River Valley Employment Opportunities

From time to time, we have full time vacancies in a number of positions. These include, Guides, Chefs and Bar and Lodge Staff. If you are interested in working at River Valley, are honest, suitably qualified, friendly and self motivated, send us your CV to put on file.

So what type of person are we after?

Well first of all we are not after just anyone!

We are especially looking for people who want to make River Valley a career choice.

People who can grasp the River Valley vision of Great Staff delivering Great Experiences. People who are excited by the possibility that Hospitality is all about how you make your guests feel! People who passionately believe that shaking peoples’ hands, smiling, and looking them in the eye is a genuine means of welcoming them.

Because of the nature of our business, we all learn to do a bit of most things. Sometimes this can be a challenge, but most of the time it’s a delight to have a bit of diversity in the job. If you think you are the right fit for the job, but are worried about your skill base at some of the roles, then don’t. Training will be given on the job, so don’t be afraid to apply.

To do the above requires giving of yourself! It requires you to be genuine and honest. It does not require you to be special. If this type of experience in your workplace excites you, then please contact us.

Looking for a new exciting opportunity? We are stoked to be growing our team this coming summer.

Second Chef

Currently this position is available

Farm To Table Salad

Posted on – 23rd August 2023

Second Chef

 We have an opening for a Creative Chef, Chef in Training, or a Passionate Cook 

River Valley majors in Farm-To-Table style meals. We are looking for someone who enjoys being able to pick fresh produce from the lodge gardens, and turn it into tasty, New Zealand food. Our meals are a celebration of seasonal produce, sourced primarily from our gardens. We do not publish a menu, because we do not have one! Rather our chefs are encouraged to work together with the team to create and prepare enjoyable meals with whatever produce is freshly and carefully harvested that day. 

Genuine hospitality and service underpin our relationships with not only guests, but also staff, our local community and our environment. 

The work will be varied – from cooking exciting and nourishing dinners, to cafe style fare, to catering for events and weddings and also helping out off-site on our multi-day horse treks. Time will also be spent preserving excess produce from our 2 gardens, entertaining guests and helping our staff in other areas of the business. This is not a typical chef role . 

We believe in serving food that is ethical, local and environmentally sustainable. Our food comes from local and organic sources, and our on-site vegetable gardens. The vegetable gardens, and buying local free-range foods, are an expression of our core beliefs about the holistic nature of what River Valley does and how we operate. It is a natural fit for a company that firmly believes in protecting the environment. 

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to work in a family business that is looking to the future. 

Check out the website to see what experiences we create for our guests www.rivervalley.co.nz 

– This is a seasonal position for the Summer of 2023/24 
– Accommodation is available onsite 
– Newly renovated kitchen 
– Training available on the job 

To apply, please email Miranda Aylward – miranda@rivervalley.co.nz with a CV and covering letter. 

Applications close Thursday August 31st 2023 

Lodge All Rounder

Currently this position is available

Posted on – 28th July 2023

All Rounder

Come and join our awesome Family Team!

We are looking for an all-rounder hospitality professional to join our team.

Competency in Reception is a must, but as the role is dynamic someone who also has experience in Housekeeping, Bar and Cafe Style work is a huge advantage.

This person must be a warm customer-centric individual to cater to our Kiwi and International Guests needs.

Our Lodge is unique in more than one way, but mostly because of its location and people. It is off the beaten path, so the successful candidate should be willing to live and work at this dream destination. The closest town being Taihape, 30km’s away. We would love to welcome someone who will thrive in this beautiful destination and loves the great outdoors.

Pre-Requisites: Driver’s License, Reception Experience, Cafe and Bar Experience, Strong knowledge of Excel and Word

Wish List: Any skill that would benefit the offerings of River Valley would be a real advance.  Multiple Languages, 1st Aid Trained, Barista Trained.

For more details, or to apply,  check out www.rivervalley.co.nz or contact Janey: janey@rivervalley.co.nz or 06 3881444

Senior Grade 4/5 River Guide

Currently this position is available

Posted on – 14th August 2023

Grade 4/5 River Guide

River Valley has a rare opportunity for a Grade 4/5 River Guide (or skilled Grade 3 Guide that is ready to be assessed as a 4/5 Guide) to join our Family Team.

