About Us
At Downer we plan, create and sustain. Downer is the leading provider of integrated services in Australia and New Zealand. Through trusted relationships and world leading insight we work closely with our customers to design, build and sustain assets, infrastructure, and facilities.

About the Team
Downer’s Transport & Infrastructure business manages and maintains road networks across Australia and New Zealand, with civil and commercial construction in New Zealand. We are an integrated trans-Tasman team with a leading portfolio of products and services. By sharing our capabilities and insights across our regions we achieve the best technical solutions for our customers’ challenges, and for our communities.

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

At Downer, we pride ourselves on our commitment to safety, innovation, and excellence in everything we do. Joining our team means becoming part of a company that values its people and supports their growth and development. 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

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 until June 2026. This role will primarily be based in remote back country environments away from home and involve working closely with the Regional Supervisor in planning and organising project delivery.

The Field Operations Leader will 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.

Youwill also be required to:

• Plan, organise, direct and control activities of multiple workgroups
• Organise and lead a team on a day to day basis to ensure all customer and company targets are met
• 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.

Nga pūkenga matua | Important Skills

Ideally, you will 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 also bring along with you :

• Class 1 Full NZ Drivers License
• Computer knowledge with an ability to use MS Office ( Word, Excel, Teams), mapping software and troubleshoot issues with hand held devices such as a GPS
• Previous experience operating a 4 Wheel Driver/ Light Utility Vehicle and/or Motorcycle would be highly regarded
• First Aid Certificate would be desirable
• Flexibility to work away from home for extended periods of time (accommodation and benefits provided )
• High level of fitness
• 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
• Excellent people and time management skills
• Ability to deal and make sound decisions on unexpected events
• A strong focus on Health and Safety

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.


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.

Downer Group is an employer that acknowledges and embraces the importance of our people's diverse experiences, talents, and cultures. As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from everyone.