We're hiring - Operations Manager and Business Officer

The wheels are finally turning for our Trust, and we’re in a position to level up our mahi! We’re looking for two people passionate about the future of the Chatham Islands to join our small team of two staff.

Operations Manager

We’re seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead our ambitious predator control programmes on both Rēkohu/ Wharekauri/ Chatham Island and Rangihaute/ Rangiauria/ Pitt Island.

This is a full-time role (1 FTE, 40 hours a week).

This role will oversee the planning, coordination, and day-to-day management of field operations, ensuring programmes are delivered safely, efficiently, and to a high standard. You will support field teams, manage operational resources and budgets, coordinate logistics, maintain strong relationships with landowners and project partners, and ensure accurate reporting and compliance with health and safety requirements.

We’re looking for someone with:

• experience with landscape-scale predator control and island eradications
• deep knowledge of the Chatham Islands environment and context
• the ability to lead a team of field-based staff on both islands.

Operations Manager Job Description

Location: Chatham Island/Pitt Island/flexible

• Oversee operations for feral cat removal on Pitt Island and possum and feral cat removal across the Northeast Chathams.
• Plan and coordinate field programmes to deliver on project outcomes, including staffing, schedules, site priorities, equipment, and logistics.
• Support field teams to deliver trapping, monitoring, and pest control work safely, efficiently, and to a high standard.
• Manage operational resources, including traps, cameras, bait, transport, accommodation, and field supplies.
• Track progress, review field data, and ensure records and reporting against project outcomes and milestones are accurate and timely.
• Maintain clear communication with supervisors, landowners, contractors, and project partners about priorities, progress, and operational issues.
• Ensure health and safety systems are implemented and followed across all field operations.
• Contribute to long-term biodiversity outcomes and goals by delivering coordinated and effective predator and possum control programmes.
• Manage the project within budget, highlighting any budget risks early and identifying potential solutions.
• Feed into Monthly Reporting and other Board requirements.

Business Officer

We’re after a highly-organised, proactive Business Officer with proven administrative skills.

This is a part-time role (0.3 FTE, 12 hours a week).

This varied role provides administrative, governance, and logistical support to our small Team and our Trust Board, including coordinating Board meetings, maintaining organisational systems and records, managing enquiries, arranging travel and events, and supporting project delivery. You will play a pivotal role in helping our Trust level up from a small organisation, and be instrumental in setting up and maintaining good processes to support smooth operation.

We’re looking for someone with:

• excellent organisational, communication, and prioritisation skills
• broad experience across administration, logistics, and office systems
• proven success working in changing environments
• knowledge or experience working in the environmental sector a bonus.

Business Officer Job Description 

Location: Chatham Island/ flexible

• Board support, including setting up Trust Board meetings and agendas and taking minutes.
• Maintain office systems, including the online filing system and an Annual Calendar with key organisational dates and deadlines.
• Maintain Trust registers and other key organisational documents.
• First point of contact for general enquiries, including emails, phone calls, and reception when an office space is found.
• Provide logistical support, such as booking travel and accommodation, coordinating events, and helping set up meetings.
• Support projects with coordination.
• Provide administrative and logistical support to other team members and key projects.
• Make recommendations for improvements on systems, or new systems that can help the Trust run more effectively.

To apply

To apply for either role, send a brief cover letter and a copy of your CV outlining relevant experience to info@chathamrestorationtrust.org.nz.

You can also email us with any questions you might have about either of these roles.

Applications close on 13 July.

Not the roles for you?

Interested in working for us, but these aren’t the roles for you?

We’ll have some field-based positions coming up on both islands in the near future and will be advertising these in due course.