Plans, organises, directs, controls and co-ordinates the educational and administrative aspects of primary, middle or intermediate and secondary schools including physical and human resources. Depending on the specific job, may teach one or more subjects within a prescribed curriculum to school students and promotes students' social, emotional, intellectual and physical development.

Determines educational programmes based on curricula set by educational authorities; implements systems and procedures to monitor school performance and student enrolments; directs administrative and clerical activities concerning student admissions and educational services; prepares school budgets and maintains budgetary controls; promotes the educational program and represents the school in the wider community; supervises the maintenance of school facilities; enforces a disciplinary code to create a safe and conducive environment for students and teachers; organises and implements methods of raising additional funds in conjunction with parent groups; controls selection, training and supervision of staff. If the role includes teaching then the employee presents prescribed curriculum using a range of teaching techniques and materials; develops students' interests, abilities and coordination by way of creative activities; guides discussions and supervises work in class; prepares, administers and marks tests, projects and assignments to evaluate students' progress and recording the results; discusses individual progress and problems with students and parents, and seeks advice from student counsellors and senior teachers; maintains discipline in classrooms and other school areas; participates in staff meetings, educational conferences and workshops; liaises with parent, community and business groups; maintains class and scholastic records; performs extra-curricular tasks such as assisting with sports, school concerts, excursions and special interest programs; supervises student teachers on placement.

• Works indoors in offices, staffrooms, classrooms, and other school facilities.
• Frequently stands and/or walks around the school grounds and when giving presentations to the school or the wider community.
• Occasionally works outdoors when involved in school sports events or other outdoor school related activities.
• Works in adequately heated, ventilated, clean and well maintained workspaces.

• Sedentary to light work with frequent sitting in classrooms or offices.
• Stands and walks occasionally to frequently around the workspace and grounds.
• Occasional lifting, pulling or carrying, bending, squatting or crouching, stretching and twisting are required but this is not a significant component of the job.
• Driving may be required occasionally but is not a significant component of the job.
• Occasional to frequent repetitive hand and finger movements are required when using hand-held objects including pens, telephones and calculators and using a keyboard and mouse.
• Mental skills necessary include a high level of cognitive functioning with communication, interpersonal, organisational, problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, public speaking and decision-making capabilities.

• Either a Diploma of Teaching or a Bachelor of Education (Teaching) or a Bachelor's degree and a Graduate Diploma of Teaching or a four-year conjoint degree such as a BA/BTeach or BSc/BTeach or equivalent tertiary qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).
• Registration with the New Zealand Teachers’ Council is required along with a current Practising Certificate. In some instances, particular experience and/or on-the-job training may be required.

There are opportunities for flexibility of movement.