SCHEME OFFICER - 1056

Waikato Regional Council; Independence (KS); On-site; USD 31,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

Waikato Regional Council is seeking an Operations team member to support river management, flood protection and land drainage for the Lower Waikato catchment. Based at the Northgate office, you’ll perform construction, maintenance, vegetation management and spraying, with some tree felling and plant handling.

Responsibilities include safety, working with landowners, and occasional non-standard hours. Training will be provided, and a confident swimmer is required.

Qualifications

• Physical fitness to perform field tasks and site duties.
• Ability to work with landowners and provide good customer service.
• Health and safety focused with a proactive approach to risk.
• Basic computer skills for iPad, apps and timesheets.

Responsibilities

• Minor construction tasks (floodgates, pump flaps, walls, fencing).
• Inspection and maintenance of flood pumps, gates and sluice gear.
• Chainsaw/tree felling work and vegetation management.
• Spraying and weed control of drainage networks.
• Erosion control and soil stability works.
• Emergency/event response including Civil Defence roles.
• Work with landowners and occasional non-standard hours.

Skills

Physical fitness

Customer service

Team player

Health and safety

Basic computer skills

Tools

I-Pad

Phone apps

Electronic timesheets

Job description

Posted 6 days ago | Apply before November 8, 2026

Description

Mōmā te t\u016uranga | 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.

Mōmā te ītō | 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.