Job Description

An exciting opportunity has opened up to hire a Dog Handler/Hunter (Wild Animal Control) straight into our team. We are looking for a mature, self-motivated individual to join our crew based out of Pleasant Point, South Island

What the role involves:

Join Rentokil Rural and tackle large-scale wild animal control across New Zealand’s most remote and rugged landscapes. Working in a tight-knit team, you will utilise up to two dogs (both Indicator and Bailer dogs) to track, detect, and control pest populations including goats, deer, pigs, wallabies, rabbits and possums

This role takes field operations to the next level, you will frequently fly into remote high-country zones via helicopter (FIFO) and utilie cutting-edge thermal imaging technology for both daytime tracking and intensive night work/shooting. While the primary focus is wild animal control South Island-wide (with potential North Island travel in the future), you will also occasionally assist with local animal and plant pest projects around Pleasant Point

Roster & Location:

• The Schedule: This is stay-away work featuring a mix of 5-day weeks and 10-day stints followed by 4 days off. Due to the nature of helicopter fly-in/fly-out operations, flexibility with weather delays and flight schedules is essential
• The Base: Based out of Pleasant Point (2 hours from Christchurch). You will partner up in a small team, utilising a company work vehicle to get you to and from staging areas

Why join Rentokil Rural?

• Additional Weekly Dog Allowance (Once Operational). This can cover things such as dog food, vaccinations, worming, and dog gear
• Gear Provided: All necessary firearms and specialised tech are provided by the company
• Accommodation & Meals: Provided during stay-away work stints across South and North Island

What we’re looking for:

• Dog Ownership/Training: We are completely open to candidates who already have an operational dog, or those who do not currently own one but are ready to source and train a dog within the first 2 months of their hire date. (Assessments and sign-offs will be completed through Rentokil Rural and external client assessors)
• Experience & Maturity: This role requires a high level of maturity, independence, and self-motivation (not suitable for entry-level applicants). You must have recreational or professional hunting experience
• Technical Skills: Experience with day and night shooting including familiarity with thermal imaging technology is highly desirable
• Fitness: High physical fitness to handle steep terrain, heavy gear, and demanding pack-outs alongside your dogs

Desirable but not essential:

• Controlled Substance Licence (CSL) is highly beneficial
• Clean, Full NZ Drivers License
• Current and active NZ Firearms licence is a must
• Prior industry experience with wild animal control

For your Best Friend:

• A current Avian Aversion (Kiwi Safe) Certificate
• Hunting Dog Permit once Kiwi Safe Certificate acquired

Check out our socials to look through the lens of the rural team and discover more! You can find us at rentokilruralenvironmental.co.nz or our Instagram @high_country_contracting

Successful candidates must complete a pre-employment assessment, including medical, reference, and criminal background checks, meeting Rentokil Initial's satisfactory criteria.

Please note that applicants must have the right to live and work permanently or long-term in New Zealand.

About us:

Rentokil Rural & Environmental Services combines experience spanning diverse landscapes, from high-country farms to dense native bush. Whether it’s predator control, ungulate management, or invasive plant control, we deploy innovative, sustainable, and effective pest control strategies to meet the unique needs of our clients.

A key strength of our expertise lies in our end-to-end project management service, where we leverage our experience in successfully managing complex projects of all sizes, customised to fit the specific needs of each landscape.

At Rentokil Rural & Environmental Services, we make a positive mark on New Zealand’s landscapes, understanding ecosystems, committing to sustainable practices, delivering long-term environmental solutions and using effective pest and plant pest management. Every project benefits future generations. From planning to execution and reporting, our work aligns with client goals and makes a real impact on the ground.

We hold strong to our values of Service, Relationships and Teamwork. What truly sets us apart is our people. We are a friendly and supportive team, driven by a passion to help protect people, enhance lives and preserve our planet, every day.