Skilled Labourer

Horizons Regional Council; Marlborough; On-site; NZD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Birthday off

Wellness day

Life insurance for permanent staff

5 weeks leave after 2 years of service

Flexible family-friendly environment

Professional development opportunities

Supportive, social work environment

Job summary

Horizons Regional Council invites applications for a Skilled Labourer to join the River Management Team at the Kairanga Service Centre. You will perform a range of manual tasks, operate light plant and help maintain flood control assets.

The role includes inspecting river and drainage assets across the region, visiting sites you may not normally see, and contributing to community safety from flooding. We offer development opportunities, flexible work options, and a supportive team culture.

Qualifications

• Experience with manual tasks and operation of basic plant/equipment.
• Commitment to safety and good communication skills.
• Willingness to learn and develop in a regional council environment.

Responsibilities

• Carry out manual tasks and operate light plant/equipment.
• Maintain flood control and drainage assets and related structures.
• Assist with inspection of river and drainage assets across the region.

Skills

Manual tasks

Light plant operation

Reliability

Health and safety awareness

Education

Current full Class 1 drivers' licence

Tools

Light plant equipment

Job description

We have an opportunity for a motivated and committed Skilled Labourer to join our River Management Team reporting to the Team Leader Works, based out of our Kairanga Service Centre.

This close-knit team is part of the Catchment Operations Group and this is an opportunity to have involvement in the many and varied projects focussed on keeping people and property safe from flooding via our river and drainage assets, with an organisation that invests in the growth and development of its employees. In this role you will have a diverse and challenging environment to put your practical skills to good use, meaning you will play a key part in keeping our communities safe.

As a Skilled Labourer, you will be responsible for various manual tasks, operation of light plant and equipment, maintenance of flood control and drainage assets, plant and structures. In addition, you will assist with inspection of our river and drainage assets which will involve visiting parts of the region that you might not otherwise get the chance to see.

When you join us, you can look forward to a rewarding career full of opportunities to develop a positive and supportive work environment. We do this through:

• Positive focus on employee health, wellness and wellbeing initiatives across the organisation including your birthday off, wellness day, life insurance for all permanent staff and 5 weeks leave after 2 years of service.
• Flexible family friendly work environment.
• Ongoing professional and functional development and opportunities across the organisation to grow, specialise or diversify your skills.
• Working together for a better environment across our region.
• A supportive and social work environment across the organisation.

About you

We are looking for an experienced labourer who has proven skills in completing a variety of manual tasks, operating equipment and ideally has experience with light plant. To apply for this position, you will:

• Have relevant practical skills and experience related to the role.
• Love the outdoors.
• Enjoy completing physically demanding tasks.
• Be reliable and punctual with good communication skills.
• Be able to work with or without supervision.
• Have knowledge of Health and Safety legislation with a commitment to safety.
• Hold a current full Class 1 drivers' licence.

If you can bring passion and enthusiasm to work then look no further, we have the training and career progression to provide you with a great opportunity!

Don’t have the knowledge and experience that we’ve outlined in the job description? If you’re new to industry, have a positive attitude and you are willing to learn and gain the desired qualifications, then we also want to receive your application, as we’re an organisation that grow our people and support professional development.

About us

The Horizons region extends over 22,200km2 – from Ruapehu in the north and Horowhenua in the south, to Whanganui in the west and Tararua in the east. Our purpose is to work with and for our community in the use and protection of our environment, managing our precious resources of land, air and water; as well as public transport and a key role in emergency management. At Horizons Regional Council we work to make our region a healthy environment where people are thriving, including our staff.

Horizons are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to ensuring we have a diverse and inclusive workplace, so our people reflect the diversity of our region.

Applications close at 5pm on Sunday 27 September 2026.