Careers
Join the Team
At Southland Kindergartens Association, tamariki and their whānau are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to forming supportive and respectful relationships with each family, recognising the unique strengths and needs of every child. Our approach is centred around creating a warm and inclusive environment where tamariki feel safe, valued, and supported to learn at their own pace.
Why work for SKA?
Being part of our SKA means you would be part of a community focussed organisation and actively involved in contributing to the well-being and development of our local tamariki. You will be supporting equitable access to quality education, fostering a strong sense of community and belonging.
We recognise the importance of growth through professional learning opportunities being supported on a regular basis. For our Kaiako this is further supported by way of the Kindergarten Teachers Collective Agreement, which can be found here.
With 24 locations throughout Southland we have many internal opportunities for change our support our staff to grow and evolve.
Our operational roles play a crucial part in delivering an excellent ECE service to our community and we have a strong focus on ensuring our staff are supported to carry these roles the best we can.
We welcome your enquiry to become part of our team and help us support our Southland Community.
Job Vacancies
We have the following vacancies available.
We have an exciting opportunity to join our team at Southland Kindergarten Association as a Community Lead!
We are seeking a passionate and proactive person to help build strong, meaningful connections between our kindergartens, whānau, and the wider Southland community. This role is key to supporting our vision of delivering high-quality, inclusive early childhood education that reflects the needs and aspirations of our tamariki, whānau, and communities.
As Community Lead, you’ll work closely with both internal teams and external stakeholders to:
- Develop and lead initiatives that enhance whānau engagement.
- Support and grow strategic partnerships.
- Strengthen the Association’s profile and contribution across the region.
This is role is a 0.75FTE position (30 hours per week), based at our Victoria Avenue office in Invercargill, reporting directly to the General Manager.
Ideally you will have:
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
- Knowledge and understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and culturally responsive practice
- Experience working in community development, education, social services or a related field
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
- Experience working with diverse communities, including Māori and Pasifika whānau
- Proficiency in Te Reo Māori or willingness to develop this
- The ability to pass a police check
- A full clean driver’s license.
If you’re someone who thrives on building relationships, enjoys working collaboratively, and wants to make a real difference for children and their families, we’d love to hear from you.
To apply please forward your CV and cover letter to jobs@ska.co.nz
Applications close Friday 1 August 2025
Please note that as we are not an accredited employer, we cannot accept overseas applications.
Are you a hands-on, enthusiastic individual who enjoys practical work and being outdoors? We’re looking for a motivated team member to join our maintenance and gardening team supporting our kindergarten environments.
This is a fantastic opportunity to grow your skillset, work in a supportive team, and make a real difference in creating safe and welcoming spaces for tamariki.
What we’re looking for:
- A positive attitude and willingness to learn
- Ability to follow instructions and complete tasks efficiently
- Initiative and problem solving skills
- Awareness of health and safety practices, especially around children
- Physically fit and comfortable with hands-on work, including using tools and working at heights.
Requirements
- A current drivers license
- Ability to pass a policing vetting check
If you are keen to develop new skills, enjoy variety in your day, and want to contribute within a great team – we’d love to hear from you!
Apply now and help us keep our kindergarten spaces safe, tidy and thriving!
To apply, email your cover letter and CV to jobs@ska.co.nz
Applications close Monday 21 July however we may commence interviews prior to this date.
Please, no applications from overseas as we cannot support sponsorship and cannot respond to these.
We have a permanent 0.5 FTE role available at Northern Southland Kindergarten to assist with covering lunches.
- 20 hours per week including 5 non-contact hours
To apply you need:
- NZ recognised ECE qualification
- Fully registered with NZ Teaching Council
- Current first aid certificate
If you are interested, send your CV and cover letter to jobs@ska.co.nz
Applications close Monday 14 July 2025. However interviews may commence before this date if suitable applications are received.
Please, no applications from overseas as we cannot support sponsorship and cannot respond to these.
We have a 0.5FTE lunch cover role available in Invercargill.
- 20 hours per week including 5 non-contact hours
Note: We will allocate a kindergarten once we have a preferred candidate/s.
To apply you need:
- NZ recognised ECE qualification
- Fully registered with NZ Teaching Council
- Current first aid certificate
If you are interested, send your CV and cover letter to jobs@ska.co.nz
Applications close Monday 14 July 2025. However interviews may commence before this date if suitable applications are received.
Please, no applications from overseas as we cannot support sponsorship and cannot respond to these.
- Northern Southland
- All areas
We have opportunities for relievers – it might suit you to have flexibility to pick the shifts that work for you, rather than joining us on a permanent basis.
We are always on the lookout for:
- Qualified Relievers
If you’re interested, send your CV and cover letter to jobs@ska.co.nz
Want to know more? Phone us on (03) 2140 237 or complete the contact form below.
Relievers
We have opportunities for relievers too – it might suit you to have flexibility to pick the shifts that work for you, rather than joining us on a permanent basis.
We are always on the lookout for:
- Qualified Relievers
- Kindergarten Support – Untrained
If you’re interested, send your CV and cover letter to hr@ska.co.nz
Want to know more? Phone us on (03) 2140 237 or complete the contact form below.