Gardener

Rotorua Lakes Council; Rotorua; On-site; NZD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Rotorua Lakes Council is seeking a hands-on Gardener to join the Parks & Open Spaces team in Rotorua. You will care for city public gardens, landscaped areas, and open spaces, carrying out planting, pruning, weeding, mulching, fertilising and pest control.

The role includes seasonal bedding displays, turf care, plant propagation, mowing and edging, and safe herbicide use. A Certificate in Horticulture and valid licence are essential.

Qualifications

• Practical gardening or horticultural experience.
• Certificate in Horticulture or equivalent skills.
• Valid driver’s licence.
• Commitment to health and safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Carry out day-to-day garden maintenance including planting, pruning, weeding, mulching, fertilising, and pest control.
• Support the preparation of seasonal bedding displays and turf care.
• Propagate and prepare plants for internal use and community events.
• Mow, edge, and perform general grounds maintenance.
• Ensure safe and accurate use of herbicides and pesticides per procedures.

Skills

Gardening

Horticulture

Tools & machinery

Education

Certificate in Horticulture

Tools

Horticultural tools

Machinery operation

Job description

We are looking for a Gardener to join our Parks & Open Spaces team. This is a hands‑on role where you will help care for our city’s public gardens, landscaped areas, and open spaces. Your work will directly contribute to creating attractive and enjoyable environments for residents and visitors.

In this role you will carry out day‑to‑day garden maintenance including planting, pruning, weeding, mulching, fertilising, and pest control. You will support the preparation of seasonal bedding displays, assist with turf care, and help with the propagation and preparation of plants for internal use and community events. You will also take part in general grounds maintenance such as mowing and edging, and you will be responsible for the safe and accurate use of herbicides and pesticides in accordance with council procedures.

To be successful, you will bring practical gardening or horticultural experience, ideally supported by a Certificate in Horticulture or equivalent skills. You will be comfortable using horticultural tools and machinery, hold a valid driver’s licence, and be committed to following health and safety procedures at all times. Strong communication skills, reliability, and a positive attitude toward working with the public are essential, along with a willingness to work as part of a supportive and collaborative team.

Rotorua Lakes Council offers a people‑focused environment where you can see the impact of your work every day.

If you enjoy working outdoors, take pride in maintaining beautiful spaces, and want to contribute to the ongoing enhancement of Rotorua’s public areas, we would love to hear from you!