Gardener

Rotorua Lakes Council; Te Ngae; On-site; NZD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Rotorua Lakes Council is seeking a hands-on Gardener to join Open Spaces Operations in Te Ngae. The role maintains public gardens, landscaped areas and open spaces, using small machinery; handles agrichemicals and pest plant tasks; works with a small team.

You will bring practical gardening or horticultural experience, preferably a Certificate in Horticulture, a Class 1 licence, ability to read, write and do basic math, and WTR endorsements. A positive attitude and safety focus are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in gardening or horticulture preferred.
• Certificate in Horticulture or equivalent skills.
• Class 1 Licence required, Class 2 preferred.
• Ability to follow schedules and adapt to changes.
• Strong safety mindset and reliability.

Responsibilities

• Maintenance and development of gardens and reserves.
• Operate small machinery such as hedge trimmers and weed eaters.
• Handle and apply agrichemicals and pest plant management.
• Work within a collaborative team on open spaces.
• Read plans, follow directions and support public spaces.

Skills

Gardening

Plant ID

Class 1 Licence

Reading & writing

Physical fitness

WTR endorsements

Teamwork

Adaptability

Education

Certificate in Horticulture

Tools

Horticultural tools

Machinery operation

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.