Gardener

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

We are looking for a Gardener to join our Open Spaces Operations 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.

This permanent full-time role presents a fantastic opportunity for the right person.

About the role

The role is responsible for general labouring duties within the Urban Gardens/Reserves team. Specifically this role will be undertaking:

• Maintenance and development of gardens, juvenile tree plantings and revegetation areas within the urban & rural streets and reserves of the Rotorua Lakes District.
• Operating small machinery such as hedge trimmers, weed eaters, chainsaws etc
• Handling, mixing and applying agrichemicals
• Assisting with pest plant management as required
• Working within a successful team

About you

You will be a hardworking, energetic individual with a great attitude who takes pride and ownership in their work. You will enjoy working within a small team undertaking a variety of tasks.

You’ll also have the following attributes:

• A genuine interest in gardening
• Plant & weed identification knowledge
• Class 1 Licence (Class 2 preferable)
• Ability to follow directions and work to set schedules, but able to adapt to changing plans
• Physically fit (heavy lifting is involved)
• Ability to tolerate working in various weather conditions
• A cooperative team player, with a willingness to learn
• Be able to read and write and have basic mathematical skills
• WTR endorsements

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.