Customer Services Officer - January 2027 start

Whakatāne Community Safety Group; Whakatāne; On-site; NZD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks annual leave

Job summary

Whakatāne District Council seeks a Customer Services Officer to be the first point of contact for our community in Whakatāne, NZ. You will provide information, resolve inquiries, process payments, and support service requests across Council activities with a focus on delivering positive experiences.

You will work with internal teams to provide efficient admin support, maintain accurate customer records, and uphold our commitment to excellent service.

Qualifications

• Experience in customer service, call centre, or frontline service roles (local government experience an advantage).
• Confidence with cashiering responsibilities and Microsoft applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and time management.
• Excellent communication skills and a genuine interest in helping others.
• A positive, proactive attitude with the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• A commitment to continuous improvement, teamwork, and living our Council values.
• We're always learning and improving - Toitū te Taumata
• We're passionate and proud - Toitū te Mauri Ora
• We put people at the heart of everything we do - Toitū te Tangata

Responsibilities

• Welcome customers at our service counters and by phone, responding to enquiries, requests, and complaints.
• Process payments, applications, and registrations accurately and efficiently.
• Provide timely administration support to Council departments.
• Ensure high levels of accuracy in recording and managing customer information.
• Maintain a professional, welcoming environment in the Customer Service Centre.
• Support community engagement by respecting cultural protocols and building strong relationships.

Skills

Customer service experience

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel

Tools

Outlook

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

See below the role, outlining the responsibilities and skills we are looking for, for this vacancy.

Customer Services Officer - January 2027 start

Whakatane, New Zealand

Reference: 6940085

• Are you looking for a new start in 2027?
• Be part of a friendly, supportive, and professional team.
• Enjoy a range of staff benefits including 5 weeks annual leave

The people at Whakatāne District Council love what we do because we do it for others, and that feels good. We work hard and we know it's important to stop and play too. We're on a learning journey because we know we can always do better, and we know we're better together. Will you come on that journey with us? You'll never be more than half an hour away from rivers, lakes, forests, beaches and great walks - most are just on your doorstep. We love this place, and you will too.

This role will start 19 January 2027. As a Customer Services Officer, you'll be the first point of contact for our community — providing information, resolving enquiries, processing payments, and supporting requests for service across a wide range of Council activities. You'll also work closely with internal teams to provide efficient administration support that helps us deliver for our community. This role is all about creating positive experiences, building trust, and ensuring every interaction reflects our commitment to excellent service.

What you'll do

• Welcome customers at our service counters and by phone, responding to enquiries, requests, and complaints.
• Process payments, applications, and registrations accurately and efficiently.
• Provide timely administration support to Council departments.
• Ensure high levels of accuracy in recording and managing customer information.
• Maintain a professional, welcoming environment in the Customer Service Centre.
• Support community engagement by respecting cultural protocols and building strong relationships.

Ko wai koe | About you

You’ll be an approachable, solution-focused professional who thrives in a busy, people-facing environment. With strong interpersonal and communication skills, you’ll have the ability to manage multiple tasks while delivering friendly and efficient service

What you'll bring

• Experience in customer service, call centre, or frontline service roles (local government experience an advantage).
• Confidence with cashiering responsibilities and Microsoft applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and time management.
• Excellent communication skills and a genuine interest in helping others.
• A positive, proactive attitude with the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• A commitment to continuous improvement, teamwork, and living our Council values.
• We're always learning and improving - Toitū te Taumata
• We're passionate and proud - Toitū te Mauri Ora
• We put people at the heart of everything we do - Toitū te Tangata

Start: 19 January 2027. Hours: 8am - 5pm Monday to Friday.