Join our team at Orokonui Ecosanctuary, a 307-hectare predator-free haven for New Zealand’s most threatened and special wildlife. We are seeking a passionate and dynamic Lead Educator to develop and deliver engaging, nature-based learning experiences for ākonga of all ages. This permanent part-time role (20 hours per week) involves creating interactive educational programmes, managing a small team, and inspiring the community to care for Te Taiao. If you have excellent communication skills, a background in conservation, and a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, we want to hear from you!
Our organization
Orokonui Ecosanctuary – Te Korowai o Mihiwaka is a 307-hectare fenced ecosanctuary, located 20 minutes’ drive north of Dunedin, that has provided a safe, predator free environment for some of our most threatened wildlife since 2007. This includes breeding populations of South Island Kākā, Takahē, Haast Tokoeka Kiwi, Moko Kākāriki, Tuatara, Kakaruai, Otago Skink, and Green Skink, established within the sanctuary via translocation from their original habitats. The philosophy of Orokonui is ‘wildlife on wildlife’s terms’; species within the ecosanctuary live freely, in their natural habitats, as they would in the wild.
The core objectives of the sanctuary are to restore the wildlife and ecosystems of the Orokonui Valley; to inspire the wider community and visitors to the ecosanctuary to become actively involved in conservation; and to support them to develop the skills to do so through the Orokonui volunteer, education, and visitor programmes.
The Orokonui Education Programme
The Orokonui Ecosanctuary education programme is attended by more than 5,000 ākonga annually, from early childhood, through to primary and secondary school, and tertiary level students. The programme supports the wider conservation goals of the ecosanctuary, providing engaging nature-based activities designed to inspire and empower successive generations of conservation superstars.
Responsibilities of the role
The overarching objective of this position is to grow and develop the role of Orokonui Ecosanctuary as a deliverer of high-quality, nature-based learning experiences, supporting the wider objectives of the sanctuary by inspiring and motivating ākonga to care for Te Taiao throughout their lives.
Specific tasks include:
- Lead the development of interactive and engaging learning experiences for all education sectors (early childhood, primary and secondary schools, alternative education, tertiary providers).
- Lead the delivery of engaging, hands-on educational experiences at Orokonui Ecosanctuary, at education settings, or other relevant nature spaces.
- Work with kaiako to deliver tailored educational experiences, including managing bookings, providing pre and post visit resources, and adapting activities to meet the specific learning outcomes of each group.
- Develop and deliver school holiday activities and events that support and promote the education programme throughout the wider community.
- Recruit, manage and train a small team of assistant educators / sanctuary communicators, in conjunction with other members of the Communications Team.
- Ensure that the kōrero shared with ākonga is protected and shared in a way that is consistent, safe, and accurate to the Orokonui Kaupapa, and uplifts Te Ao Māori and Iwi/Rūnaka/Hapū partnerships.
- Ensure the continuous improvement of the education programme through the collation of kaiako and ākonga evaluations, and via post-visit reflective practice with assistant educators.
- Establish and maintain strong positive working relationships with kaiako and kura; develop and implement an annual schedule of promotional activities in the education sector.
- Provide a monthly written report, based on key performances indicators (ākonga numbers, continuous evaluation and improvement, promotional activities, budget); attend wider team meetings.
- Ensure that health and safety procedures for education groups are followed.
Personal attributes
- A passion for Te Taiao, and the unique natural history of Aotearoa.
- Excellent interpersonal skills: friendly, positive, and outgoing, able to easily relate to ākonga of all ages and walks of life.
- Excellent communication skills: able to confidently transfer knowledge in a way that is engaging and inspiring, across age groups from early childhood to tertiary ākonga, and to adapt experiences to meet the specific learning outcomes of each group.
- Experience, or a qualification (or currently studying), in a relevant field (e.g. zoology, ecology, botany, biology, conservation).
- A commitment to continually learning and building knowledge.
- A practical understanding of, and commitment to, the principals of Te Tiriti o Waitangi; a respect for, and understanding of, local mana whenua history and culture.
- A desire to engage with, learn, and incorporate aspects of Te Ao Māori and Te Reo into your work.
- A creative thinker; able to develop new and exciting ways of sharing knowledge of Te Taiao with ākonga.
- Excellent organisational and time management skills; reliable and punctual.
- Ability to multi-task and remain calm and professional under pressure.
- Previous experience working in the education sector, with ākonga, in science communication, or guiding, an advantage.
- A positive can-do attitude; resourceful, able to think on your feet; an effective problem solver.
- Hard working, with a high level of personal accountability.
- Self-motivated and proactive.
- Available to work on some weekends if needed.
Application process
Please submit a cover letter and CV to the General Manager at amanda@orokonui.nz.
Applications close at 5pm on Monday the 8th of September 2025.