Do you thrive in the mountains, live for the snow season, and want to build your career in one of the most spectacular alpine environments in Aotearoa?
We’re looking for an experienced Avalanche Forecaster to join our tight-knit Milford Road Alliance team based in Te Anau. This isn’t just a job — it’s a lifestyle. You’ll be part of a small, highly skilled crew who work together like family, supporting each other through the challenges and rewards of operating in one of New Zealand’s most dynamic alpine environments.
Imagine finishing a day’s work surrounded by Fiordland’s towering peaks, pristine lakes, and world-class outdoor adventures right on your doorstep. If you value meaningful work, strong team culture, and small-town living in an extraordinary location - this could be your next chapter.
Te kōwhiringa | The Opportunity
This role is a critical part of the Milford Road Alliance — a unique partnership between New Zealand Transport Agency and Downer NZ, based in Te Anau with a sole focus on the iconic Milford Road.
The Alliance is responsible for:
As Avalanche Forecaster, you will play a key role in ensuring the safe operation of the Milford Road Avalanche Control Programme. You will lead forecasting activities, uphold contract compliance, and maintain Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality standards.
This is a full time role working within a small specialist forecasting team, you will:
Outside the avalanche season, you’ll:
This is a varied, hands-on role where no two days are the same — combining technical expertise, leadership, and practical alpine fieldwork.
Nga pūkenga matua | Important Skills
To be successful in this role, you'll need the following skills and experience:
Further training may be required or offered in the following areas:
Ko te take ka parekareka e koe ki te mahi ki kōnei | Why you will enjoy working here
Downer is committed to delivering excellence by ensuring our people have the environment and the means to be successful. We offer:
Have a look at our other great benefits https://people.downergroup.co.nz/downer-benefits/
Ko wai mātou | Our Organisation
Want to know more about what it is like to work at Downer? Then head to our People Site here!
Me pēhea ki te tono | How to apply
If this sounds like the opportunity for you, click Apply Now to submit your application! The reference number for this role is 729609.
We are committed to a safe working environment for everyone - all successful applicants will be required to undertake a pre-employment drug test, medical, and a Ministry of Justice check prior to starting employment. If you need support with this requirement, please talk to our team.
At Downer we plan, create and sustain. Downer is the leading provider of integrated services in Australia and New Zealand. Through trusted relationships and world leading insight we work closely with our customers to design, build and sustain assets, infrastructure, and facilities.
Enabling communities to thrive.
It’s what we’ve done for more than 150 years. Solving problems. Making the extraordinary run smoothly every day. We’re keeping the lights on and the water flowing. Running the hospitals that take care of us. Delivering the transport that takes us from A to B. Maintaining communication networks that keep people connected. Helping our Government and Defence customers keep them protected. Delivering train fleets. Building bridges, roads and streets. Now we’re building momentum too. Moving forward even faster.
Across Australia and New Zealand, we’re transforming the way we work. Unlocking our potential to lead by example. Using our passion and expertise to deliver complex projects and turn fresh ideas into solutions that make society a better place. Creating opportunities for our people, growth and value for our shareholders, and world-class solutions for our customers. Imagining. Innovating. Engineering. Enabling.
