About us 

The Horizons region extends over 22,200km2 – from Ruapehu in the north and Horowhenua in the south, to Whanganui in the west and Tararua in the east. Our purpose is to work with and for our community in the use and protection of our environment, managing our precious resources of land, air and water; as well as public transport and a key role in emergency management. At Horizons Regional Council we work to make our region a healthy environment where people are thriving, including our staff.

The role 

Horizons Regional Council is looking for a customer focused enthusiastic Biosecurity Officer-Plants who wants to further their career and make the Horizons region a better place to live, work and play. If you have an extensive pest plant knowledge base and know how best to kill them, have a ‘can do’ attitude and want to tell others about what we do, then you’re right for this Kairanga based role.

You will be out and about on a daily basis implementing programmes in the Horowhenua and lower Manawatū delivering on our Regional Pest Management Plan and other initiatives guided by what our communities and environment need. You will be part of some exciting projects that will require a good understanding of iwi/hapū needs in the district. This work requires a good understanding of people, plant biology, contract management, and the ability to work by yourself. There will be a mix of project work, regular tasks, as well as liaison with both internal and external service providers. The role requires the successful applicant to manage customer expectations, provide technical advice, and as the role is area focussed you will be expected to build strong relationships with landowners and have a positive and friendly attitude.

About you

You will have a tertiary qualification or experience in a relevant environmental or agricultural discipline, hold a current class 1 drivers licence and have exceptional communication, relationship building and time management skills. You will be physically fit and not afraid of getting your hands dirty. To be considered for this role you will be expected to have experience in, or clearly demonstrate a capacity to learn the following key skills:

• Identification of, and an understanding of management techniques for the worst of NZs pest plants. 
• The handling and use of agrichemicals and/or hazardous substances.
• Compliance and enforcement including having those difficult conversations.
• Strong computer skills and accurate management of both activity and spatial information.
• Experience in the use of motorcycles, ATVs, and 4WD vehicles.

Dealing with, landowners, contractors, and people in general is a large part of the role. You will need to be organised with a desire for doing the job right the first time.

Why should you apply?

When you join us, you can look forward to a rewarding career full of opportunities to develop a positive and supportive work environment. We do this through: 

• Positive focus on employee health, wellness and wellbeing. 
• Providing you with your birthday off, and an extra week leave after 2 years of service
• Flexible family friendly work environment
• Ongoing professional and functional development and opportunities across the organisation to grow, specialise or diversify your skills. 
• A supportive and social work environment across the organisation
• And for permanent staff life insurance, discounted healthcare premiums and subsidised eye examinations.

Applications close 5pm Friday 10 February 2023 . 

Horizons are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to ensuring we have a diverse and inclusive workplace so our people reflect the diversity of our region.