Operator - Public Spaces Collections

Waste Management; Wānaka; On-site; NZD 23,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

WM New Zealand in Wanaka is seeking a Waste and Recycling Ambassador for a fixed-term role from Labour Weekend through Easter 2027. You will monitor public rubbish and recycling receptacles in Wanaka CBD and high-traffic areas, keep sites clean and presentable, and help promote sustainability.

The Wanaka position is 15 hours per week across three afternoons (11am–5pm), with additional hours when available. The ideal candidate is personable, physically active, tech‑savvy, and able to work both

Qualifications

• Enjoys interacting with people and delivers friendly service.
• Physically active and able to work outdoors.
• Hands-on and comfortable with basic tech.
• Capable of working both independently and in a team.
• Positive, proactive attitude with a desire to help the community.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and report on waste and recycling levels in Wanaka CBD and high traffic areas.
• Keep receptacles and surrounding areas clean and well presented.
• Engage with the community to promote waste minimisation and sustainability.
• Support the team during busy periods and provide friendly customer service.

Skills

Customer-focused mindset

Physically active

Hands-on

Tech-savvy

Independent worker

Team player

Positive attitude

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.