Parks Maintenance (Mower Operator)

Palmerston North City Council; Palmerston North; On-site; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization in Palmerston North is seeking a reliable Parks Maintenance (Mower Operator) to maintain and develop city parks, sports fields, and reserves. This full-time role offers competitive pay ranging from $29.74 to $35.70 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience, and includes generous benefits like 5 weeks of annual leave and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

5 weeks annual leave

Long service leave

Paid parental leave

Annual flu vaccinations

Onsite café and staff gym

Study leave support

Qualifications

• Current Class 1 driver's license required; Class 2 preferred.
• Knowledge of amenity turf maintenance and procedures.
• Experience with parks maintenance preferred.

Responsibilities

• Mow and maintain grassed areas to meet service standards.
• Operate tractors, mowers, and other equipment safely.
• Carry out litter control duties in parks.

Skills

Amenity turf maintenance knowledge

Machinery care and operation

Physical fitness

Education

Class 1 driver's license

Class 2 driver's license

Growsafe and Approved Handler certification

Tools

Mowers

Tractors

Job description

Overview

Are you passionate about keeping outdoor spaces tidy, green, and welcoming? Palmerston North City Council is looking for a reliable and motivated Parks Maintenance (Mower Operator) to join our City Parks team.

You’ll play an important role in maintaining and developing the city’s parks, sports fields, and reserves, helping to ensure Palmerston North continues to be a great place to live, work, and play. This is a full-time role, 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday; however, this role may involve work outside normal hours (e.g., weekday evenings or weekend work) as required.

Responsibilities

• Mowing, spraying, and weed-eating grassed areas to meet agreed service standards.
• Maintaining and developing new lawn areas.
• Operating and maintaining tractors, mowers, and other plant and equipment safely and efficiently.
• Carrying out litter control duties to help keep our parks and reserves clean and inviting.
• Building strong working relationships with colleagues, contractors, and the public.
• Following all WorkSafe and Council safety protocols to ensure a safe and healthy workplace.

About you

• A current Class 1 driver’s license is essential, and Class 2 preferred.
• Growsafe and Approved Handler certification is preferred.
• Knowledge of amenity turf maintenance and procedures.
• Relevant parks maintenance experience is preferred.
• Knowledge of machinery care and operation, particularly mowers, would be an advantage.
• Good physical fitness, as the role involves frequent manual handling tasks.

About us

Palmerston North (or as we like to call it, Palmy) is a growing, innovative and exciting city. With small city benefits and big city ambition, Palmy has secured its place on the map as a creative and exciting city, with leading innovation and developments. We’re proud to be a city that includes, supports, connects and uses the talents of the whole community in our pursuit to provide a connected and safe community. We’re also a future-focused city who cares about enhancing our natural and built environment. Our future looks bright, it looks vibrant and progressive.

What we offer

• Competitive hourly rate between:
• • Experienced and/or Level 3 qualified $29.74 – $31.30/hr
  • Level 4 qualification $30.35 – $35.70/hr
  • Plus a 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution (where eligible)
• 5 weeks annual leave and a community service day
• Long service leave after qualifying periods
• Paid parental leave benefits
• Supportive work environment that values work-life balance
• Annual flu vaccinations and subsidised health and eye checks
• Onsite café, staff gym and wellness space
• Study leave, professional memberships, and fees support
• The opportunity to make a real difference in the future of a vibrant, growing city

Benefits

• Make a Difference: Contribute to the development of Palmerston North City while enjoying a fulfilling career that positively impacts our community
• Professional Growth: Elevate your career through a range of Learning and Development opportunities at Palmerston North City Council.
• We do more than just pay you a salary—we have awesome benefits to support you including 5 weeks annual leave.

Applications close: 11.00 pm, Wednesday 15 October 2025

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and welcome applications from all those suitably qualified for this position.