Ecological Restoration Team Leader – Kawakawa Environmental – Kapiti Coast

Type: Permanent (Fixed-term and ongoing opportunities available)
Salary: Dependent on experience
Start date: Immediate start available

Are you passionate about restoring Aotearoa’s natural environments and ready to lead a team making a real difference on the ground? Kawakawa Environmental is looking for an experienced Ecological Restoration Team Leader to join our Kapiti Coast–based team.

This is a full-time, permanent role leading small field teams delivering ecological restoration work across the Wellington and Manawatū regions, with occasional work further afield. Our sites are diverse, ranging from intact native forest to new restoration projects on farmland and everything in between.

About Kawakawa Environmental

We work on a wide range of restoration projects across diverse landscapes, delivering practical conservation outcomes and supporting communities to restore their natural environments.

The Role

You’ll lead a team carrying out ecological restoration activities including:

• Monitoring native flora and fauna
• Pest plant and pest animal surveillance and control
• Restoration planting and site maintenance.

You’ll mentor and train staff, maintain accurate reporting and records, and promote a strong health and safety culture. Leading by example in the field, you’ll help foster a positive and supportive team environment.

The role also involves engaging with community groups, government organisations, Iwi, the public, and other stakeholders, so professionalism and clear communication are important.

Fieldwork can involve 8–10 hour days in challenging terrain and all weather conditions. Some projects may include backcountry work with short stays in remote locations. Staff may also be required to apply herbicides and vertebrate toxic agents, with training provided where needed.

Essential Skills and Qualities

• At least two years’ experience in ecological restoration or conservation
• Passion for working outdoors and achieving positive restoration outcomes in Aotearoa
• Strong leadership skills and experience leading teams
• Excellent professional communication skills
• Strong work ethic with a commitment to health and safety
• Self-motivated, reliable team player
• Good identification skills for native and invasive plant and animal species
• Good level of physical fitness (experience tramping, hunting or similar is beneficial)
• Full NZ driver’s licence.

Advantageous Skills

• Experience with GIS software
• Ability to use GPS, compass, and navigation tools
• Experience with data recording and computer-based reporting.

Preferred Qualifications

The ideal applicant will hold relevant NZQA qualifications, including:

• Growsafe (Basic or Standard)
• Outdoor First Aid
• Chainsaw
• Scrub Bar
• 4WD
• LUV.

Apply Now

If you’re ready to get stuck in and make a real impact in the field of ecological restoration, we’d love to hear from you.

Please send your CV and a brief cover letter to Info@kawakawaenviro.co.nz.

Applications will be assessed as they’re received, and the position may be filled early – so get in touch soon!