Ko Wai Mātou | About The Pā
The Pā is inspired by the traditional pā sites of Aotearoa, places that supported protection, planning, nourishment and connection to whenua. At its heart, The Pā exists to restore and protect Papatūānuku. Our mahi focuses on caring for whenua, wai and taonga, while supporting whānau and communities to reconnect with the environments they live in. We believe healthy land and healthy people go hand in hand.
Te Tūranga | The Role
This is a full-time, fixed-term role for 9 months. The Mata Kupenga provides hands-on supervision and leadership of The Pā's field-based mahi. Reporting to the Operations Lead, you'll lead the Ringaringa Waewae (field staff), volunteers and contractors on site. Your job is to make sure work is well planned, safe, delivered to scope and budget, and aligned with our kaupapa. You'll also work closely with our Pou Hāpai (Administrator and Systems Co-ordinator), who manages our systems and processes.
What you'll be doing
Planning and supervising daily field work, and allocating crew, vehicles and equipment across sites
Scoping new work and leading job start-ups with landowners and clients
Tracking progress, carrying out quality checks and signing off completed work
Leading health and safety in the field: JSAs, hazard assessments, toolbox talks and agrichemical management
Running weekly team hui and monthly one-on-ones, and supporting the training and development of field kaimahi
Contributing to the monthly whole-team health and safety hui
Managing the workshop, tools, chemicals and equipment
Keeping accurate field records and preparing monthly reports for the Operations Lead
Ko Wai Koe | Who We're Looking For
We're looking for a trusted, grounded, values-led leader who leads from the front in the field and brings structure to how the mahi is planned and delivered.
You'll need
Proven field experience in environmental restoration, conservation, pest or weed control, forestry, horticulture or similar
Experience supervising or leading field teams, volunteers or contractors
Strong health and safety knowledge and practice
Confidence using phone and tablet apps, email and basic spreadsheets
A full, clean driver's licence
Flexibility to travel and stay overnight when required
It would be great if you also have
Experience working with marae, hapū, iwi, councils and local government
An understanding of tikanga Māori and te ao Māori ways of working
An outdoor first aid certificate, GrowSafe, LUV/ 4WD or chainsaw certification
Knowledge of native plants, weeds and pest species
He Aha Ka Tukua | What The Pā Provides
Work vehicle (travel to and from work only)
Mobile phone and laptop
Work gear
Training
How to apply
Apply through SEEK with your CV and a cover letter. Tell us why this mahi matters to you and about your experience leading field teams.
Applications close Sunday 25 October 2026. We will begin shortlisting and interview prior to this, so please do not wait until applications close to apply.
Applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand and be willing to undergo a police vet.