Argentina; Belgium; Denmark; Finland; Malta; Taiwan; USA; Uruguay.
The visas can be applied for through the New Zealand Embassy of your country. Note that the visa must be applied for in your home country – working holiday visas are not issued once you are in New Zealand.
For further information on visas for New Zealand please refer to the New Zealand Immigration Service website www.immigration.govt.nz.
Pay Rates
Pay rates start from $21.20 per hour but of course this varies depending on position and experience. Hours of work and length of employment can vary with weather and snow conditions. We only employ people who can make a commitment for the entire season. During the peak season most full-time employees can expect to work 5-6 days per week and 35-40 hours.
Accommodation
We can assist Team with finding accommodation in the Springfield area, though all employees are responsible for finding their own accommodation for the season unless otherwise specified by Porters Team. Transport from Springfield to and from the ski area is provided.
Your Application
Due to the large number of applications, we are only able to reply to applicants who are suitable and we have vacancies for.