Grounds & Maintenance Officer - Hamilton Zoo

Hamilton City Council; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Hamilton is seeking a Grounds Maintenance Worker to support day-to-day maintenance of zoo grounds and infrastructure. Ideal candidates will have practical skills, a current driver’s licence, and horticultural knowledge. The position offers a competitive hourly rate of $28.96, flexible working conditions, and various employee benefits, including health insurance. Applications close on 23/10/2025.

Benefits

Flexible working policy

Professional development opportunities

Free health insurance

Wellbeing days

Discounted local business purchases

Qualifications

• Proven ability to work collaboratively, act with integrity, think creatively, and get things done.
• Self-awareness and a commitment to personal and team development.
• A current full New Zealand driver's licence.

Responsibilities

• Support maintenance and development of zoo grounds.
• Assist with maintenance of zoo infrastructure.
• Provide support across other departments.

Skills

Practical skills

Commitment to teamwork

Leadership qualities

General building repair experience

Strong physical fitness

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification (e.g. National Certificate in Horticulture Level 4)

Tools

Chainsaws

Tractors

Power tools

Job description

Overview

This role sits within the Destination Group which includes the Waikato Museum, Te Kaaroro Nature Precinct, Hamilton Gardens, H3 Venues (GLOBOX Arena and Events Centre, Claudelands, FMG Stadium Waikato and Seddon Park). All our functions within the group have a clear role to play in promoting Kirikiriroa Hamilton as a great place to live or visit. Through our work, we strive to ensure the city has a thriving event scene and world-class destinations, bringing economic, cultural and social benefits to our city. We align to one of Council\'s main priorities – a fun city with lots to do.

Role opportunity

Reporting to the Team Leader – Grounds, this hands-on role supports the day-to-day maintenance and development of zoo grounds, including visitor areas, service zones, and animal exhibits. You’ll also help maintain zoo infrastructure such as vehicles, buildings, and fencing, and provide support across other departments including visitor services and animal operations.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day maintenance and development of zoo grounds, visitor areas, service zones, and animal exhibits.
• Assist with maintenance of zoo infrastructure including vehicles, buildings and fencing.
• Provide support across other departments including visitor services and animal operations.

Qualifications and Skills

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience

Skills

• A mix of practical skills, a proactive mindset, and a commitment to teamwork and safety. Ideally, you’ll have:
• Proven ability to work collaboratively, act with integrity, think creatively, and get things done.
• Strong leadership qualities and the ability to support change and growth.
• Self-awareness and a commitment to personal and team development.
• A current full New Zealand driver’s licence.
• Growsafe certification (advantageous but not essential).
• Experience with agrichemical preparation and application.
• Competence in using chainsaws, tractors, and power tools safely.
• Solid horticultural knowledge, including weed control and tree maintenance.
• Ability to operate and maintain tractors and associated machinery (e.g. PTO mowers).
• General building repair experience.
• Basic computer literacy and accurate record-keeping skills.
• Good physical fitness and ability to meet the demands of outdoor work.
• A relevant tertiary qualification (e.g. National Certificate in Horticulture Level 4) is preferred.
• Experience in Amenity Horticulture, chainsaw certification, rope and harness use, or specialist building skills would be a bonus.

Salary and Benefits

The hourly rate for this job is $28.96.

• Flexible by choice; an award-winning flexible working policy.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Two Wellbeing days per year.
• Free health insurance through Unimed including hospital/surgery grade cover and discounted membership rates for family members.
• Free annual health checks and flu vaccination.
• Ability to purchase additional annual leave.
• Eye testing/glasses cost reimbursement.
• Discounted purchases from local businesses; gym memberships, cafes, dentists, hairdressers and many more.

You’ll work in one of the world\'s top awarded garden venues. Your workplace changes with the seasons and you can enjoy the events that run throughout the year.

Application Process

Apply now by viewing the position description, clicking apply, and completing your application. Applications close on 23/10/2025.

Notes

Note: We will be shortlisting as we receive applications. This role is Safety Sensitive and requires a pre-employment medical including drug and alcohol testing. We will provide reasonable accommodations during the selection process if you have access needs. This role is being sourced directly. If/where Hamilton City Council requires support from a recruitment agency, we will seek it from our panel of selected agencies.