Lead Ranger, Arboretum & Parks Operations

Hamilton City Council; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working policy

Professional development

Wellbeing days

Health insurance through Unimed

Annual health checks and flu vaccine

Annual leave purchase option

Eye test reimbursement

Staff discounts at local businesses

Job summary

Hamilton City Council in New Zealand seeks a skilled grounds maintenance supervisor within its Parks and Recreation team. You will manage arboretum maintenance, planting programmes, and livestock facilities, while leading a small team and coordinating contractors.

The role requires arborist certification or equivalent, extensive grounds work, and competence with tractors, mowers, RTVs, and chainsaws, plus a NZ driver’s licence.

Qualifications

• Arborist qualification Level 4 Arboriculture or equivalent or demonstrated relevant experience in tree maintenance and arboriculture
• Proven skills and experience in arboriculture, horticulture, grounds maintenance, and engaging service providers, contractors
• Experience in animal husbandry and facilities maintenance
• Full valid NZ Driver's Licence
• Competency in operating machinery including tractors, mowers, RTVs, and chainsaws
• Demonstrated ability to oversee and support team members, with capability to manage seasonal priorities and workload planning
• Positive and collaborative attitude and working style
• Good physical fitness

Responsibilities

• Planning and programming maintenance work across the arboretum, determining daily priorities and managing seasonal workload fluctuations
• Managing the annual planting programme by coordinating plant requests received a year in advance, undertaking site preparation, selecting appropriate plant species, and establishing new plantings in accordance with arboretum specifications
• Undertaking routine grounds maintenance tasks including mowing, gardening, weed control, and rubbish bin management
• Conducting basic tree maintenance tasks, including pruning and routine care in accordance with best practice standards
• Managing animal husbandry responsibilities, including monitoring cattle health and welfare, moving cattle, maintaining animal facilities, and ensuring appropriate feeding and care protocols
• Carrying out repairs to trough systems and fencing for cattle to ensure safe and functional animal facilities
• Operating and maintaining machinery and equipment including tractors, mowers, RTVs, and chainsaws in a safe and efficient manner
• Ensuring all plant, equipment, and resources are maintained in a clean, tidy, and operational condition
• Leading and developing team members through clear direction, mentoring, and performance feedback; delegating tasks effectively whilst ensuring accountability and maintaining high standards of work
• Feeding into strategic decisions regarding maintenance priorities, resource allocation, and operational improvements, working collaboratively with senior management to shape maintenance strategy and operational direction
• Engaging with service providers and contractors to support grounds maintenance and facilities management activities
• Maintaining health and safety standards across all maintenance operations

Skills

Arboriculture

Grounds maintenance

Animal husbandry

Team leadership

Driver's Licence

Machinery operation

Education

Arborist qualification (Level 4 Arboriculture) or equivalent

Tools

Tractors

Mowers

RTVs

Chainsaws

Job description

Hamilton City Council in New Zealand seeks a skilled grounds maintenance supervisor within its Parks and Recreation team. You will manage arboretum maintenance, planting programmes, and livestock facilities, while leading a small team and coordinating contractors.

The role requires arborist certification or equivalent, extensive grounds work, and competence with tractors, mowers, RTVs, and chainsaws, plus a NZ driver’s licence.