Field Technician – Pest Control

Work Locations: Canterbury / Mackenzie Country / West Coast

About Us Longridge Contracting NZ Ltd (LRC) specialises in wild animal and plant pest control operations across remote and rural landscapes throughout the South Island. With our head office based in Amberley, North Canterbury, we deliver large-scale pest management programmes that protect native biodiversity, farming operations, and high-country environments. We are a tight-knit, hardworking team with a strong health and safety culture and a passion for protecting New Zealand’s landscapes.

The Role We are seeking motivated and physically fit Field Technicians to join our pest control crews on fixed-term contracts, with the opportunity for ongoing employment. This role is primarily focused on animal pest control, with some integrated plant pest management work.

Animal Pest Control Responsibilities:

• Trapping programmes targeting possums, ferrets, stoats, and other predators
• Rabbit control operations
• Servicing and maintaining trap lines and bait stations
• Laying and recovering toxin bait in accordance with compliance requirements
• Pre- and post-operational monitoring (RTC lines, wax tags, chew cards, trail cameras)
• GPS mapping and accurate field data recording
• Working in steep, alpine, forestry, and remote backcountry environments

Plant Pest Management Responsibilities:

• Spot spraying and control of gorse and broom
• Wilding pine control (cut and stump, drill and fill, or foliar application methods)
• Use of agrichemicals in accordance with label and compliance requirements
• Assisting with integrated pest management programmes across rural properties

The work is physically demanding and often undertaken in isolated areas. A passion for the outdoors and the ability to work in all weather conditions is essential.

Key Attributes

• Physically fit and capable of carrying heavy loads over rough terrain
• Strong work ethic and reliable attendance
• Comfortable working in remote locations and staying away during the week
• Able to work independently and within a small team
• Health and safety focused
• Practical and mechanically minded

Experience in pest animal control or weed control is preferred but not essential — full training will be provided to the right candidate.

Desirable Qualifications

• Current First Aid Certificate
• Controlled Substance License or Approved Handler Certificate — this will set you apart from other applicants
• Growsafe Certificate
• NZQA Unit Standards in 4WD, LUV, Motorcycle, or Chainsaw use
• Experience in possum, rabbit, or wilding pine operations
• Level 3 Rural Pest Operations

Conditions of Employment

• Pre-employment questionnaire and drug & alcohol test required
• Full Class 1 driver’s license essential
• Must be a New Zealand resident or hold a valid NZ work visa
• Willingness to travel and stay away during the week (accommodation and daily meal allowance provided)

What We Offer

• NZQA-accredited training and development
• Competitive hourly rate (based on experience)
• Paid travel and accommodation
• Stay-away allowance
• Opportunity to progress into permanent full-time employment

If you’re keen to work outdoors, be part of a skilled pest control crew, and contribute to protecting New Zealand’s landscapes, we’d love to hear from you. Join us in protecting our land.

How to Apply Please apply with your CV and a brief cover letter (including two referees)