What if infrastructure wasn't just about buildings and facilities, but about creating the physical foundations for people, communities and the environment to thrive?
At the Learning Environment, we're developing something a little different. Based at Pīwaiwaka Farm, Whanganui, we're cultivating a place where learning, wellbeing and ecological restoration come together. As our vision grows, so does the need for thoughtful, practical and regenerative infrastructure that supports it.
We're looking for an Infrastructure Coordinator to help shape the ongoing development of Pīwaiwaka Farm. Someone who can see the bigger picture, turn ideas into practical projects, and enjoys bringing things to life, whether that's coordinating a significant capital development or rolling up their sleeves to build something useful.
This is a fixed-term role of 24 hours per week, from mid-March 2027 until 30 June 2028, with the possibility to extend.
The Learning Environment is a place-based, community-led organisation cultivating an integrated model for learning, wellbeing, and regeneration. Based at Pīwaiwaka Farm, a 178-acre (72ha) regenerating farm-forest and community hub on the banks of the Whanganui River, our work exists to nurture a different way of learning and relating that is rooted in place, shaped by community, and responsive to the interconnected challenges of our time.
We believe the greatest challenges facing our communities are interconnected, and the solutions must be too. Rather than treating learning, wellbeing and ecology as separate systems, we're weaving them together into an integrated model that strengthens both people and place.
Our work spans three interconnected focus areas:
Hauora (Wellbeing)
Therapeutic services that build resilience, connection, and healing. Services that are grounded in relationship with place and community.
Akoranga (Learning)
Place-based education, youth empowerment, and community capability building. Growing the skills needed to navigate uncertain futures.
Taiao (Ecology)
Ecological restoration, native plant propagation, food sovereignty, and regenerative land stewardship. Restoration that is informed by the aspirations of community and the history of place.
Together, these create opportunities for tamariki, rangatahi, whānau and community to reconnect with whenua, build capability, strengthen wellbeing and actively participate in creating more hopeful and regenerative futures.
Pīwaiwaka Farm is an evolving 72-hectare site with an ambitious vision. From learning and gathering spaces to ecological infrastructure, accommodation, access ways, water systems and practical facilities, the physical environment plays a huge part in enabling everything else we do.
As Infrastructure Coordinator, you'll lead the planning, coordination and delivery of infrastructure and building projects across Pīwaiwaka Farm. You'll take projects from initial ideas and feasibility through to scoping, budgeting, consents, contractor engagement and completion.
A key part of the role is ensuring projects are properly planned, financially responsible and delivered within agreed budgets and timeframes. You'll need a strong understanding of building processes, consents and regulatory requirements, alongside the ability to manage contractors, navigate challenges, monitor costs and keep projects moving. You'll be confident developing project budgets, obtaining and assessing quotes, managing project expenditure and making sound decisions when things don't go to plan.
The role encompasses both significant capital developments and smaller infrastructure upgrades and improvements to existing facilities. You'll work closely with our Operations and Taiao teams to identify development opportunities and ensure our infrastructure continues to evolve alongside the organisation's needs and aspirations.
There is also scope to contribute practically to smaller infrastructure projects where appropriate. If you happen to have a building or trade background and enjoy getting hands-on, that's a real bonus. We have plenty of smaller development projects and improvements around the place that don't necessarily need a contractor, and we'd love to make use of those skills.
This role is for someone who enjoys making things happen. Someone who can move confidently between big-picture planning and the detail of project delivery; who understands that a successful project is not just about getting something built, but about making sure it is well considered, fit for purpose, financially sustainable and delivered to a high standard.
Help shape the ongoing development of a unique 72-hectare farm-forest and community hub.
Lead building and infrastructure projects from initial concept through to consenting, budgeting, construction and completion.
Oversee the development of new infrastructure and upgrades to existing buildings and facilities.
Work across a diverse range of developments, from significant capital projects to smaller practical improvements.
Contribute to a long-term vision for regenerative land use and place-based community development.
Bring your own ideas, practical skills and creativity to the development of the site.
Be part of an organisation exploring alternative futures and putting those ideas into practice.
Enjoys turning ideas and opportunities into practical, well-executed projects.
Can balance big-picture thinking with getting stuck into the detail.
Is confident navigating building processes, consents, compliance requirements and the complexities of construction projects.
Understands the importance of good financial management and takes ownership of project budgets, costs and delivery.
Takes initiative, sees what needs doing and finds ways to make it happen.
Enjoys solving problems and finding practical, creative solutions.
Can work confidently with contractors, suppliers, consultants and a range of stakeholders.
Understands the importance of developing infrastructure that is fit for purpose, financially responsible and responsive to its environment.
Is comfortable working in evolving environments where reflection, experimentation and adaptation are part of everyday practice.
Values relationships before hierarchy and enjoys working collaboratively.
Is motivated by contributing to something bigger than the individual projects themselves.
Demonstrated experience managing building, construction or infrastructure projects from planning through to completion.
Strong understanding of building processes, consents, regulatory requirements and compliance.
Demonstrated ability to develop project scopes and budgets, obtain and assess quotes, manage project expenditure and deliver projects within agreed financial parameters.
Experience coordinating contractors, tradespeople, suppliers or project partners.
Good understanding of construction processes, building requirements and health and safety.
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and exercise sound judgement.
Good communication and relationship-building skills.
Ability to manage project documentation, procurement and reporting.
Experience delivering capital projects from concept through to completion.
Experience with regenerative design, sustainable building or whole-site planning.
Experience with procurement, contract administration and funding applications.
An interest in ecological restoration, regenerative land use and place-based community development.
A values-led team that believes relationships come before hierarchy.
Space to learn, reflect, experiment and grow.
Opportunities to work at the intersection of learning, wellbeing and ecological restoration.
Fresh spray-free produce from our māra kai.
Access to workshops, wānanga and community events.
Flexible ways of working within a supportive team.
The opportunity to contribute to meaningful systems change in Whanganui and beyond.
If you're someone who enjoys making things happen, can see the potential in a place and wants to use your skills to help bring that potential to life, we'd love to hear from you.
Please send a CV and cover letter to Ness Radich at info@learningenvironment.nz.
We look forward to your application!
A place-based community-led organisation cultivating an integrated model for learning, wellbeing, and regeneration.