Vegetation Control Operator, Invercargill
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Downer New Zealand

Vegetation Control Operator

  • Posted 2w ago
  • On Site
  • Full Time

Invercargill

Job Description

About Us


At Downer we plan, create and sustain. Downer is the leading provider of integrated services in Australia and New Zealand. Through trusted relationships and world leading insight we work closely with our customers to design, build and sustain assets, infrastructure, and facilities.


About the Team


Downer’s Transport & Infrastructure business manages and maintains road networks across Australia and New Zealand, with civil and commercial construction in New Zealand. We are an integrated trans-Tasman team with a leading portfolio of products and services. By sharing our capabilities and insights across our regions we achieve the best technical solutions for our customers’ challenges, and for our communities.


Job Description


The Opportunity


We have an exciting opportunity to join our Transport and Infrastructure business as a Vegetation Control Operator based in Invercargill.


In this role, you will be responsible for managing roadside vegetation and noxious weeds across the Foveaux roading network using agrichemical application techniques that meet contract specifications and environmental requirements. You will operate spray equipment, identify target plant species, select appropriate herbicides, and ensure all spraying activities are completed safely, accurately, and to a high standard.


This is a varied, hands-on position that also includes cyclic maintenance duties such as road inspections, minor repairs, vegetation trimming, aquatic weed control, and responding to emergency events. You'll work independently across the network, maintain plant and equipment, complete operational reporting, and contribute to keeping the region's roads safe and accessible for the community.


Important Skills


To be successful in this role, you will bring:


  • Current Full Class 2 Driver Licence
  • Growsafe Certificate and/or experience in herbicide application
  • Experience operating spray equipment and handling agrichemicals safely
  • Ability to identify vegetation species and select appropriate treatment methods
  • Experience in road maintenance, vegetation management, or a similar outdoor operational environment
  • Strong commitment to health, safety, and environmental best practice
  • Good communication, record-keeping, and reporting skills
  • Ability to work independently, use initiative, and manage daily workloads
  • Experience with chainsaws, hedge trimmers, or vegetation control equipment is advantageous
  • National Certificate in Agrichemical Application (or willingness to obtain) is highly regarded
  • Availability to respond to emergency events and after-hours callouts when required


Why you will enjoy working here


Downer is committed to delivering excellence by ensuring our people have the environment and the means to be successful. We offer you the opportunity to join a supportive team culture while helping maintain essential infrastructure and roadside environments across Southland.


We also offer:


  • Guaranteed minimum 40 hours per week, permanent opportunity
  • Access to ongoing training, development and industry certification opportunities
  • Discounts for healthcare, retail, and banking services
  • A workplace that values safety, wellbeing, diversity and inclusion
  • Free access to Marram health care benefits and employee assistance programmes


How to apply


If this sounds like the opportunity for you, click Apply Now and submit your application online.


The reference number for this role is 736708


For any questions related to this position, please contact HighVolumeRecruitment@downer.co.nz


Downer Group is an employer that acknowledges and embraces the importance of our people's diverse experiences, talents, and cultures. As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from everyone.


Please note: The successful candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test, medical assessment, and reference checks.

Desired Hard Skills

  • Chemical Handling
  • Equipment Operation
  • Plant Identification
  • Road Maintenance
  • Vehicle Driving (Class 2)

Desired Soft Skills

  • Clear Communication
  • Problem-Solving
  • Safety Focus
  • Time Management
  • Work Independence

Benefits & Perks

Culture

  • 🤱 Extended Parental Leave
  • 🔋 Unlimited Annual Leave
  • 🧕 Inclusive Workspace
  • 💯 Employee Mentoring Program
  • 🩺 Health Insurance
  • 🧠 Mental Health Workshops
  • 💚 Counselling Services
  • 💪 Physical Health Workshops
  • 🌿 Wellness Program
  • 📈 Professional Development
  • 🎉 Employee Discounts and Rewards
  • 🎖 Long Service Rewards
  • 📣 Referral Bonuses
  • ⏰ Flexible Work
  • Sick Leave
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Wellbeing Support
View All
  • 🌐 INZ Accredited Employer

Job Schedule

  • Shift Work

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