Biosecurity Officer

Environment Canterbury; Canterbury; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Environment Canterbury is seeking a Biosecurity Officer to work across southern Canterbury, educating landowners and conducting inspections under the Regional Pest Management Plan. The role offers autonomy to plan your own schedule and engage with diverse landscapes, from high country to remote sites.

Key duties include pest surveillance, control activities, incident investigations, and coordinating contractor teams while managing budgets and reporting on progress.

Qualifications

• High level of physical fitness and hill walking experience.
• Competent with standard computer software and processes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Represent the Council as an authorised person under the Biosecurity Act 1993.

Responsibilities

• Educate landowners on responsibilities under the Regional Pest Management Plan.
• Plan and undertake property inspections to monitor compliance.
• Conduct pest surveillance, monitoring, and control activities region-wide.
• Investigate biosecurity issues and respond to pest concerns.
• Manage pest pathway risks to prevent spread of harmful species.
• Provide practical advice to landowners to achieve environmental outcomes.
• Support biosecurity projects, including planning, implementation and reporting.
• Manage project budgets and ensure value for money.
• Coordinate and oversee contractors delivering pest management programs safely.

Skills

Hill walking experience

Interpersonal communication

Independent work

Problem solving

Computer literacy

Team player

Education

GROWSAFE Certification

Controlled Substance License

Job description

• Help deliver Canterbury’s Pest Management Plan objectives
• Enjoy working outdoors in outstanding locations across southern Canterbury
• Fixed term until October 2027

Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha │ About Environment Canterbury

At Environment Canterbury, we're working together to shape a thriving and resilient Canterbury for current and future generations.

As the regional council for Waitaha Canterbury, we care for the region's air, land, water, and communities. Working alongside mana whenua Ngāi Tahu, stakeholders, and communities, we deliver three essential services:

• Environmental Regulation and Protection
• Community Preparedness and Response to Hazards
• Public Transport

As Canterbury continues to grow and change, so do we. We operate in a dynamic environment, responding to evolving legislation, policy, and community needs while continuing to deliver for our communities, partners, and te taiao (the environment). Adapting to change, embracing new opportunities, and finding better ways of working are all part of creating great outcomes for Canterbury.

Kōrero mō te Tūranga | About the Role

Our Southern Area team supports communities from the Rangitata River to the southern edge of the Waitaki River catchment. This diverse region encompasses mountains, rivers, farms, and rural communities, where our people live, work, and play. We work closely with landowners to improve environmental outcomes and protect the region's natural resources for future generations.

As a Biosecurity Officer, you'll be part of a high-performing and supportive team while enjoying the autonomy to manage your own work programme and daily activities. Building strong relationships with landowners is a key part of the role, helping them understand and meet their obligations under the Regional Pest Management Plan.

Key accountabilities include:

• Educate landowners on their responsibilities under the Regional Pest Management Plan.
• Plan and undertake property inspections to monitor and ensure compliance.
• Conduct pest surveillance, monitoring, and control activities across the region.
• Investigate biosecurity issues and responding to reported pest concerns.
• Manage risks associated with pest pathways to help prevent the spread of harmful species.
• Provide practical advice and support to landowners to achieve positive environmental outcomes.
• Support biosecurity projects, including operational planning, implementation, and reporting.
• Manage project budgets, tracking expenditure, and ensuring value for money.
• Coordinate and overseeing contractors to deliver pest management programmes safely and effectively.

For more information on this role, please refer to the job description at the bottom of the advert.

Mōu │ About You

To enjoy this role, you’ll be passionate about the environment and enjoy spending most of your time in the outdoors. Your work will take you across the region and into the high country and some of Canterbury’s most remote places where you’ll undertake inspections and control of invasive species. A sense of adventure and love for the outdoors is critical!

More about you:

• High level of physical fitness and hill walking experience
• Competent in operating computer software systems and following processes
• High degree of interpersonal skills, including confident communication (both written and oral)
• Ability to work independently, yet also be a team player
• Have a good work ethic and can-do attitude toward problem solving
• Represent the Council in line with responsibilities as an authorised person under the Biosecurity Act 1993

Mātau ā-Wheako | Experience

The following are desirable, however full training will be provided:

• Knowledge of pests and pest management practices in NZ
• Experience in compliance or regulatory work
• GROWSAFE Certified Handler (agrichemical) certificate and/or Controlled Substance License
• Experience in using 2-wheel motorcycles and 4WD vehicles

You’ll enjoy working with others, building trusted relationships, and contributing to positive outcomes for Canterbury. Your approach will reflect our values and contribute to a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture.

Ngā hua o te Mahi i te Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha | Working at Environment Canterbury

We're a values-led organisation, and our values shape how we work, make decisions, and support each other every day.

• Kaitiakitanga (Stewardship) We make good decisions today for a better tomorrow.
• Pononga (Integrity) – we act honestly, take responsibility and do what we say.
• Manaakitanga (People First) - we put people first and treat everyone with care and respect.
• Whanaungatanga (Collaboration) – We build strong relationships and achieve more together.
• Māiatanga (Can Do)- We are brave, solution focussed and make things happen.

Our values guide the way we work and shape our workplace culture. Throughout the recruitment process, you'll have the opportunity to share examples of how your experiences and approach align with these values.

We know that diverse perspectives, experiences, and ways of thinking help us make better decisions and achieve better outcomes for our communities and environment. That's why we're committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to contribute.

We're also on a journey to become a Treaty partner of excellence. We support our people to grow their confidence and capability in te ao Māori and encourage the use of kaupapa Māori, mātauranga Māori, and te reo Māori in our everyday mahi. Wherever you are on your journey, you'll be welcomed and supported.

Ko ētahi atu kōrero | Additional Information

Applications close Wednesday 18 November.

To be considered for this opportunity, candidates must have the legal right to work in New Zealand at the time of application and hold work rights that will enable them to fulfil the full term of employment.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks, and a criminal history check. Additional background checks may be required depending on the nature of the role.

Me mahi tahi tātou │ Together we can