Environmental Operator

About us

Waiū Dairy is the only Māori-owned specialty dairy processor in Aotearoa. We are located in Kawerau in the Bay of Plenty, where we turn fresh local milk into high-grade MPC85 and butter for premium markets here and offshore. Our site runs on geothermal energy, our partnership brings together eleven local Māori entities and a long-standing Japanese partner, and our people are at the heart of how we operate.

About the role

The Environmental Operator runs the day-to-day environmental operation at our Kawerau site — the DAF plant and wider wastewater treatment plant, the treatment chemicals, sampling and monitoring, the contractor who applies our treated wastewater to land, and the site grounds. The role reports to the Environmental Manager, has no direct reports, and works closely with the production teams.

This is a hands-on role with a lot of independence and a real responsibility attached to it.

Key responsibilities

• Run the DAF plant and wider wastewater treatment plant through the shift, so treated wastewater meets our resource consent conditions and the plant keeps pace with production

• Plan application to land with the wastewater contractor and farmers, check the work on farm, and keep application records current in Tabula

• Take wastewater and environmental samples to the schedule and dispatch them within holding times

• Keep the site grounds, drains, bunds and stormwater systems in good order

About you

You are practical and organised, you work well on your own, and you bring strong cultural and ethical values to the job. Experience in wastewater treatment, dairy, food manufacturing, farming or rural contracting is useful, but we will train the right person.

We are looking for:

• A full New Zealand driver licence (Class 1) and a forklift licence
• Practical hands-on work experience and the willingness to learn plant operation and safe chemical handling
• Excellent attention to detail and accurate record keeping
• The ability to work unsupervised, prioritise your day and make a sound call under pressure
• Physical fitness for outdoor work in all weather, and reliable attendance on a rotating roster

What we offer

• Full training on the plant, safe chemical handling and our systems

• A 4-on / 4-off roster, with real blocks of time off

• Competitive remuneration

• Variety — the plant, the land application, the sampling and the site, rather than one station on a line

• A modern, well-equipped plant, a workplace grounded in tikanga and whānau values, and one of New Zealand's best regions on the doorstep

How to apply

If this sounds like you, please apply online. You must currently be in New Zealand and have the legal right to work here.

Applications close 25 September 2026.

Please note that all applications are reviewed but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.