Qualified Gardener - Parks Landscapes

Hamilton City Council; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

Wellbeing days

Health insurance

Annual health checks

Additional annual leave

Eye tests reimbursement

Local discounts

Job summary

Hamilton City Council’s Parks and Recreation team is seeking a Gardener to carry out routine maintenance of the city’s parks and reserves, following the park maintenance schedule and contract specifications.

You will work as part of a supportive team, enjoy regular outdoor work, and have the chance to expand your horticultural knowledge while keeping weekends free.

Qualifications

• Minimum NZ Certificate in Horticulture Services (Level 3) Amenity or similar.
• At least 2 years' experience with shrubberies and perennial garden maintenance.
• Good attention to detail with sound knowledge of amenity plants.
• Current Full New Zealand Driver Licence.
• Experience in the preparation and application of herbicide for weed control.
• Knowledge and experience of the use and maintenance of general tools, plant and equipment, including RTV and spray equipment.
• Physically fit and able to work independently.
• Understanding of Health and Safety requirements in this industry.

Responsibilities

• Routine maintenance of mixed shrubberies and playground gardens following the scheduled maintenance plan.
• Weed control and general tidying of designated areas.
• Supporting the wider team with scheduled maintenance tasks.

Skills

Physically fit

Independent worker

Health & Safety awareness

Attention to detail

Education

NZ Certificate in Horticulture Services (Level 3) Amenity

Tools

RTV and spray equipment

Job description

This role sits in the Council’s Community Group, which comprises of community focused services such as Hamilton Pool, Parks and Recreation, Hamilton City Libraries and the city’s three main visitor attractions.

The Parks and Recreation team maintain and development of Hamilton’s Park network for our community. Our work ensures Hamilton is beautiful, fun, connected, and meets our community wants and needs, making our city one we’re all proud of.

Job Description

He angituutanga | The opportunity

Reporting to the Park Landscapes Team Leader, as a Gardener your role is to carry out routine maintenance of the Parks and Reserves around the city in accordance with the park maintenance schedule and contract specifications.

In this role you'll follow established maintenance routines, work as part of a supportive team, and enjoy the satisfaction of maintaining our public spaces to a consistent standard. You'll benefit from regular outdoor work and the opportunity to develop your horticultural knowledge. Plus, you get to keep your weekends free!

A typical day can involve:

• Routine maintenance of mixed shrubberies and playground gardens following the scheduled maintenance plan
• Weed control and general tidying of designated areas
• Supporting the wider team with scheduled maintenance tasks

Qualifications

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience

• The minimum of a New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Services (Level 3) Amenity or similar qualification.
• At least two years' experience with shrubberies and perennial garden maintenance.
• Good attention to detail with sound knowledge of amenity plants.
• Current Full New Zealand Driver Licence.
• Experience in the preparation and application of herbicide for weed control.
• Knowledge and experience of the use and maintenance of general tools, plant and equipment, including RTV and spray equipment.
• Physically fit and the ability to work independently.
• An understanding of Health and Safety requirements working in this industry.

Additional Information

He aha te wariu o te utu kaimahi? | What’s the salary?

The role starts at $29.90 per hour but could be negotiated depending on experience and qualifications.

Ngaa waahi whakarato painga kei a maatou| What we offer

You’ll have access to a range of benefits including:

• 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.

Applications close on 13/11/2026

Note:

We will be shortlisting as we receive applications.

Council is committed to honouring the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi through its relationship with Kiingitanga, Waikato Tainui, mana whenua and maataa waka within Hamilton Kirikiriroa.

All candidates will be notified of the outcome on their application via email. Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks and a criminal check. This role is Safety Sensitive so a pre-employment medical including drug and alcohol test will be required. View more information about these checks and our commitment to the Privacy act here by clicking here

It is important to us that we support you throughout our selection process (interview and assessments). If you have any access needs during this process, let us know in advance so we can make sure these are met.

As a council, we believe in creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and belongs. We value inclusiveness (Kotahitanga) – we respect and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents that everyone brings.

This role is being sourced directly. If/where Hamilton City Council requires the support of a recruitment agency, we will seek this support from our panel of selected agencies. Hamilton City Council will not be responsible for, and will not pay, any commissions, fees or other payments related to unsolicited contact.