Field Operator - Plant Pest | Timaru

Rentokil Initial; Timaru; On-site; NZD 42,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation provided

Meals during away trips

Job summary

Rentokil Rural & Environmental Services is seeking hands-on field operatives to manage pest control and restoration projects across remote South Island landscapes. Based in Timaru/Twizel, you will travel and stay away during the week, with meals and accommodation provided during away trips.

You will perform physically demanding outdoor work, carry heavy loads, and follow safety procedures while contributing to biodiversity protection and environmental outcomes.

Qualifications

• Fit to carry heavy loads over rugged terrain.
• Enjoy outdoors in all weather and stay away Mon–Fri.
• Able to travel and stay away during weekdays.
• Good communicator with safety focus.
• Dependable, positive, and eager to learn.

Responsibilities

• Tackle large-scale plant pest control across remote NZ landscapes.
• Use manual and chemical methods to protect biodiversity and ecosystems.
• Gain hands-on experience toward industry qualifications.
• Be part of a tight-knit team with a safety-first mindset.

Skills

Physical fitness

Outdoor work experience

NZ work eligibility

Driver's license

Safety-conscious

Job description

Join Rentokil Rural and be part of meaningful change, where your mahi makes a real impact! We are looking for people to join our team in Timaru/Twizel South Island from all across NZ.

What You'll Do

Join Rentokil Rural and tackle large-scale plant pest control across NewZealand's most remote and stunning landscapes. From wilding pine removal to invasive weed control, restoration projects, and track cutting, you'll use manual, chemical methods to protect native biodiversity and fragile ecosystems.

Gain hands‑on experience, work toward industry qualifications, and be part of a tight‑knit team that values grit, reliability, and results. Expect hard work, epic views, and the satisfaction of making a real difference, rain, shine, or snow.

This is hands‑on, full‑time outdoor work, perfect for those who love a physical challenge and take pride in working hard alongside a supportive, like‑minded team!

Location

Based in Timaru/Twizel, our team travels across the South Island, working in some of New Zealand's most remote and stunning landscapes. This role requires staying away during the working week (Mon‑Fri) and occasional 10‑day trips. Accommodation and meals are provided while working away and transport covered by our own vehicles, giving you the chance to explore incredible locations while making a genuine impact on conservation.

Why join us?

• Physically fit and confident carrying heavy loads over rugged terrain
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather, away from home during the week
• Reliable, positive, and eager to learn
• Strong communicator with a safety‑first mindset
• Able to work independently and manage time effectively
• Full or Restricted NZ driver's licence
• Eligible to work full‑time in New Zealand and pass a criminal background check

What We're Looking For

• Is fit and can carry heavy loads over steep terrain
• Loves working outdoors in all weather
• Is happy to travel and stay away Mon‑Fri
• Communicates well and prioritises health & safety
• Is dependable, positive, and keen to learn
• Manages time well and stays self‑motivated
• Can work full‑time in New Zealand
• Holds a full or restricted NZ driver's licence with a clean record
• Can drive off‑road vehicles safely

Desirable But Not Essential

• Previous experience in animal pest control or biosecurity work.
• First Aid Certificate
• ATV, LUV, or 4WD qualifications
• GrowSafe or Controlled Substance Licence
• Chainsaw use NZQA unit standards or related training

Check out our socials to look through the lens of the rural team and discover more.

You can find us at https://rentokilruralenvironmental.co.nz/ or our Instagram @high_country_contracting.

Successful candidates must complete a pre‑employment assessment, including medical, reference, and criminal background checks, meeting Rentokil Initial's satisfactory criteria.

If you enjoy working outdoors and want to be part of a team helping to protect New Zealand's unique landscapes, Please note that applicants must have the right to live and work permanently or long‑term in New Zealand.

About Us

Rentokil Rural & Environmental Services combines experience spanning diverse landscapes, from high‑country farms to dense native bush. Whether it's predator control, ungulate management, or invasive plant control, we deploy innovative, sustainable, and effective pest control strategies to meet the unique needs of our clients.

A key strength of our expertise lies in our end‑to‑end project management service, where we leverage our experience in successfully managing complex projects of all sizes, customised to fit the specific needs of each landscape.

At Rentokil Rural & Environmental Services, we make a positive mark on New Zealand's landscapes, understanding ecosystems, committing to sustainable practices, delivering long‑term environmental solutions and using effective pest and plant pest management. Every project benefits future generations. From planning to execution and reporting, our work aligns with client goals and makes a real impact on the ground.

We hold strong to our values of Service, Relationships and Teamwork. What truly sets us apart is our people. We are a friendly and supportive team, driven by a passion to help protect people, enhance lives and preserve our planet, every day.