Supervisor, Field Operations

Ko wai mātou – About us

At OSPRI, our work is guided by strong values and a clear purpose. We exist to strengthen and protect New Zealand’s livestock industries through excellence in disease management and traceability — supporting farmers, communities and the primary sector to thrive.

Our values shape how we work every day:

• Ārahina e te Aronga | Purpose Led – we stay focused on what matters most and the impact we're here to create
• Whakamana Tangata | Powered by People – we uplift our people, farmers and partners
• Kotahitanga | Stronger Together – we believe meaningful change happens through shared effort
• Ka Tūtuki ā Mātou Mahi | We Deliver – we are committed to delivering enduring results

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the Role

As a Supervisor, Field Operations, you will work closely with third party contractors, farmers, Iwi and landowners to oversee, facilitate and deliver OSPRI’s programmes. As the key contact in the field, you will provide technical and professional expertise to engage with stakeholders and contractors to represent the regional nuances and requirements to ensure effective programme delivery.

More specifically, you will act as the main point of contact for pest control contractors and other parties affected by the delivery of OSPRI’s programmes in the field for ground and aerial operations in the region and across the North Island. While also monitoring and assessing the contractor deliverables and performance in line with their obligations, ensuring health and safety standards are adhered to.

This role reflects OSPRI’s values by being Purpose Led in delivering eradication outcomes, Powered by People through leadership of contractors and stakeholders, Stronger Together through collaboration, and We Deliver by ensuring operational targets are achieved.

What success will look like:

• Overseeing and analysing the implementation of programmes, including contracted operations, in accordance with OSPRI standard operating procedures and health and safety requirements.
• Providing information and advice to enable OSPRI’s programmes to be developed or improved.
• Supporting the Manager, Field Operations with parties affected by the delivery of OSPRI’s programmes in the field – for ground and aerial operations by providing advice and support to key external stakeholders, public and land occupiers.
• Monitoring, quality assuring and assessing the contractor deliverables and performance in line with their contractual obligations.
• Collaborating with the Engagement Partners to support field operations where required.
• Ensuring equipment is maintained and regular maintenance is carried out.
• Promoting Health & Safety in your everyday practice, and it being fundamental in how you operate.

Kōrero mōu - About you

We are seeking a proactive and collaborative professional who thrives on building strong relationships and delivering results. The ideal candidate will bring practical experience in pest management, contractor and vendor management, and project delivery, along with a strong understanding of risk management, health and safety requirements, and hazardous substances legislation.

You will be an innovative problem solver with excellent planning skills, the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines, and confidence working with a diverse range of stakeholders. A relevant qualification in science, agriculture, or equivalent industry experience, strong Microsoft Office skills, and a willingness to travel domestically are essential.

You will bring:

• A proactive can-do attitude and good people skills.
• A collaborative working style.
• Curiosity to look for innovative new ways to deliver business outcomes.
• Ability to build strong working relationships with contractors and key external stakeholders at various levels.
• A tertiary qualification (NZQA Level 4 equivalent) in science or agriculture or equivalent relevant practical experience or relevant practical industry experience.
• Strong planning and project management skills.
• A good understanding of risk management frameworks.
• Knowledge of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 and Health and Safety and Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations.
• Competence in pest management approaches and designs, such as possum population control techniques.
• Knowledge and experience in successful vendor management and ensuring programmes are implemented in accordance to requirements and specifications.
• Confidence working to strict timeframes and managing competing work priorities.
• Proficiency in core Microsoft Office suite - Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook to at least intermediate level of document preparation and data entry.
• Problem solving skills.
• Ability to identify hazards to people, animals and environment and manage risks.
• A current, full, clean driver (motor vehicle) licence and the ability to travel domestically.

In return we offer:

• A purpose-led organisation where values genuinely guide how we work
• A supportive, inclusive and collaborative team environment
• Work that contributes to New Zealand’s biosecurity and farming communities
• Flexible working options
• OSPRI days – paid leave between Christmas and New Year
• Medical Insurance
• Critical Illness, Trauma and Lifecare insurance
• Wellbeing leave and a paid volunteer day
• Study assistance and development opportunities
• The ability to purchase additional annual leave
• Eye care allowance
• Parental/Partner’s leave benefits

Me pēhea te tono – How to apply

Click "Apply for this role" and submit your CV along with a cover letter outlining your experience and how you align with OSPRI's purpose and values.

Applications close at 4:00pm 30 September 2026.

Please note: Eligibility to work in New Zealand is required. This role is subject to a Ministry of Justice criminal history check and pre-employment drug and alcohol testing.

OSPRI supports a workplace of diversity, equity and inclusion where our people feel welcomed, valued and supported to do their best work. If you require any adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.