Field Operator - Animal Pest Control | West Coast

Rentokil Initial; West Coast; On-site; NZD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full-time, permanent employment

Living Wage starting pay

Travel, accommodation & meals provided

Industry training & qualifications

Work in remote NZ landscapes

Close-knit team

Job summary

Rentokil Rural & Environmental Services is seeking a Field Operator for the West Coast of New Zealand. Join a team delivering pest and biodiversity work, with hands-on field tasks, trapping, surveys, and testing across remote landscapes.

You will be based in Hokitika, travel to remote sites, and work Monday to Friday with occasional weekend travel. A strong emphasis on health and safety, independent time management, and ability to work away from home is required.

Qualifications

• Experience in field operations and outdoor work.
• Ability to work away from home during the working week.
• Clean NZ driver's licence and comfort with off-road vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Participate in large-scale pest control with Ospri NZ TBfree program.
• Survey for bovine tuberculosis presence and trap/recover possums for testing.
• Travel across the South Island as required and support aerial operations when needed.

Skills

Outdoor work

Field operations

NZ Driver's license

Health & safety

Teamwork

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 on the West Coast, you will take part in large-scale pest control, primarily for Ospri New Zealand's TBfree program in the Westland District from Kumara to Hari Hari. Tasks include controlling possums via trapping and toxins, surveying for the presence of bovine tuberculosis, and trapping and recovering possums for testing.

Opportunities exist within the wider business for a motivated person to work across the South Island on Ungulate or Wallaby Control as well as plant pest work, all supporting habitat restoration and biodiversity.

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:

Our depot is based in Hokitika, and our team travels from their homes daily. We prefer staff to live between Greymouth and Ross as transport is usually provided. We generally work Monday to Friday but weekend work will be expected at times.

Occasionally you may need to travel away for work, for up to two weeks, when supporting other areas of the business, including aerial 1080 operations.

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
• Chainsaw certification or accreditation

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.