Catchment Worker - Weed boat Operator

Hawke's Bay District Council; Taradale; On-site; NZD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Income protection

Life insurance

Eye tests and lenses subsidies

Flu vaccinations

Flexible working environment

Job summary

The Hawkes Bay Regional Council (HBRC) Works Group has a permanent, full-time opportunity for a Catchment Worker – Weed boat Operator, based at the Taradale Depot and working across multiple sites. You will operate a weed boat to deliver aquatic weed control and support river, drainage and park maintenance across the Heretaunga Plains.

We are seeking a practical, safety-conscious person with plant operation experience, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently while

Qualifications

• Experience operating plant and equipment in outdoor environments.
• Strong problem-solving skills and sound judgement.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining safety.
• Excellent organisational skills and records accuracy.
• Proficiency using smartphones, tablets and digital applications.
• Effective communication and teamwork across diverse stakeholders.
• Proactive approach to problem solving and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Operate one of Council's weed boats to deliver aquatic weed control programmes across the Heretaunga Plains stream and river network.
• Undertake river, drainage and regional park maintenance activities including vegetation management, planting, fencing and minor capital works.
• Ensure plant and equipment are operated safely and efficiently in accordance with requirements.
• Complete records and documentation accurately and on time.
• Collaborate with colleagues, contractors and stakeholders across a range of sites.

Skills

Plant operation

Safety awareness

Independent work

Problem solving

Communication

Teamwork

Digital app use

Education

Class 1 Driver Licence

Day Skipper Certificate

Class 4/5 licences

WTR endorsement

F endorsements

Growsafe certification

First Aid certification

Job description

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Hawke's Bay District Council – Taradale, North Island

Full time, Permanent

2d ago , from Hawke's Bay District Council

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.

Applications close Friday, 11 September 2026, however we will be shortlisting and interviewing appropriate candidates as applications are received. If you are interested in this position, please do not wait to apply as we may close the ad earlier than advertised.

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 organisation 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.