Field Lead — Pest Animal & Plant Control

Downer Group NZ; Cromwell Community; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free access to health benefits

Discounted holiday accommodation

PPE and work clothing provided

Employee referral bonus

Training and career progression

Job summary

Downer’s Biosecurity Team is seeking a Leading Hand to lead a small crew delivering field pest control operations in the Southern South Island. The role is primarily in remote backcountry environments, physically demanding, with tasks including trapping, baiting, surveying and monitoring pest animals and plants.

You will work under the Regional Supervisor to meet safety, quality and productivity targets. This fixed‑term position runs until June 2027, with potential extension.

Qualifications

• Understanding of rural work with pest plant/animal management.
• Experience leading fieldwork including trapping, baiting, surveying and monitoring.
• Ability to lead a small team to meet contract targets.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organise, direct and control activities of a small workgroup
• Complete all relevant site documentation daily
• Monitor operations and report progress to one-up manager
• Deputise for a Field Operation Leader or Supervisor when required

Skills

People management

Outdoor passion

NZ Class 1 licence

4WD/UTV/motorcycle exp

First aid certificate

Health and safety focus

Willing to stay away

CSL/Approvised Handler preference

Firearms licence (preferable)

Tools

GPS handheld devices

Job description

About Us

At Downer we plan, create and sustain. Downer is the leading provider of integrated services in Australia and New Zealand. Through trusted relationships and world leading insight we work closely with our customers to design, build and sustain assets, infrastructure, and facilities.

About the Team

Downer’s Transport & Infrastructure business manages and maintains road networks across Australia and New Zealand, with civil and commercial construction in New Zealand. We are an integrated trans-Tasman team with a leading portfolio of products and services. By sharing our capabilities and insights across our regions we achieve the best technical solutions for our customers’ challenges, and for our communities.

Job Description

Te kōwhiringa | The Opportunity

Downer’s Biosecurity Team is an industry leader in the implementation and operation of pest management programmes. Our vision is to maintain a sustainable pest control industry through employing the right people, providing them the right resources and supporting them with ongoing training and development.

We have a great opportunity to combine your love of the outdoors and being paid, by joining our Southern South Island team on a fixed-term basis.

We are looking for a Leading Hand to expertly perform pest control tasks while organising a small team to lead them in completing all animal and/or plant pest control tasks assigned, and ensure all customer and company targets (safety, quality and productivity) are met.

This role is primarily based in remote back country environments and will often be physically challenging, however when required the Leading Hand will be delegated to perform tasks that may have to be completed in the office. A high level of fitness is essential.

The Leading Hand will work closely with the Regional Supervisor and Field Operations Leader to influence and drive productivities to maximise output while maintaining respect and trust of the wider team.

This fixed-term position is expected to last until June 2027, with the possibility of extension based on project needs.

A bit about the role

In this exciting role, you will be responsible for leading a small team to deliver field work on animal and plant pest control operations in the Southern South Island, ensuring we deliver on our contract requirements.

Being a self-motivated and energetic person is essential as you’ll be expected to lead by example ensuring your small team delivers on its required targets completing trapping, baiting, surveying and monitoring of pest animals, or controlling pest plants such as gorse, broom and other invasive species.

The Leading Hand will be required to:

1. Plan, organise, direct and control activities of a small workgroup
2. Complete all relevant site documentation on a daily basis
3. Monitor operations and clearly report progress to their one-up manager
4. Deputise for a Field Operation Leader or Supervisor if required.

As you will be spending long periods in the field, you’ll need a focus on safety and risk management. You’ll couple this with the ability to use GPS and handheld recording devices and be able to maintain accurate records. Training will be provided to the successful applicant but being able to maintain accurate records is critical.

Nga pūkenga matua | Important Skills

It is essential to have an understanding of working in a rural environment coupled with specialty experience in either pest plant or pest animal management.

You’ll bring along with you:

• People management skills
• A passion and knowledge of the outdoors
• Class 1 Full New Zealand driver’s licence
• Experience operating a 4 Wheel Drive, Light Utility Vehicle and/or motorcycle
• First aid certificate (beneficial)
• A strong focus on health and safety i.e. keeping you and your work mates safe
• The ability to work away from home for extended periods of time (accommodation and other benefits will be provided)
• A Controlled Substance Licence (CSL), Approved Handler Certificate for relevant substances, and a firearms licence is preferable but not essential, however, you must be able to obtain these licences.

Ko te take ka parekareka e koe ki te mahi ki kōnei | Why you will enjoy working here

Downer is committed to helping our people succeed by providing the support, development, and benefits they need to thrive. When you join us, you’ll enjoy:

• Free access to Marram health benefits and discounted holiday accommodation across New Zealand
• All required PPE, safety equipment, and work clothing provided
• A $500 employee referral bonus for introducing great people to our team
• Ongoing training, development, and career progression opportunities, with internal promotion strongly encouraged
• Access to a range of additional employee benefits and discounts.

Me pēhea ki te tono | How to apply

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, click Apply Now to submit your application! Reference : 735326

We are committed to a safe working environment for everyone – all successful applicants will be required to undertake a pre-employment drug test, medical and a Ministry of Justice check prior to starting employment. If you need support with this requirement, please talk to our team.

Applications close when a suitable candidate has been recruited.