Field Operator - Animal Pest | West Coast

Recruiting now for 2026 Field Operators! meaningful outdoor work, regular South Island travel, and the opportunity to make a real impact on New Zealand’s native environments

About The Role:

This isn’t your typical 9-to-5, and that’s the best part! Out here, you’re part of a tight crew where your effort counts, your ideas matter, and the impact you make is real. When the week’s done, the mighty West Coast is yours, whether it’s chasing deer, catching waves, or grabbing a flat white with a world-class view.

As a Field Operator, you’ll take on large-scale pest control across some of New Zealand’s most rugged, iconic landscapes, tackling possums, wallabies, and ungulates. You’ll gain hands-on experience, earn industry qualifications, and work alongside people who value grit, reliability, and getting the job done right.

If you’ve got the drive, work ethic, and a love for the outdoors, you’ll fit right in.

Location Details: 

Based on the West Coast, South Island, you’ll get to explore New Zealand’s wildest back country, from coastal plains to remote mountain bush. Expect to be away at times Monday to Friday, with accommodation and meals covered. Occasionally, you may be away longer (up to 10 days), but you’ll be rewarded with incredible experiences and a tight-knit team vibe.

What makes you a great fit:

• High level of physical fitness and the ability to navigate challenging terrain, including mountainous areas and the wet West Coast bush. This role is not for the faint-hearted
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather
• Able to work away from home for the working week
• Able to adhere to and have a strong commitment to health and safety standards
• Positive work attitude and a great work ethic.
• Able to work independently in the field and manage time efficiently

Preferred Qualifications (not mandatory):

• Previous experience or qualifications in pest control or biosecurity work.
• Clean Full or Restricted NZ drivers license 
• ATV, LUV, or 4WD qualifications
• Controlled Substance Licence 
• NZ Firearms Licence
• Chainsaw use NZQA unit standards or related training

What Sets Us Apart:

• Competitive hourly rate
• Shared accommodation and meal allowance while working away
• National career progression opportunities across the rural team 
• Job security with a consistent workload
• On-the-job training and support

Applicants must have the right to live and work in New Zealand and complete pre-employment checks (medical, references, and criminal background) to Rentokil Initial’s standards

About us:

At Rentokil Rural & Environmental Services, we make a positive mark on New Zealand’s landscapes, understanding ecosystems, committing to sustainable practices, delivering long-term environmental solutions and using effective pest and plant pest management. Every project benefits future generations. From planning to execution and reporting, our work aligns with client goals and makes a real impact on the ground.

We hold strong to our values of Service, Relationships and Teamwork. What truly sets us apart is our people. We are a friendly and supportive team, driven by a passion to help protect people, enhance lives and preserve our planet, every day.

Rentokil Rural & Environmental Services combines experience spanning diverse landscapes, from high-country farms to dense native bush. Whether it’s predator control, ungulate management, or invasive plant control, we deploy innovative, sustainable, and effective pest control strategies to meet the unique needs of our clients. 

A key strength of our expertise lies in our end-to-end project management service, where we leverage our experience in successfully managing complex projects of all sizes, customised to fit the specific needs of each landscape.