Ecological Restoration Field Operator – Kawakawa Environmental – Kāpiti Coast

Kawakawa Environmental; Wellington; On-site; NZD 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

NZ Living Wage starting rate

Diverse and rewarding work

Personal development opportunities

Supportive team environment

Meaningful conservation projects

Job summary

Kawakawa Environmental seeks two Ecological Restoration Officers to join our Kapiti Coast team. This hands-on role covers Wellington and Manawatū with fieldwork in diverse habitats, from forests to wetlands and coastal dunes. Expect 8–10 hour days, some backcountry travel, and accommodation covered.

You will monitor ungulate impacts, conduct pest control, assist with planting and monitoring, and collaborate with councils, iwi, and landowners. Immediate start available.

Qualifications

• Two years’ experience in ecological restoration or related field.
• Physically fit and able to work in remote environments in all weather.
• Genuine passion for outdoor restoration and positive outcomes in Aotearoa.
• Experience with restoration planting or pest control or ecological monitoring.
• Ability to identify native and invasive species.
• Reliable, adaptable, and strong team player.
• Excellent communication with landowners and stakeholders.
• Committed to health and safety on-site.
• Holds a full NZ driver’s licence.

Responsibilities

• Pest plant and pest animal surveillance, monitoring, and control.
• Restoration planting and site maintenance to support long-term recovery.
• Ecological monitoring of flora and fauna and predator tracking.
• Vegetation surveys and collecting data for reporting.
• Conservation projects collaborating with councils, iwi, and landowners.

Skills

Ecological restoration experience

Physically fit

Outdoor enthusiasm

Team player

Identify native/invasive species

Strong communication

Health and safety awareness

NZ driver’s licence

Education

NZQA qualifications advantageous

Growsafe / Outdoor First Aid / Chainsaw

4WD / LUV certification

Tools

GIS software

GPS navigation

Ecological data reporting tools

Job description

Type: Permanent position
Salary: minimum of the NZ Living Wage, or above, depending on experience
Start date: Immediate start available

Are you passionate about restoring Aotearoa’s natural environments and enjoy working outdoors? Kawakawa Environmental is looking for two enthusiastic and Ecological Restoration Officers to join our Kāpiti Coast-based team.

This is a hands‑on, field‑based role delivering ecological restoration and conservation projects across the Wellington and Manawatū regions, with occasional work further afield. Our sites are diverse, ranging from intact native forest and wetlands to coastal environments, rural farmland and new restoration projects.

About the Role

You’ll be part of a dedicated field team carrying out a variety of ecological restoration activities, including:

• Pest plant and pest animal control – surveillance, monitoring and control across bush reserves, wetlands, coastal sites and rural areas.
• Restoration planting and site maintenance – planting native species and maintaining restoration sites to support long‑term ecological recovery.
• Ecological monitoring – monitoring native flora and fauna, tracking predator presence, assessing ungulate impacts and surveying vegetation health.
• Vegetation surveys and ecological assessments – undertaking field surveys, collecting data and contributing to reporting.
• Conservation and restoration projects – working alongside councils, community groups, Iwi, landowners and other restoration partners.

The work is highly varied in both location and activity. One week you could be monitoring ungulate impacts in remote backcountry, the next undertaking pest control in native bush or planting a coastal dune system.

Fieldwork can involve 8–10 hour days in challenging terrain and all weather conditions. Some projects may require working away from home, including backcountry field trips of 5–10 days. Accommodation and travel costs are covered during these projects. Local‑only work arrangements may also be available. The work involves the use of agrichemicals, and animal toxins, on a regular basis.

Essential Skills and Qualities

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has at least two years’ experience in ecological restoration, conservation or a related field.
• Is physically fit, self‑motivated and comfortable working in remote and rugged environments, in all weathers.
• Has a genuine passion for working outdoors and achieving positive restoration outcomes in Aotearoa.
• Has some practical experience in restoration planting, pest plant or animal control, or ecological field monitoring.
• Is able to identify native and invasive plant and animal species.
• Is reliable, adaptable, and works well as part of a team.
• Has excellent communication skills and a professional approach when dealing with landowners, stakeholders and the public.
• Has a strong work ethic and commitment to health and safety.
• Holds a full NZ driver’s licence.

Advantageous Skills

While on the job training and mentoring will be provided, the following experience and skills would be an advantage:

• Experience using GIS software.
• Ability to use GPS, compass and navigation equipment.
• Experience with ecological data collection, recording and computer‑based reporting.
• Experience working in backcountry environments.

Qualifications

The following relevant NZQA qualifications and certifications would be advantageous, however training and opportunities to pursue these qualifications will be provided:

• Growsafe (Basic or Standard)
• Outdoor First Aid
• Chainsaw
• Scrub Bar
• 4WD
• Light Utility Vehicle (LUV).

Why work for us?

• A guaranteed starting rate of at least the New Zealand Living Wage, with higher rates available depending on experience.
• Diverse and rewarding work across some of the region’s most scenic and ecologically important environments.
• Personal development opportunities and opportunities for upskilling with formal qualifications provided
• A positive and supportive team environment.
• The opportunity to work on meaningful conservation projects with experienced restoration professionals.

About Kawakawa Environmental

Kawakawa Environmental delivers a wide range of ecological restoration and conservation services across diverse landscapes. Our work focuses on practical, outcome‑driven conservation, supporting communities and landowners to restore natural environments and achieve lasting ecological outcomes. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where people feel valued and empowered to contribute.

Applications close when a suitable candidate is recruited.