Biosecurity Officer

Job Type: Permanent | Full Time

Location: Kaikōura or Cheviot

Job Category: Environmental Services

• Deliver Canterbury’s Pest Management Plan as part of a high-performing team
• Have the autonomy to organise your own work schedule
• Enjoy working outdoors in outstanding locations across North Canterbury

Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha │ About Environment Canterbury

As a regional council, we are responsible for managing natural resources including air, soil, water and land. We work in partnership with mana whenua Ngāi Tahu to protect the health of our environment to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for our region.

The region’s evolving environmental and political context means we will continue to be agile and adaptive, as we respond to regulatory and environmental changes.

Our mahi (work) is organised around the delivery of our three core services:

• Environmental Regulation and Protection
• Community Preparedness and Response to Hazards
• Public Transport

Council plays an important role in responding to national legislation and policy changes – this mahi is part of our operating environment and is embedded in our everyday mahi. The current proposals from central government are significant, and Council is working through the opportunities and implications. However, our mahi must continue to deliver our three core services for our partners, communities and te taiao (environment).

Kōrero mō te Tūranga | About the Role

Our Environment Canterbury Northern area extends from the Waimakariri River north to the boundary with Marlborough. Our people work and play within this area, in the mountains and the rivers, and proactively support landowners to improve their environmental management approach across North Canterbury.

As a Biosecurity Officer you’ll be part of a high-performing team while managing your own time and work in the field. A key part of the role is working directly with landowners: educating them on their responsibilities under the Regional Pest Management Plan and carrying out property inspections to ensure compliance.

Your work will include education, surveillance, pest control, investigation, and risk pathway management. You may also have the responsibility for managing your own pest project/s, involving budget tracking, operational planning and delivery, and contractor management.

This role is based in Kaikoura, but we'll also consider candidates who can be based in Cheviot.

For more information on this role, please refer to the job description at the bottom of the advert.

Mōu │ About You

To enjoy this role, you’ll be passionate about the environment and enjoy spending much of your time outdoors. Your work will take you across the region and into the high country and some of Canterbury’s most remote places where you’ll undertake inspections and control of invasive species. A sense of adventure and love for the outdoors is critical!

To Thrive In This Role, You’ll

• Have a high level of physical fitness and hill walking experience
• Be competent in operating computer software systems and following processes
• Have a high degree of interpersonal skills, including confident communication (both written and oral)
• Have the ability to work independently, yet also be a team player
• Have a good work ethic and can-do attitude toward problem-solving
• Represent the Council in line with responsibilities as an authorised person under the Biosecurity Act 1993

Mātau ā-Wheako | Experience

You’ll Have a Full Class 1 Driver’s License, And The Following Are Desirable, However Full Training Will Be Provided

• Knowledge of pests and pest management practices in New Zealand
• Experience in compliance or regulatory work
• GROWSAFE Certified Handler (agrichemical) certificate and/or Controlled Substance License
• Experience in using 2-wheel motorcycles and 4WD vehicles

Ngā hua o te Mahi i te Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha |

Working at Environment Canterbury

Our Mahi Is Underpinned By Our Values

• Kaitiakitanga (stewardship)
• Pononga (integrity)
• Manaakitanga (people first)
• Whanaungatanga (collaboration)
• Māiatanga (can do)

We understand and embrace a diverse workforce; this diversity will enable us to better serve our people, our community, and our greatest taonga, the environment. We value everyone’s contribution, diverse thinking, and skills.

We're on a journey to become a treaty partner of excellence, including incorporating te ao Māori into our work. We offer supportive opportunities to develop capability in this area and encourage our people to use kaupapa Māori, mātauranga Māori, and te reo Māori in our daily work. We welcome you with an open heart & mind, wherever you are on your personal te ao Māori journey.

Ko ētahi atu kōrero | Additional Information

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submitting your CV and cover letter. Applications close on 14 June 2026. Applications will be reviewed as we receive them, and interviews may take place before the close date. We reserve the right to close advertising early.

Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks, and a criminal check. Further background checking will be required when relevant to the role.

We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you're excited about this role but don't meet every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply.

Me mahi tahi tātou - Together we can