Our Job Vacancies
CURRENT AVAILABLE ROLES
Nau mai, haere mai ki te whānau o Whale Watch Kaikōura.
Maintenance Technician (Permanent Position)
We are now on the lookout for a third member of our Maintenance Support Services team based here in Kaikoura.
The Maintenance Technician supports the day-to-day delivery of all general and asset maintenance, servicing, general-hand and grounds keeping requirements across the company helping to ensure critical plant, equipment and assets are well maintained, compliant and fit for purpose.
This is very much a hands-on role covering general grounds keeping, rubbish runs, fault identification and remedy, vessel, vehicle and facility maintenance, organizing and overseeing contractors and service agents etc.
The role is based on a guaranteed minimum of 40-worked hours per week across a 5-day working week but subject to customer demand and/or role requirements actual worked hours could be higher.
Desirable qualifications, attributes, skills and experience:
- Experience working within the maritime sector and around vessels.
- Experience in a general maintenance hand role.
- Mechanical, building, plumbing, electrical expertise and know-how.
- Computer literacy.
- Comfortable with the integration and use of supporting technology.
- Willing to learn and develop new skills.
- Good communicator.
- A team player that possesses a strong work ethic.
- Ability to work effectively unsupervised, reliable and uses their initiative.
- Trustworthy with Integrity.
- Cultural awareness.
- Safety minded.
- Workplace first aid.
- Full class 2 license
Role Requirements:
- You must be legally permitted to work in New Zealand.
- Must be based in Kaikōura.
- Full Class 1 license
If you think you have what it takes to fulfil this exciting role then please provide a letter and CV to Kauahi Ngapora by Email: kauahi@whalewatch.co.nz or Post: PO Box 89, Kaikoura 7340 or Deliver to: The Whaleway Station, Whaleway Road, Kaikōura.
Role remains vacant until a suitable applicant is identified.
Data & AI Analyst (Full-Time, Permanent position)
An exciting opportunity has become available to join the team at Whale Watch Kaikōura as a Data & AI Analyst.
We are seeking a motivated and analytical Data and AI Analyst to join our innovative team at Whale Watch Kaikōura. This role focuses on leveraging data-driven insights and artificial intelligence to enhance operational efficiency, elevate customer experience, and support strategic business decisions.
The role is based on a guaranteed minimum of 40-worked hours per week across a 5-day working week but subject to customer demand and/or role requirements actual worked hours could be higher.
Desirable attributes, skills and experience:
- Collect, manage, and analyze large datasets related to marine, operational, environmental, and customer data.
- Develop and implement predictive AI models, including weather forecasting and whale sighting predictions.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to identify business challenges and provide AI and data-driven solutions.
- Visualize data insights clearly using dashboards and reporting tools to facilitate informed decision-making.
- Provide ongoing support, maintenance, and optimization of AI models and analytics platforms.
- Ensure data governance, integrity, and compliance with relevant privacy and regulatory standards.
- Train and support internal teams in utilizing data and AI solutions effectively.
Minimum Role Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, or related fields.
- Proven experience in data analytics, machine learning, and predictive modeling.
- Proficiency with Python, SQL, and data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau).
- Experience working with cloud platforms (e.g., Azure, AWS) for data and AI.
- Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, and communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience or interest in marine science, environmental sustainability, or tourism sectors.
- Familiarity with GIS mapping and spatial analysis.
If you think you have what it takes to fulfil this exciting role then please provide a letter and CV to Angela Cuff by Email: angela@whalewatch.co.nz - Role remains vacant until a suitable candidate is identified.
CAPTAIN (permanent position)
An exciting opportunity has become available to join the team at Whale Watch Kaikōura as a Captain.
This is a permanent role based at Kaikōura as a valued member of our Fleet & On-Water Services team. Whale Watch has recently invested in a modern fleet of 24m foil assisted catamarans incorporating some of the latest in proven technology, performance and vessel design.
As Captain you will play a critical role in the delivery of a high-quality on-water service to our customers. You will ensure the highest possible service standards are delivered and support the safe and compliant operation of our fleet and associated infrastructure.
The role is based on a guaranteed minimum of 40-worked hours per week across a 5-day working week but subject to customer demand and/or role requirements actual worked hours could be higher.
The role also maintains versatility with training and working within other areas of the company forming part of the role.
Desirable qualifications, attributes, skills and experience:
- Experience working within the tourism industry.
- Experience working within the maritime sector, ideally in command of a vessel.
- Experience with Hamilton Jet propulsion.
- Experience within a customer driven and focused environment.
- Computer literate. Tech savvy and embraces the integration of supporting technology.
- Can confidently speak to and engage with large groups of people.
- Excellent communication skills.
- A team player with a strong work ethic.
- Leads by example, and models positive leadership behaviors.
- Ability to work unsupervised, reliable and uses their initiative.
- Safety conscious.
- Trustworthy with Integrity.
- Cultural awareness.
- Workplace first aid.
- Skipper Coastal Offshore w relevant endorsements
- Full Class 2 License
Minimum Role Requirements:
- Skipper Restricted Limits with 24m, passenger endorsement
- Currently living in New Zealand.
- You must be legally permitted to work in New Zealand.
- Must be based in Kaikōura.
If you think you have what it takes to fulfil this exciting role then please provide a letter and CV to Pakihana Hawke by Email: paki@whalewatch.co.nz Post: PO Box 89, Kaikoura 7340 or Deliver to: The Whaleway Station, Whaleway Road, Kaikōura. Role remains vacant until a suitable candidate is identified.
MARINE MAMMAL RESEARCHER (volunteer position)
An exciting opportunity has become available to join the team at Whale Watch Kaikōura as a volunteer Marine Mammal Researcher.
This is a permanent role based at Kaikōura as a valued member of our Research team.
As a volunteer researcher you will play a critical role in conducting field surveys for marine mammals, primarily focussing on sperm whales and collecting photo-identification. The successful applicant will gain valuable experience in conducting marine mammal field research, identifying individuals based on fluke characteristics, and the use of databases for archiving field data.
Field work is physically and at times mentally demanding but it is a great opportunity to gain knowledge in visual cetacean surveying, to get hands-on field experience in relation to survey techniques, photo-identification, behavioural observations, and improve practical skills.
Fieldwork is weather dependent and can vary between weekdays and weekends.
Desirable attributes, skills and experience:
- Be reliable, adaptable, hardworking and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent. This means time in the office during bad weather and long consecutive days in the field when weather permits.
- Have a mature and independent attitude towards marine mammal research.
- Be able to work independently.
- Speak fluent English.
- Be sociable, enthusiastic and have a positive attitude.
- Strong interest in the marine environment and conservation.
- Comfortable working on boats.
- Experience including marine mammal data collection, including photo-identification.
- Experience working on research vessels.
Minimum Role Requirements:
- Upper-level undergraduate, recent graduates and graduate students who have a background in biology, marine biology, ecology, zoology or related fields.
- Basic proficiency in MS Office.
- Must be based in Kaikōura.
As this is a volunteer position, there is unfortunately no monetary compensation or living provisions provided. The successful candidate should arrange their own accommodation in Kaikōura, living expenses, travel costs and visa.
If you think you have what it takes to fulfil this exciting volunteer role then please provide a letter and CV to Krista van der Linde by Email: krista@whalewatch.co.nz.