Animal & Plant Biosecurity Officer

10 hours ago

Gisborne Central, New Zealand Gisborne District Council Full time

Mō te tūranga | About the position

If you're passionate about caring for our environment and working closely with our community, this role sits right at the heart of that kaupapa. As an Animal & Plant Biosecurity Officer, you'll help protect Tairāwhiti from invasive pests, support landowners to meet their biosecurity responsibilities, and contribute to a healthier, more resilient region for generations to come.

This is meaningful work you can feel proud of - outdoors, hands-on, community-focused, and deeply connected to our whenua and our people.

Ngā Mahi ngā Takohanga Matua rānei | Duties include:

  • Operational & Field Work - Inspections, monitoring and pest control, safe use of equipment, and supporting education initiatives
  • Advocacy & Engagement - Build strong relationships with landowners and stakeholders, respond to requests, and promote good biosecurity practice
  • Regulatory & Compliance - Apply pest plant regulations, issue Notices of Direction, carry out authorised inspections, and maintain accurate records
  • Reporting & Planning - Provide insights and prepare reports to support policy, planning and ongoing programme improvement

Ngā Pūkenga me Ngā Wheako e Hiahia ana | Skills and experience required:

  • Certification in recognised animal/plant pest examinations (or equivalent experience)
  • Certification for hazardous substance use
  • At least 2 years' experience in animal/pest management
  • Full driver's licence (including motorcycle)
  • Confident with 4WD and off-road motorbike use
  • Strong communication skills and experience working with a diverse range of people
  • Conflict management skills
  • Highly motivated, practical, and reliable
  • Able to connect with rural communities and professional partners

Ngā Huanga | Benefits

  • Work-life balance: Flexible hours to help you manage personal commitments and maintain wellbeing
  • Wellbeing first: Ora Day, Piritahi Day, EAP, flu jabs, health checks & optional access to our Fitness Passport package
  • Whanaungatanga: Waiata group, Te Reo kawhe kōrero, staff events
  • Perks: Modern office, eye exams, Southern Cross discounts, retail perks
  • Growth: A values-led environment where your development is supported
  • Location: Live and work in stunning Gisborne – close to the beach, rivers and bush

He aha ngā painga o te kaunihera | Why work for Gisborne District Council

Gisborne District Council is one of only six unitary authorities in Aotearoa, meaning we deliver both district and regional council mahi. We're committed to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi, weaving te ao Māori into everything we do, and making a real difference for the people and places of Tairāwhiti.

Our mahi is diverse — from looking after roads, water, rubbish and recycling, to protecting our environment, supporting community facilities like pools, parks and libraries, and shaping the region's future through planning and governance. With over 500 staff, we're a team that's passionate about making Tairāwhiti a thriving place to live, work and play.

Me pēhea te tono mai | How to Apply

If this sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you Please submit your application via our careers page: – Job Vacancies.

Advertising will continue over the Christmas/New Year period, with shortlisting to begin from 12 January 2026.

For any questions or further information, email Please note our office will be closed from 23 December and re-open Monday 5 January 2026.

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and the role will be filled once the right candidate is identified.

To view the full job description, please see the job attachments section on the careers page.

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