What you need to know about this Job:

  • You will not only be guiding on the Grade 4/5 section of the Rangitikei, but also guiding our Family Scenic Trips, Inflatable Kayak Trips and Multi Day Expeditions on the Rangitikei and Ngaruroro Rivers. There may also be the opportunity to be trained in our own Wooden Dory’s used for the Whanganui River Trips.
  • We will be looking for someone with high levels of technical experience, but also self -motivated and fun.
  • Due to the offerings of River Valley, you will also be trained to work with the Lodge Crew Staff.
  • Staff accommodation will be available.

Qualifications Needed:

  • NZ Grade 3 Guide Award (who is ready to be assessed to Grade 4/5) or Higher, or Equivalent
  • Current 1st Aid
  • Current River Rescue Qualification
  • Pre-Season Drug Test

Hours of Work and Renumeration:

  • Start time October 2023, with a finish date mid April 2024
  • Hourly rate starts at $28
  • Work hours will be varied based on customer bookings with a minimum of 30 hours per week.

Trainee Position also available

Applications close 20th September 2023.

Please send Cover Letter and CV to:

janey@rivervalley.co.nz

06 3881444

www.rivervalley.co.nz

Trainee

Currently this position is available

Posted on – 14th August 2023

Trainee & Multi-Day River Guide

Have you got what it takes to be a Grade 5 guide on the Rangitikei River?

Each year we aim take on one trainee. This position is perfect for someone who already has some white-water experience, and preferable their Grade 2 or 3 qualification.  Applicants should have NZ residency as we prefer to train NZ guides.

What you need to know about the job:

  • Rivers: You will not only be training on the Grade 4/5 section of the Rangitikei, but also guiding our Family Scenic Trips, Inflatable Kayak Trips and Multi Day Expeditions on the Rangitikei and Ngaruroro Rivers. There may also be the opportunity to be trained in our own Wooden Dory’s used for the Whanganui River Trips
  • Conservation: Guides share a roster to check stoat traps upstream and downstream of the lodge
  • Skills: We will be looking for someone who is up for a challenge on a technical river, but also self-motivated and fun
  • Lodge: Due to the offerings of River Valley, you will also be trained to work with the Lodge Crew
  • Season: This is a seasonal position for Summer 2023/24
  • Other Qualifications: Full Drivers Licence would be a bonus, but not essential.

Email Janey – janey@rivervalley.co.nz, to get the ball rolling.  Applications close Sunday 28th August

Life at the Lodge

River Valley is isolated in some senses of the word. We are 30 minutes drive from the nearest town, and about 2 hours from the nearest city. If applying for a position with us, please bear in mind that you will not be living close to your present family and friends – you will have to make new ones!

The staff at River Valley are a fun lot and will welcome you into their circle. These are the same people you will most likely live amongst, work with, and play with.

It is not a requirement, but due to our remote location it is highly recommended that you have a driving license and a car.

Staff accommodation is available, either on or off site.

Amongst other great benefits, staff get discounted food and drinks at the lodge and can hop onto any of our trips if space allows.

Great Opportunities To Work
In A Fun Environment

These are great opportunities to work at a progressive adventure Lodge and enjoy the atmosphere and location that makes River Valley unique.

Often what was intended to be a stop over of a couple of weeks, becomes several months!!

River Valley is committed to being a drug and alcohol free workplace.

“When our son, Andy went to New Zealand he spent about half of his year there working at River Valley. Even 5 years later he continues to rave about the place and the people – and therefore it had to be on our route.”

To read the rest of this Travel Blog, click here
“Thanks Brian, just a little update but I am now the river manager here on the Rouge. I would probably not be there without my experience at River Valley. Take care and keep doing the good work!
Cheers!”

Alexandre Jette

Have any questions?

Speak to one of our friendly adventure consultants who would love to help you out.
thelodge@rivervalley.co.nz / 0800 248666

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