Employment
Employment - 2011 Season
Broken River is no longer accepting applications for employment during the 2011 winter season, which runs from late June to early October, subject to snow conditions and bookings.
The Broken River winter team is a small and committed group of highly qualified individuals, working together with a Club full of members who are passionate about Broken River and the great opportunities and atmosphere it offers.
A full description of Broken River's facilities and what it offers to skiers and snowboarders can be found on this website.
The essential attributes of any applicant will be:
- the ability to work as part of a team
- be self motivated and hard working
- ready to meet any challenge the mountain environment can throw at you
- as a representative of the Club at all times, a willingness to ensure that Broken River's members and visitors enjoy the best possible experience is essential
- flexibility to work with other staff members and in their roles if required
A general description of staff positions is provided below. These are subject to change, and to accommodate the different skills the team we employ must possess, flexibility is a pre- requisite for all applicants.
Broken River pays competitive rates and accommodation is provided. However, more than this, working at Broken River provides a lifestyle, experiences and the opportunity to make friends you will never forget in a stunning mountain environment, with challenging and exciting on and off piste skiing and backcountry opportunities.
If this sounds like you, and you are able to commit to working at Broken River for the full season (including a pre-season induction/training period in late June), contact us at the addresses at the bottom of this page. All applicants will need to be available for an interview, and references must be supplied with all applications.
Staff Positions
Mountain Manager
The Mountain Manager has overall "on mountain" responsibility for the operations of Broken River. He or she will have proven ability and significant experience in ski area management, risk management, personnel management, and will work closely with Broken River Ski Club management.
This position is filled for 2011.
Snow Safety / Field Operations / Ski Patrol (two positions)
For these positions you will have professional ski patrol/snow safety qualifications and professional experience (4 years + preferred). Medical certifications should include PHEC (EMT). Avalanche safety qualifications should include Stage 2 NZ (Level 2 CAA or US level 3), professional membership to an avalanche safety organization (MSC, CAA, AAA), and a current snow blasting certificate. Additional avalanche forecasting credentials are desirable (winter weather forecasting, backcountry forecasting, avo education, etc.). For field operations, you will be capable of operating Broken River's lifts (electrically-driven "nut-cracker" style rope tows) and capable of general maintenance of the tows and on field lodges.
These positions are filled for 2011.
Instructor
Broken River is renowned for the quality of its ski instruction which is second to none, and a vital element of the Broken River experience. You will possess an international ski instruction qualification (e.g. NZSIA Level 2, CSIA Level 3, PSIA 3, or above). You will be responsible for organising group and individual lessons for resident guests and day visitors together with weekend instruction and clinics, as required. Snowboarding and/or telemarking instruction skills would be a bonus.
This position is filled for 2011.
Ticket Office / Booking Officer
In this role, you will be responsible for sales in the ticket office, cash handling and daily reconciliations, the operation of the on field canteen in Palmer Lodge, and liaison with the Club Treasurer. You will be capable of operating the Club's MYOB accounting system and software, and in charge of taking bookings for ski packages and dealing with information requests from visitors, guests and the public. You will, along with others, have responsibility for the running of the Tyndall Tramway.
This is a key position, requiring excellent administrative and public relations skills, and the ability to work under pressure.
This position is filled for 2011.
Chef
An experienced chef is required to run the Club's on field accommodation. You will be responsible for organising and ordering all necessary supplies as well as organising breakfast and dinners for up to 60 guests.
You will have formal qualifications as a caterer or chef, and/or evidence of substantial experience in a similar position.
This position is filled for 2011.
Huts / Accommodation Assistant
You will assist the ticket/booking officer and chef, (see descriptions above for skills required). Your duties will include cleaning of huts and assisting in the organisation of food supply, preparation of meals and other duties, as required. You may also be required to assist in the on field canteen in Palmer Lodge during the day. This position will cover for the chef and the ticket office/bookings officer on their days off.
This position is filled for 2011.
Roads & Machinery / Field Maintenance
This is a permanent, part time position, 4 days a week (Thursdays through Sundays). You will be responsible for road maintenance including clearance after snow falls using the Club's heavy machinery (grader/bulldozer); food supply and rubbish removal (to and from Rangiora), and general maintenance on and off field (including the Tyndall Tramway, tows, and the Club groomer). Some groomer work may be required. A heavy trade licence is essential.
This position is filled for 2011.
Other Information
STAFF ACCOMMODATION
All staff are accommodated in the Custodian's Hut, a cosy, comfortable, and rustic hut situated above the accommodation lodges above bushline. There is a modest charge for this, inclusive of food. Staff members are expected to eat with lodge guests and help with evening lodge duties.
REMUNERATION
For most people, working at a ski area is a lifestyle experience where the amount you earn is of less importance. That said, Broken River offers competitive pay rates, commensurate with the qualifications, experience and responsibility required of the position. We require our staff to commit to work the full season, and we expect flexibility from all our staff to ensure that the demands of a mountain environment are met. The time required to ensure that the work is done will vary depending on weather, snow conditions and demand. At busy times, staff can expect to work up to 6 days per week and if necessary cover for other staff when required.
APPLYING FOR A POSITION
If you are interested in applying for any of the above positions, please send a covering letter or email together with a current curriculum vitae, and details of any relevant qualifications held to the addresses below. An interview in Christchurch will usually be required.
If you are an overseas applicant, we can assist in obtaining work visas for some positions (particularly the instructor positions). Working visa applications must be obtained before you come to New Zealand - they may not be obtained once you have arrived in New Zealand. For further details, please refer to the New Zealand Immigration Service website www.immigration.govt.nz.
VOLUNTEERS
We have some positions for volunteers who are willing to assist on an unpaid basis in the base area, accommodation lodges, and on field in return for board lodging and skiing.
If you would like to apply for a position contact:
The Personnel Officer
Broken River Ski Club
PO Box 2718
Christchurch
or email us at employment@brokenriver.co.nz
