Team Leader – Kaitiaki o te Ngahere – Nelson

Permanent, Full-time position

Do you have a passion for ecological restoration and enjoy working outdoors in all conditions?

Kaitiaki o te Ngahere (www.kaitiakirestoration.co.nz) specialises in pest plant management and ecological restoration. We are looking for a Team Leader to support our field operations, delivering high-quality, safe, and effective restoration work.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and supervise 2ICs and Team Members to deliver high-quality ecological restoration.
• Ensure safe, efficient fieldwork, following industry best practices and SOPs.
• Assist the Field Supervisor & Ecologist with on-site project tracking.
• Conduct on-the-job training and support team development.
• Accurately record data (GPS, tracking logs, herbicide use, daily diaries).
• Maintain a high standard of health & safety and report hazards/incidents.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with clients and stakeholders.
• Care for and maintain tools, equipment, and vehicles.

Ideal Candidate:

• Tertiary qualification in conservation, ecology, environmental science, or relevant field.
• Proven experience leading teams in ecological restoration or pest plant control.
• Strong communication, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Experience using GPS mapping and field data recording.
• A high level of physical fitness, back-country experience, and passion for working in the bush.
• Flexible to work out of town on week-long away trips.
• Commitment to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Possess GrowSafe Standard & First Aid and other industry certifications.
• Full NZ driver’s license (required).

In return, we can give you an opportunity to do meaningful conservation work with passionate, like-minded individuals and the ability to grow and travel with our company.

If this sounds like you, and you have the relevant outlined experience and are eligible to work in New Zealand, contact Karen (karen@kaitiakirestoration.co.nz) for a copy of the job description and application form. Contact Karen if you would like to discuss anything further prior to applying.

Applications close at midnight on Wednesday, 6 May 2026.

Please note that we will begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertisement at any time once we have finished shortlisting.