Cleaning Operator

**Shape tomorrow in Rotorua**: Your career starts here
Ready to make a lasting impact? Te Kaunihera o ngā Roto o Rotorua | Rotorua Lakes Council is your platform for meaningful change. With a team of over 400 staff, we're committed to forging a better tomorrow for the Rotorua community. In the heart of this thriving city, you'll find yourself immersed in natural wonders like geothermal pools and ngāwha | geysers, while enjoying the exhilarating mountain biking scene. Join a council that thrives on collaboration with Te Arawa, our local iwi, and embraces biculturalism at its core. From the Rotorua Lakefront Redevelopment to hosting the world-renowned Crankworx festival, you'll play a vital role in shaping our city's future. Start your journey with us today
Kei ā koe te toki, kei ā koe te kuru, whaoa te anamata You have the chisel, you have the mallet Join us and carve the future today
At Rotorua Lakes Council, we believe in creating spaces where our people and community can thrive. Our Open Spaces Operations team is seeking a dedicated Cleaning Operator to join the team. This role sits at the heart of our mission to keep Rotorua’s public spaces, council facilities, and community assets clean, safe, and welcoming for everyone.
As a Cleaning Operator, you’ll play an important part in maintaining the beauty and functionality of our city. You’ll deliver high-quality cleaning services across the CBD and council-owned buildings—libraries, offices, community centres, and public amenities. You’ll ensure that every space you touch meets the highest standards of hygiene and presentation, while also assisting with grounds and open space maintenance when needed. No two days will be the same—some you’ll be using road sweepers to keep our streets spotless, others you’ll be responding to urgent requests or helping prepare for community events.
This is a role for someone who takes pride in their work and has an eye for detail. You’ll be part of a supportive and motivated team that values reliability, adaptability, and a commitment to safety. Working closely with our Cleaning Services Team Leader, you’ll follow safe work practices, look after your gear, and ensure cleaning chemicals and equipment are used responsibly.
You’ll find yourself interacting with a wide range of people—from local residents and council staff to contractors and community groups—so your communication and customer service skills will make a real difference. Every positive interaction you have reflects the values that define Rotorua Lakes Council: Tatou Tatou - We Together, and Kotahi Tatou - One Community, One Team.
Ideally, you’ll bring experience in cleaning or janitorial roles, a solid understanding of safe chemical use, and a full driver’s license. A certificate in Cleaning Operations or equivalent experience is preferred, and any qualifications in health and safety, first aid, or grounds maintenance would be an advantage.
At Rotorua Lakes Council, PEOPLE FIRST is more than just a value—it’s the way we work. We are respectful, helpful, engaging, inspiring, innovative, and bicultural in all we do. We empower our people, simplify processes, and strive for solutions that make a positive difference in our community.
If you take pride in your work and care about contributing to a cleaner, safer, and more welcoming Rotorua, we’d love to hear from you. Join us and help bring our city’s spaces to life—one clean, bright, and well-loved corner at a time.
Click this link to view the position description for this role
Te Kaunihera o nga Roto o Rotorua (Rotorua Lakes Council) is committed to working in partnership with Te Arawa, our local iwi. We aspire to being a bicultural organisation and we value staff who speak te reo Maori, have an appreciation of Maori values, and a working knowledge of tikanga Maori.