Operator - Public Spaces Collections

Waste Management; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

WM New Zealand is seeking a Waste and Recycling Ambassador in Queenstown to look after public rubbish and recycling receptacles in high-traffic areas. You will monitor levels, report findings, and help keep sites clean for residents and visitors.

The role involves engaging with the community to promote waste minimisation and sustainability, working 20 hours across 4 afternoons (11:00–5:00). Labour Weekend start with a fixed-term until Easter 2026.

Qualifications

• Customer-facing experience preferred.
• Physically active and capable of outdoor work.
• Able to work independently or as part of a team.
• Available to work 4 afternoons per week (11:00–17:00).
• Must have NZ work eligibility (visa/residency).

Responsibilities

• Look after public rubbish and recycling receptacles in Queenstown CBD and high-traffic areas.
• Monitor waste and recycling levels and report findings.
• Keep receptacles and surroundings clean and presentable.
• Engage with the community to promote waste minimisation and sustainability.

Skills

Customer service

Outdoor work

Physical fitness

Independence

Teamwork

Community engagement

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 an Waste and Recycling Ambassador to join our team in stunning Queenstown!

Job Description

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

As a Waste 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 2026.

Queenstown:20 hours per week, across 4 afternoons of 5 hours each (between 11:00am - 5:00pm), 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.