At the Otago Regional Council (ORC), our goal is to protect and enhance the environment and enable our communities to do the same. So we can deliver on our responsibilities, we're not overstating when we say we have some really big targets to reach. We need the right people, in the right roles, to help us get there. In return, we offer a positive and go-ahead organisational culture, where work/life balance is both respected and valued.

Otago's a pretty special place, covering a vast area - the third largest local government region in New Zealand. Those who call Otago home enjoy access to mountains, coastal lowlands, dramatic rivers and wild beaches. Our environment is part of who we are, and at ORC, we work each day to look after it.

The Opportunity

Our Environmental Implementation team at the Otago Regional Council is on the lookout for a Biosecurity Officer Central Otago to join the team on a permanent, full-time basis, with the option to work in our busy Queenstown or Alexandra office or remotely from the stunning Roxburgh area.

The purpose of the role is to plan and deliver pest management and coordination services that meet Regional Pest Management Plan (RPMP) and Otago Biosecurity Strategy (BS) objectives, and programme criteria. This includes:

• both pest plant and pest animal responses (in named geographic catchments/sub-regions),
• implementing programmes as set out in the RPMP, and
• a variety of behaviour change.

The role has a focus on 'out of office' interactions with members of the public, community groups and government and non-government organisations to achieve biosecurity and biodiversity outcomes for the region.

You will also be required to:

• design pest management solutions including collaborating with key interested parties
• provide land occupier education and awareness around the threats of pests
• lead and carry out inspection and regulatory action.

If you are self-motivated people, able to work independently while also being part of an integrated team, then this is the role for you!

About You

The preferred candidate will have:

• A tertiary qualification in an appropriate discipline such as Conservation, Environmental Management, Biosecurity or relevant experience;
• A current full and clean driver's license with competency driving manual and off road vehicles;
• A minimum of at least three years' work experience in practical, operational pest management work (either pest plant or pest animal - ideally both), or relevant experience
• Proven working experience in practical, operational pest management work;
• Ability to communicate effectively and build working relationships with both individual land occupiers and owners and community based groups;
• Practical knowledge of commonly used pest control methods and the ability both to apply them and to promote them to other users.

A copy of the full position description is attached in the Job Details below.

If you can align your skills and experience to what we've outlined above, we would love to hear from you!

What we offer

We recognise and celebrate diversity within Team ORC, and are committed to providing a work environment that supports inclusion and equal opportunities. We actively encourage applications from anyone who will live our values of kākau māhaki | caring, matatika | trustworthy, pono | open and honest, mahi kātahi | collaborative, noho haepapa | accountable, wairua auaha | creative, alongside us, regardless of their background.

To support our diverse and capable team, we're pleased to offer enhanced benefits such as:

• Flexible work opportunities
• Life Insurance
• Superannuation
• An annual wellbeing programme
• Competitive remuneration packages
• Development opportunities

How to Apply

If you meet the above criteria, we welcome your application including your CV and cover letter outlining why you are the person for this role via the Apply button.

Please note. We don't always work to fixed closing dates and may start considering and interviewing candidates as their applications are received so we encourage you to apply early.

All candidates require the right to work in New Zealand.

Applications close Friday, 19 July 2024

For further information, please contact human.resources@orc.govt.nz