• Play a role in caring for Whakatāne District's public spaces
• Great team culture
• Fixed Term, fulltime position - November 2025 to May 2026

Ko wai mātau | About us

The people at Whakatāne District Council love what we do because we do it for others, and that feels good. We work hard and we know it's important to stop and play too. We're on a learning journey because we know we can always do better, and we know we're better together. Will you come on that journey with us? You'll get access to a range of staff benefits including free swimming pool access. You'll never be more than half an hour away from rivers, lakes, forests, beaches, and great walks - most are just on your doorstep. We love this place, and you will too.

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Join our dedicated Open Spaces team based at the Operations Depot, where you'll play a key role in keeping our district clean, safe, and welcoming. This hands-on rostered role involves general labouring duties, including the emptying of street and reserve litter bins and the collection of litter from urban roads and walkways across Whakatāne, Kopeopeo, Tāneatua, Edgecumbe, and Ōhope. You'll also assist with the upkeep of reserves, playgrounds, cemeteries, and sports grounds throughout the district.

In addition to litter collection, you'll support the Open Spaces Gardening team with a variety of tasks such as sports ground renovations, general reserve maintenance, and amenity work. Operating and maintaining trucks, small machinery (including mowers, weed-eaters, and water blasters), and other horticultural equipment is a key part of the role.

Health and safety is a top priority, and you'll be a champion for maintaining a safe and healthy working environment for yourself, your team, and the wider community.

Ko wai koe | About you

You're a hands-on, practical person who takes pride in keeping public spaces clean, safe, and enjoyable for everyone. You're physically fit, reliable, and enjoy working outdoors in all weather conditions. You're a team player who's also comfortable working independently and taking initiative when needed.

You will bring the following skills, experience, and attributes to the role:

• Proven experience operating and maintaining and small machinery.
• Confidence using equipment such as mowers, weed-eaters, water blasters, scrub cutters, and tractors.
• A strong commitment to health and safety practices.
• A willingness to support a wide range of maintenance tasks across the district's open spaces.
• A full, clean driver's license (classes 1 and 2).

This is a safety sensitive and health sensitive role, so the successful candidate will be required to undergo and pass a pre employment health check and drug test.

Ngā whaipainga | Our values

• We're always learning and improving - Toitū te Taumata
• We're passionate and proud - Toitū te Mauri Ora
• We work as one team - Toitū te Mahi Tahi
• We put people at the heart of everything we do - Toitū te Tangata
• We care about our environment - Toitū te Taiao

Me pēhea te tono mai | How to apply

We are keen to recruit for this role quickly, so applications will be reviewed as they are received.

If you would like to discuss this opportunity further, please contact Paul Camburn, Team Leader Open Spaces Operations on 07 306 0500 or apply now via our Careers site.