Gardener/Mower Operator

LiveHire Limited; Matamata; On-site; NZD 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Green by Nature in Matamata is seeking a Gardener/Mower operator for a fixed term of 6 months. You will maintain village gardens, mow lawns, edge turf, and follow detailed plans with safety top of mind.

Strong plant knowledge and plan interpretation help ensure high presentation standards. The role involves operating pedestrian mowers, trimmers, and other grounds equipment while liaising with the Operations Manager and client teams.

Qualifications

• Full, clean driver’s licence (manual preferred).
• Level 3/4 Certificate in Horticulture preferred.
• Solid knowledge of plant species and maintenance needs.
• Ability to interpret and execute detailed gardening plans.
• Strong interpersonal skills and client/community engagement.
• Proactive, results‑driven with commitment to quality.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain beautiful gardens per client plans.
• Mow, edge and finish turf to standard.
• Communicate with managers or clients and report issues.
• Prioritize safety, compliance and quality.
• Assist with general grounds maintenance tasks.
• Work respectfully around residents.

Skills

Gardening

Horticulture

Plant knowledge

Plan interpretation

Interpersonal skills

Safety conscious

Independent work

Education

Horticulture certificate

Tools

Pedestrian mower

Line trimmer

Blower

Hedge trimmer

Hand tools

Job description

At Green by Nature, we’re more than a greenspace maintenance team we’re dedicated to maintaining the natural beauty of the spaces we care for. Since 1992, we’ve grown into an industry leader with over 2000+ team members across New Zealand and Australia, proudly partnering with City and District Councils and numerous other valued private clients. As we continue to grow, we’re excited to welcome a passionate Gardener/ Mower operator to our Matamata Team on a fixed term basis for 6 months.

About The Role

Reporting to the Operations Manager and Team Manager, you’ll play a key role in maintaining the stunning villages we take pride in maintaining. Your responsibilities will include planting, weeding, pruning, blowing, spraying, weed eating, and general vegetation control along with operating a walk behind mower and small plant such as a weed eaters, hedge trimmers etc. Safety and respect for yourself, your team and also your village community members will be a top priority, you’ll ensure all work is carried out to the highest standard

Key Responsibilities:

• Create, and maintain beautiful gardens that meet client expectations. This includes sourcing plants and materials, following garden plans, and implementing best planting practices
• Lawn mowing, edging and finishing work, ensuring turf areas are maintained to the required presentation and service standard
• Communicate regularly with the Operations Manager, Team Manager and/or client, promptly addressing and reporting any garden or planting issues
• Maintain a strong focus on safety, compliance, and quality in all gardening activities
• Assist the site team with general grounds maintenance activities, including garden maintenance, weeding, pruning, green waste removal, tidying and other routine landscape tasks as required.
• Have a respectful and professional approach when working around residents is essential.

About You:

Our ideal candidate has hands‑on experience in gardening and horticulture along with bringing the right skills and attitude.

What we’re looking for:

• A full, clean driver’s licence (manual driving capability is a must)
• Level 3/4 National Certificate in Horticulture would be preferred
• Solid knowledge of plant species and their maintenance needs
• Ability to interpret and execute detailed gardening plans with precision
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage professionally with clients and community members as needed
• A proactive and results‑driven approach, with a commitment to delivering high‑quality work

The role will involve the use of typical grounds maintenance equipment, including pedestrian mowers, line trimmers, blowers, hedge trimmers, hand tools and associated grounds maintenance equipment.

We are looking for someone who is reliable, physically capable, safety conscious and comfortable working independently as well as part of a small site‑based team.

What We Offer:

At Green by Nature, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside professionals, expand your knowledge, and develop your career in horticulture. We offer guaranteed work hours with the ability to increase based on operational demands, a performance‑based salary that is reviewed annually. You’ll also receive a work phone that’s permitted for personal use.

Please note: In line with our Drug & Alcohol Policy, the successful candidate will need to undergo and pass a pre-employment drug test.