Field Biosecurity Officer

Environment Canterbury; Canterbury; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Environment Canterbury is seeking a Biosecurity Officer to work across southern Canterbury, educating landowners and conducting inspections under the Regional Pest Management Plan. The role offers autonomy to plan your own schedule and engage with diverse landscapes, from high country to remote sites.

Key duties include pest surveillance, control activities, incident investigations, and coordinating contractor teams while managing budgets and reporting on progress.

Qualifications

• High level of physical fitness and hill walking experience.
• Competent with standard computer software and processes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Represent the Council as an authorised person under the Biosecurity Act 1993.

Responsibilities

• Educate landowners on responsibilities under the Regional Pest Management Plan.
• Plan and undertake property inspections to monitor compliance.
• Conduct pest surveillance, monitoring, and control activities region-wide.
• Investigate biosecurity issues and respond to pest concerns.
• Manage pest pathway risks to prevent spread of harmful species.
• Provide practical advice to landowners to achieve environmental outcomes.
• Support biosecurity projects, including planning, implementation and reporting.
• Manage project budgets and ensure value for money.
• Coordinate and oversee contractors delivering pest management programs safely.

Skills

Hill walking experience

Interpersonal communication

Independent work

Problem solving

Computer literacy

Team player

Education

GROWSAFE Certification

Controlled Substance License

Job description

Environment Canterbury is seeking a Biosecurity Officer to work across southern Canterbury, educating landowners and conducting inspections under the Regional Pest Management Plan. The role offers autonomy to plan your own schedule and engage with diverse landscapes, from high country to remote sites.

Key duties include pest surveillance, control activities, incident investigations, and coordinating contractor teams while managing budgets and reporting on progress.