Environmental Operator, Te Rapa (3-months Fixed-Term)

Fonterra; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fair pay

Health & well-being programs

Professional development

Career growth support

Hybrid working where possible

Employee recognition

Community involvement support

Job summary

Fonterra Te Mātāpuna is seeking an Environmental Operator to support the Te Rapa site through hands-on wastewater treatment operations and data reporting. The role involves monitoring, maintenance checks, sampling and lab testing, with a focus on environmental stewardship and safe practices.

This fixed-term position runs through December on a 4 days on/4 days off roster, 5:30am–5:00pm, offering a practical outdoor role with strong team collaboration and opportunities to contribute to continuous

Qualifications

• Intermediate computer skills with the ability to accurately enter and record data.
• Mechanical aptitude or previous experience working with plant, machinery or equipment.
• A strong focus on safety, quality and environmental compliance.
• Good problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• The ability to work effectively within a team and communicate confidently with a range of stakeholders.
• Wastewater treatment experience is preferred, but not essential for the right person with a willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor the wastewater treatment plant to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Perform plant monitoring and routine maintenance checks.
• Conduct sampling and laboratory testing.
• Enter data and generate routine reports.
• Identify opportunities for improvement and support efficient treatment processes.

Skills

Data entry

Mechanical aptitude

Safety focus

Problem solving

Team communication

Wastewater knowledge

Tools

Plant machinery

Job description

Position Description

Imagine Tomorrow with Us | Ata whakaarohia tō āpōpō

At Fonterra Te Mātāpuna, we want everyone to feel they can be themselves.

Whether you're early in your career or ready for your next step, Fonterra offers a unique opportunity to grow with a global dairy co-operative that values care, collaboration, and contribution.

Owned by New Zealand dairy farmers and supported by a dedicated team, we are all working together to create a better future. Imagine tomorrow with us, where your career can grow, and you can create positive change.

About us | He kupu mō mātou

Established in 1967, our Te Rapa site is one of Fonterra’s largest manufacturing sites and produces whole and skim milk, instant whole milk powders along with cream, butter, pure dairy milk fat, cream cheese, and frozen cream products. At 41 hectares, the site makes enough product to fill 48.5 shipping containers every day!

About the Opportunity | Mō tēnei tūranga

As an Environmental Operator, you'll play an important role in supporting the sustainable operation of our Te Rapa site. Working as part of a close-knit team, you'll be responsible for operating and monitoring our wastewater treatment plant, ensuring wastewater, sewerage and stormwater discharges meet environmental and regulatory requirements while supporting the site's commitment to responsible environmental stewardship.

No two days are the same in this role. You'll be involved in a mix of hands‑on operational activities, plant monitoring, routine maintenance checks, sampling and laboratory testing, as well as data entry and reporting. Your observations and attention to detail will help identify opportunities for improvement and ensure our treatment processes continue to operate efficiently and effectively.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys practical work, problem solving and working outdoors, while also contributing to an area of our business that has a direct impact on environmental sustainability.

This is a fixed-term opportunity through until the end of December and is currently rostered on a 4 days on, 4 days off day-shift pattern, working 5.30am to 5.00pm, providing an excellent work‑life balance.

About You | Mōu

This is a pivotal role that supports the success of our site operations, so you'll be someone who takes pride in doing things the right way and understands the importance of safety, compliance and environmental responsibility. You'll be an effective communicator who can build positive working relationships across a variety of teams and stakeholders while working collaboratively to solve problems and achieve shared goals.

You are naturally proactive, self‑motivated and able to manage competing priorities in a fast‑paced operational environment. Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team, you'll bring a willingness to learn, a positive attitude and a strong commitment to continuous improvement.

As our environment is constantly changing, you'll need to be adaptable and resilient, remaining calm under pressure and responding effectively when challenges arise.

Key Skills And Experience Include

• Intermediate computer skills with the ability to accurately enter and record data.
• Mechanical aptitude or previous experience working with plant, machinery or equipment.
• A strong focus on safety, quality and environmental compliance.
• Good problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.
• The ability to work effectively within a team and communicate confidently with a range of stakeholders.
• Wastewater treatment experience is preferred, but not essential for the right person with a willingness to learn.

This is a great opportunity to gain valuable experience within a critical operational function while contributing to environmental outcomes that matter. You'll join a supportive team environment where you'll be given the training and support needed to succeed and make a meaningful impact from day one.

Our Values | Ngā Aura

At Fonterra, our values of Good Together, Better Every Day, and Every Drop Counts, are for everyone – no matter your background, identify or experience. These values guide us in delivering exceptional outcomes for our farmers, customers, communities, and each other. Discover how your values align with ours by taking our Values Quiz

Our Commitment to You | Tā mātou oati

We care for our people globally. Our comprehensive benefits support your well‑being, development, and work‑life balance:

• Fair and equitable pay
• Health and well‑being programs (medical, mental health support)
• Professional development opportunities
• Career growth support
• Work‑life balance options (flexible/hybrid working where possible)
• Employee recognition
• Support for community involvement and cultural connection

To learn more, visit Fonterra Careers

A Career of Opportunities | Ngā Mahi

At Fonterra, we are inspired by purpose and guided by our principles and values. Together, we create goodness for generations and make a global impact at a local level. As part of our Co‑operative, you are an everyday creator, imagining what Fonterra, dairy, and you can be here.

Together, we're shaping a future of inclusion | He Wāhi mō te Katoa

Inclusion is key to our Co‑operative. We're building a team that reflects the diverse world we live in, believing it drives better decisions and innovation.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds (ethnicities, genders, identities, orientations, ages, abilities, neurotypes, cultures, religions).

Even if you don't meet every requirement listed, we encourage you to apply; we value your potential and growth.

If you face accessibility issues or need accommodations during the process, please contact your recruiter. We ensure fair participation, allowing you to be at your best. Tātou, tātou.

Applications close at midnight on Sunday 27th September 2026.