Northland Regional Council’s role is to care for and protect Te Taitokerau Northland's environment and communities. Does that resonate with you?

Ko te aha ā mātou mahi? / What work do we do?

We work together with tangata whenua and communities to care for the incredible environment and many communities in our rohe, matching our skills and resources with the visions and aspirations of our people. We work to protect and restore healthy waters and our native taonga, through meaningful partnerships with tangata whenua and communities, and to build more resilient and adaptable communities in a changing climate. Here at Te Kaunihera ā rohe o Te Taitokerau | NRC, your mahi makes a real difference to our communities.

Toitū te whenua, toitū te moana, toitū te tangata. If the land is well, if the sea is well, the people will thrive.   

Te āheinga / The opportunity

Are you passionate about protecting native biodiversity and love working outdoors? Join our team of weed warriors helping to deliver the Northland Regional Pest and Marine Pathways Management Plan. You'll enjoy a rewarding mix of hands-on fieldwork, project and contract management, and community engagement—all in Northland’s stunning outdoor environment.

You will plan and deliver pest plant programmes for low-incidence species - out there undertaking surveillance and control work, and managing contracts. Your work will help prevent new pest plant threats from taking hold in Te Tai Tokerau and contribute to the eradication of key species across the region. Your work and expertise will help provide strategic recommendations to guide these pest plant programmes.

You will undertake stakeholder engagement, education, site visits and enforcement where required to ensure compliance with plan rules.

You'll be a visible and trusted source of advice, supporting community-led pest control initiatives and helping raise awareness and pest plant knowledge through field days, school visits, and public events. Whether you're identifying pest plants, assisting with funding applications, or inspiring action in local backyards and reserves, your relationship-building skills will be key to working with iwi and hapū, contractors, landowners, community groups and other agencies.

He kōrero mōu / About you

We are looking for someone who can bring the following skills, knowledge, personal qualities and experience to our diverse team:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Biosecurity, Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry or similar.
• 5 plus years in a role of relevance.
• Strong understanding of weed management principles, methods and weed identification.
• A great communicator that is able to connect and engage individuals, communities and other agencies in opportunities for action on pest plants.
• Adaptable attitude and an ability to learn and carry out a variety of tasks using a range of skills.
• Experience in working with community groups or similar.
• Good computer literacy skills especially Word, Excel and Outlook and experience using GIS tools.
• Current Standard Growsafe Certificate and experience in the handling and use of agrichemicals.

We understand that sometimes the right person doesn't ‘tick all the boxes'. If you feel that you have something to offer, but may not fully meet all the job criteria described, please don’t hesitate to apply, and we’ll consider all your talents.

Ko te aha ngā painga o te mahi kei konei? / What are the benefits of working here?

Just as you care about your community and environment, NRC cares about you and your wellbeing. Our organisation celebrates collective efforts and achievements and recognises every individual for their contributions and dedication to their mahi.

We understand the importance of flexibility, so we’re committed to alternative working arrangements for our staff. We offer a range of flexible work arrangements to suit our people’s varied lifestyles, commitments and cultural needs.

Tono mai / Apply

The mahi we do really makes a difference, so if you are motivated to help nurture our region’s taiao, we are keen to learn more about you. Want to have a kōrero with us first, or just need more information? If so, contact our Biosecurity Manager – Pest Plants, Joanna Barr (Joannab@nrc.govt.nz). To view the job description, visit our careers site where the following link will work: JD: Biosecurity Officer Waipapa

Applications close on 10 January 2026

Please note as our team will be on leave over the Christmas period, any enquiries made after 23 December 2025 will be replied to after 12 January 2026. Interviews for this role are expected to be scheduled towards the end of January. Please note we will not accept email applications.

Applicants for this position should have NZ residency/citizenship, or a valid NZ work visa.