Catchment Worker - Weed boat Operator

Hawke's Bay Regional Council; Napier; On-site; NZD 39,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Limited income protection

Life insurance

Subsidised eye tests

Flu vaccinations

Job summary

Hawke's Bay Regional Council Napier seeks a Catchment Worker - Weed boat Operator to join our Works Group on a permanent, full-time basis. Based at the Taradale Depot, you’ll work across multiple sites delivering aquatic weed control and essential maintenance.

You will operate weed boats across the Heretaunga Plains stream and river network and undertake vegetation management, fencing, and minor capital works while ensuring safety and accurate records are kept.

Qualifications

• Valid Class 1 Driver Licence and Day Skipper Certificate.
• Experience operating plant, machinery, or equipment safely.
• Strong organisational skills with accurate record-keeping.
• Good communication and teamwork across stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Operate a weed boat to deliver aquatic weed control programmes.
• Carry out river, drainage and regional park maintenance activities.
• Ensure plant/equipment safety and efficiency, with proper documentation.
• Collaborate with colleagues and contractors as required.

Skills

Plant operation

Safety-conscious

Independent worker

Communication

Tools

Smartphones

Tablets

Digital apps

Job description

Hawke's Bay Regional Council - Napier City, North Island

Our vision is a healthy environment and a resilient and prosperous community.

About The opportunity | Ko te āheinga:

The Hawkes Bay Regional Council (HBRC) Works Group has an exciting opportunity for a Catchment Worker - Weed boat Operator to join our team. This is a permanent, full-time opportunity based out of the Taradale Depot, but will work across various sites.

In this role, you will be responsible for operating one of Council's weed boats to deliver aquatic weed control programmes across the Heretaunga Plains stream and river network. The role also undertakes a variety of river, drainage and regional park maintenance activities, including vegetation management, planting, fencing and minor capital works, while ensuring plant and equipment are operated safely, efficiently and in accordance with requirements.

About you | E pā ana ki a koe:

We are looking for a practical and safety-conscious individual with experience operating plant and equipment in outdoor environments. You will bring strong problem-solving skills, sound judgement, and the ability to work independently while building positive relationships with colleagues, contractors, and stakeholders. You will be adaptable and committed to delivering high-quality work while maintaining a strong focus on health and safety.

Alongside this, you will also have:

• A valid Class 1 Driver Licence and Day Skipper Certificate.
• Experience operating plant, machinery, or equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
• Strong organisational skills, including the ability to complete records and documentation accurately and on time.
• Confidence using smartphones, tablets, and digital applications.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across a range of situations.
• A proactive approach to problem solving and continuous improvement.
• Class 4 and/or 5 licences, WTR and F endorsements, Growsafe certification, First Aid certification, or other relevant industry qualifications would be advantageous.

The hourly rate for this role will depend on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.

Other benefits of working for our team include:

• Limited income protection and life insurance
• Subsidised eye tests and lenses
• Flu vaccinations, and other well-being initiatives

HBRC also has a strong commitment to developing and upskilling people within a flexible and supportive working environment

As an equal opportunity employer, we are dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. We recognise that collaborative and innovative organisations depend on having a workforce made up from a diverse range of perspectives and experiences. We're all about excellence, and we encourage open communication – if you need any specific support, just let us know! Our main goal is to empower each person to share their unique talents to contribute to the outcomes for our community. This commitment ensures that our workplace is a dynamic and progressive space where everyone can flourish.

HBRC is responsible for Civil Defence emergencies and as such, all staff may be called upon to support the response.

Applicants must have existing rights to work in New Zealand. A pre‑employment medical and drug test will be a requirement for the successful applicant.

At Hawke's Bay Regional Council our purpose is to work with our community to protect and manage the region's precious taonga of rivers, lakes, soils, air, coast and biodiversity for health, wellbeing and connectivity. Our organization is diverse and our work is varied. Our structure comprises of six key business units; Corporate Services, Integrated Catchment Management, Asset Management, Māori Partnerships, Policy & Regulation, and the Executive Advisory Group which also consists of the Civil Defence and Emergency Management.

We focus on prioritising:

Kia koi, kia toitū hoki te whakamahinga o te whenua|Climate-smart and sustainable land use.