Field Operations Leader

Come protect NZ's backyard and provide field leadership for our Southern South Island Pest Control teams based in Cromwell!

The purpose of the Field Operational Lead is to assist the Regional Supervisor in the planning and organising of project delivery. They will organise and lead a team on a day-to-day basis, complete all animal and/or plant pest control tasks assigned, and ensure all customer and company targets (safety, quality and productivity) are met.

This role will be the eyes and ears on the ground. The successful candidate will provide leadership and support to the Biosecurity Field Operators, while ensuring company standards and policies are adhered to.

This role is primarily based in remote back country environments and will often be physically challenging. The Field Operational Leader will also be required to be the public face while gaining access permission from Land Occupiers and other interested parties. There will also be several tasks that will require time in the office. A high level of fitness is essential.

The Field Operations Leader will work closely with the Regional Supervisor to influence and drive productivities to maximise output while maintaining respect and trust of the wider team.

Te kōwhiringa | The Opportunity

Downer's Biosecurity Team is an industry leader in the implementation and operation of pest management programmes. Our vision is to maintain a sustainable pest control industry through employing the right people, providing them the right resources and supporting them with ongoing training and development.

We have a great opportunity to combine your love of the outdoors and being paid, by joining our Southern South Island team on a fixed term basis.

This fixed-term position is expected to last until June 2027, with the possibility of extension based on project needs.

A bit about the role

In this exciting role, you will be responsible for leading field teams to deliver animal and plant pest control operations throughout the Southern South Island, ensuring we deliver on our contract requirements.

Being a self-motivated and energetic person is essential as you’ll be expected to lead by example ensuring your teams deliver on their required targets completing trapping, baiting, surveying and monitoring of pest animals, or controlling pest plants such as gorse, broom and other invasive species.

The Field Operations Leader will be required to:

Plan, organise, direct and control activities of multiple workgroups
Liaise with Land Owners and other interested parties to secure access permission
Undertake Audits to a high standard
Complete all relevant site documentation on a daily basis
Monitor operations and clearly report progress to their one-up manager
Deputise for a Supervisor if required.

As you will be spending long periods in the field, you’ll need a focus on safety and risk management. You’ll couple this with the ability to use GPS and handheld recording devices and be able to maintain accurate data records.

As this is a fixed term role prior experience in rural pest operations is essential however training will be provided to the successful applicant whose qualifications may have lapsed.

Nga pūkenga matua | Important Skills

It is essential to have a proven track record and experience in working in a rural environment coupled with speciality experience in either pest plant or pest animal management.

You’ll bring along with you:

People management skills

Ability to deal with and make sound decisions on unexpected events

Demonstrated time management and planning skills

A passion and knowledge of the outdoors

Class 1 Full New Zealand driver’s licence

Computer knowledge with an ability to use MS Office applications (Word, Excel, Teams), mapping software and troubleshoot issues with hand held devices such as a GPS

Experience operating a 4 Wheel Drive, Light Utility Vehicle and/or motorcycle

First aid certificate (beneficial)

A strong focus on health and safety i.e. keeping you and your work mates safe

The ability to work away from home for extended periods of time (accommodation and other benefits will be provided)

A Controlled Substance Licence (CSL), Approved Handler Certificate for relevant substances, and a firearms licence is preferable but not essential, however, you must be able to obtain these licences

An ability to work in a team, train, motivate and lead a diverse team of staff is essential. Having a commitment to health and safety is also vital.


Ko te take ka parekareka e koe ki te mahi ki kōnei | Why you will enjoy working here

Downer is committed to delivering excellence by ensuring our people have the environment and the means to be successful. We offer:

Free access to Marram health care benefits and discounted holiday homes
Safety equipment and clothing provided as part of the role
$500 bonus for current employees who refer a friend to Downer
Internal promotion encouraged, training and development on offer

Have a look at our other great benefits here !

Ko wai mātou | Our Organisation

Want to know more about what it is like to work at Downer? Then head to our People Site here !

Me pēhea ki te tono | How to apply

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, click Apply Now to submit your application!

We are committed to a safe working environment for everyone - all successful applicants will be required to undertake a pre-employment drug test, medical and a Ministry of Justice check prior to starting employment. If you need support with this requirement, please talk to our team.