Biosecurity Officer Plants

We have a dynamic and friendly working environment, access to a wide range of technology, training and support, and the chance to make a real difference to Southland's natural environment.

Beaches, ski fields, 4 out of 10 of NZ Great Walks, national parks, lakes and fiords are all a short journey from Invercargill. Combined with reasonable house prices, short commutes and a relaxed pace of life, it all makes Southland a great place to live and work.

Do you have passion for plants, like working with people and helping them find solutions? We're looking for someone who can help us make a difference throughout the Southland Region by supporting landowners and community groups to implement pest control solutions.

Our dynamic and energetic biosecurity plays a key role in delivering Environment Southland's vision for a thriving Southland. Our pest plants control programmes reach over 2,500 people a year and are spread out across the region; we need your help to maintain these programmes into the future.

Knowledge/Experience:

• Operational, field-based experience of pest plant management of 2 years +.
• A tertiary qualification (certificate/diploma) in an appropriate discipline, e.g. conservation, environmental management, biosecurity, botany, plant ecology or related areas.
• Demonstrated expertise in applied information technology including confidence using digital field tools, databases, GIS systems and Microsoft Office applications...
• Contract management experience is an advantage.
• Field work skills - pest plant and weed control methods including the application of herbicides, systematic data collection, use of 4WD vehicle, Global Positioning Systems, field safety.
• Programme management - planning, budgeting, implementation, monitoring, reporting.
• Full current driver's license (and the ability to drive a 4wd vehicle off road)

Work Programme Delivery:

• Undertake RPMP work programmes for exclusion, eradication, progressive containment, sustained control and site led pest plants.
• Undertake Biosecurity Strategy programmes for organisms of interest (plants).
• Undertake surveillance, monitoring and operational response activities for organisms of interest and emerging pest plant threats
• Undertake field work in a range of terrain, weather and environmental conditions, including remote locations, waterways, hill country and operational sites, while applying safe work practices and sound field judgement.
• Assist with the biocontrol programme.
• Monitor and report work programme progress.
• Provide input into planning and budgets.
• Provide input into Council reports.
• Analyse data to report outcomes to assist with development of the annual Biosecurity report and reviews of the RPMP.
• Manage contractors and temporary staff engaged in programme delivery, with support from the Team Leader as required.
• Contribute to an effective Quality Assurance programme.
• Organise, develop and maintain processes for pest plants programmes.

How to apply

If you are ready for a new adventure, looking for an opportunity to grow your career whilst enjoying all the lifestyle benefits Southland and Environment Southland offers, apply today: https://environmentsouthland.recruitmenthub.co.nz/Vacancies/& enter ref code: 6902279.

Your cover letter will be an important part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key skills required for this role.

An initial offer of remuneration will be made within the range of $82,530. - $87,115.

Applications close: 28 June 2026

Working at Environment Southland requires all of our staff to uphold the council's Te Tiriti o Waitangi responsibilities as part of their day-to-day role. This may include working in partnership with mana whenua and supporting the commitments our elected councillors have made to Ngāi Tahu ki Murihiku through the Charter of Understanding.