Biosecurity Team Leader

Mō te tūranga | About the position 

Gisborne District Council is looking for a Biosecurity Team Leader to provide expert leadership and direction to our Biosecurity team. In this role, you’ll ensure the effective delivery of the Regional Pest Management Plan, manage projects, engage with landowners, the rural sector, and community groups, and contribute to regional and national biosecurity initiatives. You’ll also mentor and develop your team while driving innovation, efficiency, and best practice across all operations.

You’ll manage regulatory compliance, monitor and respond to biosecurity threats, and ensure high-quality environmental data supports decision-making. This role requires strong leadership, excellent communication skills, and the ability to build collaborative relationships across Council, stakeholders, and the wider community.

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

• Tertiary qualification in Ecology, Environmental Science, Conservation Management, or equivalent experience
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in pest animal and plant management, including team leadership
• Proven skills in compliance, monitoring, and enforcement under biosecurity legislation
• Strong knowledge of biosecurity risks, pest control methods, and monitoring protocols
• Ability to build high-performing teams, train and mentor staff, and manage work programmes
• Advanced interpersonal, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Practical proficiency in GIS, data capture, analysis, and reporting
• Full driver’s licence, 4WD and off-road motorbike skills, firearms and hazardous substances certification

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: 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: www.gdc.govt.nz/council/careers – Job Vacancies.

For any questions or further information, email recruitment@gdc.govt.nz.

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.