Biosecurity Officer - Pest Plants

Mō te tūranga | About the role

• As a Biosecurity Pest Plants Officer, you’ll be on the frontlines of regional pest plant management. 

• You’ll work closely with landowners, community groups, iwi, and other stakeholders to implement the Waikato Regional Pest Management Plan. 

Your work will involve:

• Conducting surveillance and control of pest plant species in the Waikato Regional Pest Management plan (RPMP) across the Coromandel Peninsula through direct control or contract management.

• Providing advice and support to landowners and community groups.

• Monitoring compliance with biosecurity regulations

• Supporting education and awareness initiatives.

• Collaborating with internal teams and external partners to deliver effective biosecurity outcomes.

Mō te tangata | About you

• Knowledgeable in pest plant identification and control methods.

• Experienced in fieldwork and working in rugged outdoor environments.

• A confident communicator who can build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.

• Organised, self-motivated, and capable of working independently.

• Passionate about environmental protection and community engagement.

Mō ngā pūkenga | Qualifications and experience

• A relevant tertiary qualification in biosecurity, ecology, environmental science, or a related field is desirable.

• 5+ years’ relevant experience.

• Full Current NZ driver’s licence.

Mō te tīma | About the team

• Join a passionate and experienced Biosecurity Pest Plants Team working across the Waikato region.

• Help protect the region from the threat of invasive plants.

• Be part of a collaborative, field-focused group.

• We value practical problem-solving, strong community relationships, and a shared commitment to kaitiakitanga.

• Work alongside stakeholders, manage contractors, and control pest plants directly.

• Take pride in the impact made on the ground.

• Receive strong support from regional colleagues.

• Access technical expertise, training, and a team culture that values both independence and teamwork.

Mō mātou | About us

• 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. 

• If you’d like to understand more about what we do please click here The work we do | Waikato Regional Council.

• 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.

Mō te tuku tono | How to apply

• Applications will be reviewed as they come in, and this role will close on Sunday 23 November 2025.

• For a copy of the role description, please click here.

• If you have any questions about the role, please contact [email protected]

• Please click ‘apply’ and include your CV & cover letter as a pdf. 

• Apply now!