Biosecurity Field Operator, North Canterbury – Downer – Culverden

Downer; Canterbury; On-site; NZD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care benefits

Discounted holiday homes

Training and development

Safety gear provided

Job summary

Downer’s Biosecurity Team is seeking a Biosecurity Field Operator on a fixed-term basis to apply pest management techniques for invertebrate and insect pests across North Canterbury. Home base is Culverden with travel to various locations and accommodation provided when off depot.

You’ll trap, bait, survey and monitor pests while ensuring safety and accurate record-keeping; GPS and handheld devices are essential tools in daily work. The contract runs until June 2027 with potential extension.

Qualifications

• Class 1 licence required and valid for field operations.
• Experience operating 4WD/LUV vehicles is highly desirable.
• Strong health and safety awareness in field work.
• Ability to work away from home; accommodation provided.

Responsibilities

• Trap, bait, survey and monitor pest animals such as possums, rabbits and ferrets.
• Manage pest plants including gorse, broom and wilding pines.
• Work across North Canterbury locations; accommodation provided when away from depot.
• Maintain accurate field records and use GPS/handheld devices for reporting.

Skills

Class 1 licence

4WD/LUV experience

Health and safety focus

Ability to work away from home

Education

NZQA Unit standards in 4WD/LUV/Chainsaw

Tools

GPS devices

Handheld recording devices

Job description

Te kōwhiringa | The Opportunity

Downer's Biosecurity Team is an industry leader in the implementation and operation of rural pest management programmes. Our vision is to maintain a sustainable pest control industry through employing the right people, providing them the right resources and supporting them with ongoing training and development.

We have a great opportunity to combine your love of the outdoors and being paid, by joining our North Canterbury team as a Biosecurity Field Operator on a fixed term basis to apply pest management techniques to control invertebrate and insect pests.

Your responsibilities will include trapping, baiting, surveying, and monitoring pest animals like possums, rabbits, and ferrets, as well as managing pest plants such as gorse, broom, and wilding pines. While your home base will be in Culverden, your work will take you to various locations, with accommodation provided unless you're operating directly from the depot.

This fixed-term position is expected to last until June 2027, with the possibility of extension based on project needs.

Nga pūkenga matua | Important Skills

We're looking for a self-motivated, fit and energetic individual who can thrive both independently and as part of a small team. Safety and risk management are top priorities, so you'll need to maintain a strong focus on these while working in the field for extended periods. Proficiency in using GPS and handheld recording devices is essential, along with the ability to keep accurate records.

As work is often undertaken on working farmland it is essential to understand animal behaviours through leisure activities or from working in a rural environment.

Minimum skills requirements:

• Class 1 driver's licence
• Experience operating a 4 Wheel Drive and/or Light Utility Vehicle would be highly desirable
• A strong focus on health and safety i.e. keeping you and your work mates safe
• The ability to work away from home for extended periods of time (accommodation and other benefits will be provided)

Other desirable qualifications:

• First aid certificate
• Controlled Substance Licence or Approved Handler Certificate
• Growsafe Certificate
• NZQA Unit standards in 4WD, LUV, Motorcycle or Chainsaw use

While previous experience in pest operations is preferred, we are open to training the right candidate, especially if your qualifications have lapsed or if you have some knowledge gaps.

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:

• Free access to Marram health care benefits and discounted holiday homes
• Internal promotion encouraged, training and development on offer
• Discounts for insurance, retail stores, gym memberships and more!
• Safety equipment and clothing provided as part of the role

Want to know more about what it is like to work at Downer? Then head to our People Site here!

This role is physically demanding, and a high level of fitness is essential. While we recognise that fitness will naturally improve with regular fieldwork, it will help us assess your suitability if you include a brief description of your most challenging back-country trip in your cover letter.

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.

Downer Group is an employer that acknowledges and embraces the importance of our people's diverse experiences, talents, and cultures. As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from everyone.