Great frontline team, toxic management - Ecological Restoration Technician Wildlands Employee Review

2.0
1 Sept 2021
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Cruisy work, out in nature all day, doing good for native reserves, cool team mates

Cons

So much red tape and beauracracy that its impossible to work efficiency, management blame everything on the staff but dont like to listen to their suggestions for improvements, their business model is based on prison workers doing the work which is how they began the company. They don't seem to acknowledge that nowadays most of their employees have atleast a bachelor degree and maybe they know a thing or two. Work here is ok if you like to sit around all day waiting for someone above you who has no idea to make a decision. I personally got so bored and frustrated and hopeless that mental health started to suffer. High staff turnover for a reason, it's a good stepping stone if you are fresh out of uni - sort of 'what not to do' scenario. Easy to get work here as they are always looking for staff because they cant hold on to them, so get in and get out! Also eye opening as they are contracted to the council and use A LOT of chems to get the job done quick - don't actually do much for ecology

Explore other reviews about Wildlands

2.0
16 Apr 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

- Good team of passionate ecologists who are committed to what they do - Some of the most interesting ecological consulting projects an ecologist could be involved in in NZ - Good place for early career to get experience before moving elsewhere - Numerous opportunities for promotion due to high turnover.

Cons

- High staff turnover leaves the company constantly scrambling to hire new employees - Work loads are unrealistic. Junior ecologists can expect to work 50 hour weeks. Senior staff regularly work 60+ hour weeks/weekends - The compensation isn't commensurate to the workloads. DOC and the regional councils pay more for far less work. - Training is non existent. Mentorship is minimal due to senior staff being constantly overwhelmed. - Systems are outdated and project controls are virtually nonexistent. Project timelines and budget overruns are very common.

4
5.0
29 Nov 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great staff and great pay

Cons

hard work and poor management

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All