Customer Services Officer

• Make a direct impact by helping our community every day.
• Enjoy our amazing training programme and get to know every aspect of Council services.
• Build your Customer Service experience in a supportive environment with opportunities for growth

Ko wai mātau | About us

The people at Whakatāne District Council love what we do because we do it for others, and that feels good. We work hard and we know it's important to stop and play too. We're on a learning journey because we know we can always do better, and we know we're better together. Will you come on that journey with us? In return, you'll get access to a range of staff benefits including an extra week's annual leave and free or discounted access to our community facilities. You'll never be more than half an hour away from rivers, lakes, forests, beaches and great walks - most are just on your doorstep. We love this place, and you will too.

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

As a Customer Services Officer, you'll be the first point of contact for our community — providing information, resolving enquiries, processing payments, and supporting requests for service across a wide range of Council activities. You'll also work closely with internal teams to provide efficient administration support that helps us deliver for our community. This role is all about creating positive experiences, building trust, and ensuring every interaction reflects our commitment to excellent service.

What you'll do

• Welcome customers at our service counters and by phone, responding to enquiries, requests, and complaints.
• Process payments, applications, and registrations accurately and efficiently.
• Provide timely administration support to Council departments.
• Ensure high levels of accuracy in recording and managing customer information.
• Maintain a professional, welcoming environment in the Customer Service Centre.
• Support community engagement by respecting cultural protocols and building strong relationships.

Ko wai koe | About you

You'll be an approachable, solution-focused professional who thrives in a busy, people-facing environment. With strong interpersonal and communication skills, you'll have the ability to manage multiple tasks while delivering friendly and efficient service

What you'll bring

• Experience in customer service, call centre, or frontline service roles (local government experience an advantage).
• Confidence with cashiering responsibilities and Microsoft applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and time management.
• Excellent communication skills and a genuine interest in helping others.
• A positive, proactive attitude with the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• A commitment to continuous improvement, teamwork, and living our Council values.

Ngā whaipainga |Our values

• We're always learning and improving - Toitū te Taumata
• We're passionate and proud - Toitū te Mauri Ora
• We work as one team - Toitū te Mahi Tahi
• We put people at the heart of everything we do - Toitū te Tangata
• We care about our environment - Toitū te Taiao

Me pēhea te tono mai | How to apply

If you think you've got what it takes to be one of our go-to Customer Services Officers, send us your CV and cover letter telling us about your customer service experience and what you'll bring to our team.

We're reviewing applications as they come in and will hire as soon as we find the right candidate — so don't delay in submitting yours!

For any further information, please phone [07 306 0500](tel:07 306 0500) to speak with Cassandra Richards, Manager Customer Services.