SCHEME OFFICER

Waikato Regional Council; Paeroa; On-site; NZD 30,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Waikato Regional Council Paeroa are seeking a hands-on Field Operator to assist with river management, flood protection and land drainage for the Waihou Valley and Piako River Schemes. Based in the Paeroa office, you’ll help deliver maintenance and construction tasks, with a focus on safety and community engagement.

The role covers vegetation management, pumps and gates inspections, erosion control, and occasional emergency response.

Qualifications

• Must hold a full NZ driver’s licence.
• Basic computer skills to use iPad and apps.
• Confident swimmer and safety focused.
• Able to work outside a standard 40-hour week when required.

Responsibilities

• Minor construction such as floodgates, pump flaps, retaining walls, timber construction, fencing.
• Inspection and maintenance of flood pumps, gates, sluice gates, pumps and stations, drainage, fences.
• Chainsaw/tree felling work.
• Vegetation management including planting, weed control and spot spraying.
• Spraying drainage networks and erosion control/soil stability works.
• Emergency/event response including Civil Defence responsibilities.

Skills

Physically fit

Team player

Customer service

Safety minded

Tools

Ipad

Timesheets app

Job description

Posted 2 days ago | Apply before November 8, 2026

Description

Mō te tīōus | 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 Hauraki’s Waihou Valley and Piako River Scheme works, based out of our Paeroa 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 including Civil Defence roles.

Vast career growth and development opportunities

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

Confident swimmer is a must.

Health and safety focused.

Good team player.

Physically fit/Able.

Required

Full NZ driver’s licence.

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 from time to time

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 our Hauraki Operations Team at the Paeroa office, completing works and tasks throughout the Waihou Valley & Piako River Schemes.

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 8th November 2026.