Operator - Public Spaces Collections

WM; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

WM New Zealand is seeking a Waste and Recycling Ambassador to join our Wanaka team. This fixed-term role involves maintaining public waste and recycling receptacles, monitoring levels, and engaging with the community to promote sustainability.

The position is 15 hours per week across 3 afternoons (11am–5pm) in Wanaka’s CBD, with potential for additional hours when available. Applicants should enjoy outdoor work and interacting with people.

Qualifications

• Friendly, customer-focused individual with good interpersonal skills.
• Physically active and hands-on with ability to work outdoors.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to promoting recycling and sustainability within the community.

Responsibilities

• Look after public rubbish, glass and recycling receptacles in Wanaka CBD and high-traffic areas.
• Monitor and report waste and recycling levels; keep receptacles and surroundings clean and presentable.
• Engage with the community to promote waste minimisation and sustainability.
• Work 15 hours per week across 3 afternoons (11am–5pm) with potential for extra hours.

Skills

Customer focus

Active lifestyle

Hands-on

Tech-savvy

Independent worker

Team player

Positive attitude

Community impact

Job description

WM New Zealand is New Zealand's leading resource recovery, recycling, and waste management provider. We’re committed to safeguarding our beautiful environment through sustainable management of our valuable resources. Put simply, sustainability is what we do.

We now have an exciting fixed-term opportunity for aWaste and Recycling Ambassadorto join our team in stunning Wānaka!

Job Description

Love being outdoors and making a difference? This could be the role for you.

As aWaste and Recycling Ambassador, you’ll help look after our public rubbish, glass and recycling receptacles throughout Wānaka’s beautiful CBD and other high traffic areas. You’ll monitor and report on waste and recycling levels, while also helping ensure the receptacles and surrounding areas are kept clean, tidy and well presented for our community and visitors.

Along the way, you’ll engage with the community and help promote waste minimisation, recycling and sustainability.

This fixed term role starts Labour Weekend and runs until Easter 2027.

Wānaka: 15 hours per week, across 3 afternoons of 5 hours each (between 11am - 5pm), with the opportunity for additional hours when available.

Qualifications

Our ideal candidate is someone who:

• Enjoys interacting with people and has a customer-focused mindset
• Is physically active, hands‑on, and tech‑savvy
• Can work independently as well as part of a team
• Has a positive attitude and wants to make a real impact in the community

Previous customer service experience is an advantage, but not essential.

Additional Information

If you’re ready for a role where you can contribute to a cleaner, greener future,

Please note - we do not always work to fixed closing dates and may start considering applications as they are received so we encourage you to apply early.

WM New Zealand is an EEO employer and promotes drug and alcohol‑free workplaces.

You must be in New Zealand and hold a current work visa / residency or NZ citizenship.