SCHEME OFFICER

Waikato Regional Council; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Waikato Regional Council is seeking a hands-on Operations team member based in our Northgate office in Horotiu, Hamilton. You will assist with river management, flood protection and land drainage works across the Lower Waikato catchment, performing practical construction tasks and maintenance activities.

Responsibilities include minor construction, inspections and repairs of flood pumps and gates, vegetation management, spraying, erosion control, and emergency response.

Qualifications

• Must be physically fit and able to work outdoors
• Basic computer skills to use iPad, apps and timesheets
• Good customer service skills when engaging landowners
• Health and safety focused and a team player
• Confident swimmer
• Experience in construction, tree felling and chainsaw use (ideal)
• Experience with plant and machinery (ideal)
• Weed spraying and vegetation management experience (ideal)
• Ability to work outside a standard 40-hour week occasionally

Responsibilities

• Minor construction such as floodgates, pump flaps, retaining walls and fencing
• Inspection and maintenance of flood pumps, gates and lifting gear
• Operate chainsaw and perform vegetation management
• Spray and manage weed control across the drainage network
• Erosion control and soil stability works
• Emergency/event response including Civil Defence roles

Job description

Description

Mō te tūranga | About the role

As part of the Operations team, you will help assist in the river management flood protection and land drainage works for the Lower Waikato catchment.

Based out of our Northgate office.

Tasks include, but are not limited to:

Minor Construction such as Floodgates & pump flaps, Retaining Walls, timber construction, fencing etc.

Inspection & Maintenance (Repairs) – Flood pumps & floodgates, Sluice gates and lifting gear, Pump Stations, Streams/Drainage, Rivers, Fences, small plant.

Chainsaw/tree felling work.

Vegetation management, including Planting, Releasing, Weed control and spot spraying.

Spraying WRC managed drainage network

Erosion Control/soil stability works.

Emergency/Event response incl Civil Defence roles.

Vast career growth and development opportunities

A range of training provided, including first aid and Agri - chemical handling (growsafe).

Confident swimmer a must.

Health and safety focused.

Good team player.

Physically fit/Able.

Required

Basic computer skills to be able to use I pad, Phone apps, and electronic timesheets.

The role will involve working closely with landowners from time to time, so having good customer service skills is important.

Ability to work outside a standard 40hr week occasionally.

Ideal (but not essential)

Experience around construction, tree felling and chainsaw use.

Experience working around plant and machinery.

Weed spraying, vegetation management.

Mō te tīma | About the team

This role is based within the Waikato Scheme Operations Team based at our Northgate office in Horotiu, completing works and tasks throughout the Waikato, but with majority of works focused around central and northern areas of Hamilton.

This team prides itself on its innovation, responsiveness, can do attitude, and ability to get things done.

We work hard to care for the mighty Waikato, so current and future generations will benefit from a healthy environment, strong economy, and vibrant communities.

Our mahi is as diverse as the region we care for and the people who share it. Our work helps look after our region's water, soil, air, geothermal areas and coasts - so we can all enjoy these precious resources for generations to come.

Customers sit at the heart of everything we do, and all staff have an important role to play in the delivery of exceptional customer service.

By partnering with iwi and working with many others in our communities, our collective kaitiakitanga will make the Waikato region even better. Together, we’ll create a sustainable future that will make a positive difference to people’s lives.

Applications will be reviewed as they come in, and this role will close on Sunday 8 November 2026.