Labourer/Operator

Environment Canterbury; Temuka; On-site; NZD 40,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Environment Canterbury in Temuka is seeking a hands-on role to build and maintain river protection and drainage systems. The job involves working outdoors on local rivers, using 4WD vehicles, tractors, chainsaws, spray equipment and other light machinery; training is provided.

You will join a safety‑minded team, be prepared for emergencies, and collaborate with mana whenua and communities. A Class 1 licence is required, with higher endorsements preferred; prior experience with chainsaws and

Qualifications

• Class 1 Full Driver Licence (minimum); Class 2 & 4 with W, T, R endorsements for Operators.
• Experience with chainsaws, machinery, and herbicide application (training provided).
• Ability to work in a team and follow health and safety requirements.

Responsibilities

• Carry out labouring tasks and operate plant safely.
• Maintain equipment and ensure compliance with safety standards.
• Support emergency works during floods, fires, and natural disasters.
• Work collaboratively with mana whenua and local communities.

Skills

Safety-conscious

Outdoors

Teamwork

Chainsaws

Machinery operation

Spray equipment

4WD vehicles

Tools

Chainsaws

Tractors

Spray equipment

4WD vehicles

Job description

Job Type: Permanent | Full Time

Location: Temuka

Job Category: Construction, Architecture & Interior Design

• Build and maintain river protection and drainage systems
• Join a team committed to sustainability
• Full Time Permanent | 50 hours per week

Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha | About Environment Canterbury

As a regional council, we are responsible for managing natural resources including air, soil, water and land. We work in partnership with mana whenua Ngāi Tahu to protect the health of our environment to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for our region.

The region’s evolving environmental and political context means we will continue to be agile and adaptive, as we respond to regulatory and environmental changes.

Our mahi (work) is organised around the delivery of our three core services:

• Environmental Regulation and Protection
• Community Preparedness and Response to Hazards
• Public Transport

Council plays an important role in responding to national legislation and policy changes – this mahi is part of our operating environment and is embedded in our everyday mahi. The current proposals from central government are significant, and Council is working through the opportunities and implications. However, our mahi must continue to deliver our three core services for our partners, communities and te taiao (environment).

Kōrero mō te Tūranga | About the Role

The role is varied and involves working in local rivers and surrounding areas to establish and maintain river protection, tree plantings and structures, noxious weed control, tree felling and clearance. You will use 4WD vehicles, tractors, chainsaws, spray equipment and other light machinery so experience is desirable however full training is provided.

You will work with other team members and contractors, alongside Bulldozers, Excavators, Dump trucks, Skidders etc.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out labouring tasks and operate plant safely
• Maintain equipment and ensure compliance with safety standards
• Support emergency works during floods, fires, and natural disasters
• Work collaboratively with mana whenua and local communities

Hours of work will typically be Monday to Friday, 10 hours per day. You will be required to be available for work during emergency events. Hourly rate is $28.95.

Mōu | About You

You’re practical, safety-conscious, and enjoy working outdoors. You’ll bring a positive attitude and willingness to learn along with a strong environmental focus in everything you do. You’ll have good knowledge of health and safety practices and be able to work independently and unsupervised.

Mātau ā-Wheako | Experience

• Class 1 Full Driver Licence (minimum); Class 2 & 4 with W, T, R endorsements for Operators
• Experience with chainsaws, machinery, and herbicide application (training provided)
• Ability to work in a team and follow health and safety requirements

This role requires a medical check prior to an offer of employment due to the physical nature of the job.

Ngā hua o te Mahi i te Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha | Working at Environment Canterbury

Our Mahi Is Underpinned By Our Values

• Kaitiakitanga (stewardship)
• Pononga (integrity)
• Manaakitanga (people first)
• Whanaungatanga (collaboration)
• Māiatanga (can do)

We understand and embrace a diverse workforce; this diversity will enable us to better serve our people, our community, and our greatest taonga, the environment. We value everyone’s contribution, diverse thinking, and skills.

We're on a journey to become a treaty partner of excellence, including incorporating te ao Māori into our work. We offer supportive opportunities to develop capability in this area and encourage our people to use kaupapa Māori, mātauranga Māori, and te reo Māori in our daily work. We welcome you with an open heart & mind, wherever you are on your personal te ao Māori journey.

Ko ētahi atu kōrero | Additional Information

Me mahi tahi tātou - Together we can

Job Description

Job Description