Pest Plant Field Technician – Taranaki Regional Council – Stratford

Conservation Job Board; Stratford; On-site; CAD 52,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a passionate team at Taranaki Regional Council as a Pest Plant Field Technician. You'll play a key role in promoting sustainable practices by managing pest plants as part of biosecurity efforts in the beautiful Taranaki region. Enjoy excellent benefits like five weeks of leave and flexible working options in a supportive community-focused environment.

Benefits

Five weeks + one day annual leave entitlement

Active social club

Onsite Gym

Flexible working options

Free car parking

Training opportunities

Qualifications

• At least one year of experience in a pest plant management role, preferably in local government.
• Current and clean full driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively within the Pest Plant team to carry out field activities related to biosecurity and biodiversity.
• Engage with iwi/hapū, landowners, and stakeholders while communicating biosecurity values.

Skills

Communication skills

Emotional and cultural intelligence

Collaboration

Education

Level 4 qualification in Biosecurity/Conservation management

Job description

Salary: $52,350.00 – $61,588.00
Fixed-Term position

Mō mātou | About us

We are an enthusiastic bunch of people at Taranaki Regional Council, helping the region continue to be an enviable place to live, play and do business.

Our main office is based right in the centre of the region, under the maunga (mountain), in Stratford.

We have 3 beautiful regional gardens; Pukeiti, Tūpare and Hollard Gardens. Many of our staff work on a daily basis around the region and we are a 35 minute commute from New Plymouth. This region allows you to have all the big city benefits whilst maintaining a rural lifestyle given the relatively quick ability to move from one town to the next or to the sea.

Whakatakanga & Whanonga pono | Mission & Values

Our mission is to work for a thriving Taranaki by promoting the sustainable use, development and protection of our natural and physical resources, and advocating for the region’s best interests.

We are committed to providing a service first approach to the public and regional community, and in doing so aim to continue to better the quality of our performance while working safely, sustaining effective communication and teamwork, having the initiative and right to make mistakes, holding accountability for improvement, being results-driven, and holding high job satisfaction.

Watch the video to find out more about Taranaki Regional Council’s kaupapa, culture and the impact of our mahi.

Job Description

Mō te tūnga | About the role

The Pest Plant Field Technician is responsible for working collaboratively and cohesively within the Pest Plant team to carry out field activities associated with the following:

• Relevant Council Policy, Strategies and Plans as they relate to Biosecurity and Biodiversity, including – Regional pest management plans for Taranaki, Council biodiversity strategy, and
• the Biosecurity Act 1993 and Resource Management Act 1991.

The role encompasses engagement with iwi/hapū, landowners and a range of internal and external stakeholders. Effectively communicating biosecurity values to a range of audiences is a key aspect of this role.

This position is fixed-term until May 2026.

Further details on the role can be found below on the Position Description link, or for any other questions please contact our People and Wellness team on [e-mail]

https://www.trc.govt.nz/assets/Careers/Job-Description-Pest-Plant-Field-Technician.pdf

Desired Skills and Experience

Mōu | About you

We like to set our people up for success so you’ll also be a leading applicant if you have:

• A relevant Level 4 qualification or experience in Biosecurity/Conservation management.
• At least one years’ experience in a pest plant management role preferably in a local government environment.
• Excellent communication skills with emotional and cultural intelligence
• Energy and enthusiasm to collaborate effectively as part of a team
• Confidence to collaborate and nurture great relationships with key stakeholders like iwi, hapū, media and community groups
• A current and clean full driver’s licence.

What’s on offer?

Taranaki Regional Council is a fantastic place to work! Here are just a few of the great things on offer:

• Five weeks + one day annual leave entitlement
• Active social club
• Onsite Gym
• Flexible working options
• Free car parking
• Training opportunities within each role.

However, the best part is working alongside fantastic people who are truly dedicated to the Taranaki region.

The starting remuneration range for this role is $52,350 – $61,588 per annum (including KiwiSaver).

Interested? Here’s how to apply

Click on the ‘apply’ button, fill out your application form and add your CV and cover letter.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Taranaki Regional Council is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace based on different experiences, world views and a desire to learn. So, if you’re excited about this role, but don’t meet the criteria perfectly, we encourage you to reach out anyway. You might be just who we’re looking for.

Applications close Sunday, 3 August 2025 however we reserve the right to close this vacancy when we have received sufficient, suitable applications. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.