Waste Minimisation Coordinator

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WM New Zealand is seeking a Waste Minimisation Coordinator to support Massey University’s sustainability aims at the Manawatū campus, leading waste minimisation initiatives, delivering education programs, and monitoring performance with university and WM teams. The role is part-time and offers workspaces at WM’s Palmerston North office and the university, requiring strong stakeholder relationships, waste audits, and governance reporting to drive continuous improvement. You’ll need communication, planning and project coordination skills, a current NZ driver’s license, and a relevant qualification in sustainability or waste management. To apply, tailor your CV to show tangible waste reductions, highlight cross-functional collaboration, apply early via the I’m interested button, and confirm eligibility to work in NZ.

Company Description

About us

WM NZ Limited is New Zealand's leading resource recovery, recycling and waste management provider. We’re committed to safeguarding our beautiful environment through sustainable management of our valuable resources. Put simply, sustainability is what we do.

Job Description

About the role

We’re looking for a Waste Minimisation Coordinator to support Massey University’s sustainability ambitions by reducing waste sent to disposal and increasing reuse, recycling and resource recovery across their Manawatū campus.

Working closely with Massey University’s sustainability and operational teams, as well as WM’s sustainability, account management and operational teams, you’ll lead waste minimisation initiatives, deliver education programmes, monitor waste performance and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

This is a varied, people-focused role where you’ll have the opportunity to make a tangible difference to waste reduction and sustainability outcomes across a large university environment.

This part-time role offers workspaces at both WM’s Palmerston North office and the university.

Qualifications

Key Responsibilities

You’ll be the key point of contact for waste minimisation at Massey University’s Manawatū campus, building strong relationships across the university and working collaboratively to improve waste and recycling outcomes.

• Develop and deliver waste minimisation initiatives, education programmes and sustainability activities across campus.
• Monitor waste streams, contamination and collection services, identifying opportunities to improve reuse, recycling and recovery.
• Coordinate waste audits, assessments, reporting and performance updates for university stakeholders and governance groups.
• Work closely with WM’s sustainability and operations teams, cleaning providers and other service partners to resolve issues and maintain high service standards.
• Support waste planning for new sites, projects and events, including coordinating students and volunteers where required.
• Build strong relationships with key university stakeholders and provide advice on waste minimisation and resource recovery opportunities.

About you

You’re passionate about sustainability and enjoy bringing people together to create practical change. You’re confident engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, comfortable presenting to groups, and organised enough to manage multiple projects and priorities.

You’ll bring:

• Strong stakeholder management and consultation skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence at different levels.
• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills, with confidence engaging and presenting to groups.
• Strong planning, organisational and project coordination skills.
• The ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a wider team.
• Strong Microsoft Office and general IT skills.
• A tertiary qualification, diploma or relevant study or currently in the process of obtaining a qualification in sustainability, environmental management, waste management or a related field.
• A current New Zealand driver’s licence.

It would be great if you also have:

• Experience in waste management, resource recovery, sustainability or environmental services.
• Experience delivering education, engagement or behaviour-change programmes.
• Experience coordinating projects or continuous improvement initiatives.

Additional Information

Why You’ll Love Working with Us

This is an opportunity to work at the intersection of sustainability, education and resource recovery, helping Massey University achieve meaningful waste reduction outcomes.

You’ll have the opportunity to lead initiatives, engage with a diverse university community, develop your project and stakeholder management skills, and contribute to WM’s wider circular economy ambitions.

Join a team that values innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement, while helping create a more sustainable future for Aotearoa.

This is more than just a job. It’s your chance to make a tangible difference and set the pace for the future. Join us at WM New Zealand, where innovation meets sustainability.

How to Apply

Don’t delay! Click the “I’m interested” button.

We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible. We begin reviewing applications as we receive them.

WM New Zealand fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We also promote a healthy and safe work environment for all employees.

To ensure a smooth onboarding process, we can only consider applications from candidates who are eligible to work in New Zealand.