Full-Time Urban Garden Specialist – Open Spaces

Rotorua Lakes Council; Rotorua; Hybrid; NZD 48,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Rotorua Lakes Council is seeking a Gardener for its Open Spaces Operations team in Rotorua. This permanent full-time role focuses on maintaining public gardens, landscaped areas and open spaces to create inviting environments for residents and visitors.

You will perform general labouring duties in urban gardens and reserves, operate small machinery, apply agrichemicals, and support pest plant management as part of a committed team. A Certificate in Horticulture or equivalent is preferred.

Qualifications

• Practical gardening or horticultural experience.
• Plant and weed identification knowledge.
• Licence: Class 1 (Class 2 preferred).
• Ability to follow directions and schedules.
• Physically fit; ability to lift heavy objects.
• Reading, writing and basic maths skills.
• WTR endorsements.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and develop gardens, juvenile trees and revegetation areas in Rotorua Lakes District.
• Operate small machinery such as hedge trimmers, weed eaters and chainsaws.
• Handle, mix and apply agrichemicals.
• Assist with pest plant management as required.
• Work within a cooperative team.

Skills

Plant & weed identification

Class 1 Licence

WTR endorsements

Reading & basic maths

Team player

Education

Certificate in Horticulture

Tools

Horticultural tools & machinery

Job description

Rotorua Lakes Council is seeking a Gardener for its Open Spaces Operations team in Rotorua. This permanent full-time role focuses on maintaining public gardens, landscaped areas and open spaces to create inviting environments for residents and visitors.

You will perform general labouring duties in urban gardens and reserves, operate small machinery, apply agrichemicals, and support pest plant management as part of a committed team. A Certificate in Horticulture or equivalent is preferred.