Field Operator - Animal Pest Control | Washdyke

Rentokil Initial; Timaru; On-site; NZD 52,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Living wage starting at

Travel, accommodation & meals provided

Industry training & qualifications

Permanent employment

Remote landscapes work experience

Job summary

Rentokil Rural & Environmental Services is seeking a Field Operator to join the team. You will work in outdoor, remote NZ landscapes, traveling across the South Island to support pest control and conservation efforts. Full-time, permanent positions with meals and accommodation provided when away.

Based out of Washdyke, you will gain hands-on experience, industry qualifications, and become part of a team focused on reliability and results.

Qualifications

• Fit and resilient for steep, remote terrain and all weather.
• Able to work away from home during the week.
• Strong communication with a commitment to health & safety.
• Field experience in hunting or pest control is a plus.
• Clean NZ driver's licence and off-road vehicle confidence.
• Eligible to work full-time in NZ and pass a criminal record check.

Responsibilities

• Conduct pest control and conservation across remote NZ landscapes.
• Manage animal pests via trapping and toxins (wallabies, possums, ungulates).
• Travel throughout the South Island with stays away from home.
• Attend to safety protocols and report on field activities.

Skills

Outdoor resilience

Strong communication

Health & safety focus

Job description

We are seeking Field Operators to join our team! Experience rewarding hands-on outdoor work, travel throughout the South Island, and safeguard Aotearoa's natural environment while building solid skills!

As a Field Operator, you will take part in large-scale pest control and conservation across remote New Zealand landscapes. Tasks include managing animal pests via trapping and toxins, targeting wallabies, possums, and ungulates, with opportunities to gain experience in pest plant control.

In return, you will gain hands‑on experience, earn industry qualifications, and join a team dedicated to reliability and results.

Where You'll Be Based

Based out of Washdyke, our team travels throughout the South Island, with work requiring staff to stay away from Monday to Friday, and occasional 10-day stints. All meals and accommodation are covered.

What's in it for you?

• Full-time, permanent employment with consistent work
• Fair pay, starting at the Living Wage
• Travel, accommodation and meals provided when working away
• Industry training and nationally recognised qualifications
• The opportunity to work in some of New Zealand's most remote landscapes
• A close-knit team that's proud of the work they do

What We're Looking For

• Fit, resilient, and confident working in steep, remote terrain and all weather
• Able to work away from home during the working week
• Strong communication skills with a solid commitment to health & safety
• Field experience such as hunting and/or pest-plant control
• Able to work independently and manage time well
• Clean and Full NZ driver's licence and confident with off-road vehicles
• Eligible to work full-time in NZ and able to pass a criminal record check

Desirable But Not Essential

• Previous experience or qualifications in pest control or NZ biosecurity work
• First Aid Certificate
• ATV, LUV, or 4WD qualifications
• GrowSafe or Controlled Substance Licence
• NZ Firearms Licence

Candidates must hold permanent full working rights in New Zealand. Preferred applicants must complete standard pre-employment checks (medical, references, criminal history) per Rentokil Initial standards.

About Us

Rentokil Rural & Environmental Services delivers customised, sustainable pest and weed management across diverse terrains, from high country to dense bush. We offer end-to-end management for complex environmental projects of all scales.

We focus on long-term ecological solutions from planning to execution and reporting. Guided by Relationships, Teamwork, Service, and Responsibility, our team is passionate about protecting people, enhancing lives, and preserving nature.