Waterways & Drainage Field Operator

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

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.