Pest Management Safety Advisor

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Tama, in partnership with the NZ Transport Agency, is working together on the project that will deliver a new section of SH3 between Uruti and Ahititi to the north of New Plymouth in Taranaki, located entirely within the rōhe of Ngāti Tama. The partnership entity is known as the Mt Messenger Alliance (the Alliance). This new section of SH3 will bypass the existing approximately 7.4km steep, narrow and winding section of highway at Mt Messenger. The name ‘Te Ara o Te Ata’ was gifted to the NZ Transport Agency by Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Tama to seal their partnership agreement.

As a major part of the environmental mitigation associated with the construction of the road, the NZ Transport Agency are required to undertake intensive pest management in perpetuity over 3650 ha of native forest adjacent to the new road. Delivery of the pest management operations has been undertaken by the Alliance since 2022. A Transition Plan has been developed that proposes that the delivery of pest management operations will transition from the Alliance to Ngāti Tama by 2027.

Purpose

To contribute to enabling the conditions for our teams to thrive whilst performing work successfully, without harm to people or the communities and environments in which we work. This will be achieved by ensuring a consistent approach to Safety is maintained, through effective implementation, monitoring and review of Safety activities to continuously improve knowledge management and performance, whilst working collaboratively with all business partners, customers and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

This role is responsible for supporting operational teams with all aspects of Safety, in the assigned geographical area of responsibility, in addition to ensuring compliance with The Alliance Health & Safety Management Plan (HSMP), local capability and specific management systems documents.

Our Ideal Candidate

• A Diploma (or working towards) in H&S, with audit and / or ICAM investigation training.
• At least 2 years’ experience as an HSE practitioner in a high-risk industry (infrastructure, construction, forestry, or similar).
• Working knowledge of statutory provisions and critical risk frameworks.
• Practical experience with audits, corrective actions, risk assessments, injury management and safety reporting systems.
• The ability to positively influence safety culture, mentor operational teams, and build strong relationships with stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills, problem-solving ability, and confidence to take action when safety is at risk.
• Ngāti Tama whakapapa is considered an advantage, as it strengthens iwi leadership, cultural integrity, and connection to whenua in this programme.

A full copy of the position description is available on request.

This role may require working reasonable additional overtime and night shifts to align with operational requirements and to meet the needs of the operations. This is a full-time permanent position, based in North Taranaki, with no less than 60% of the role spent in the field.

This recruitment process is being managed by Trace Consulting. Email Tracey Soffe at to request a copy of the position description. You can then register your interest by submitting a copy of your CV and your cover letter online.

Applications close 18 September.

We are also recruiting for a Pest Management Project Manager for this project. If you know someone who may be interested in this role, please email Tracey Soffe for more information.

Employer questions

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