Summer Gardener

Auckland Council; Auckland; On-site; NZD 39,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Kiwisaver contributions

Job summary

Auckland Botanic Gardens is seeking 2x Summer Gardeners for a 12-week fixed term. These roles are full-time, Monday to Friday, with a 40-hour week, paying $29.90 per hour. The position runs from late November 2026 to late February 2027 and involves outdoor work with plants and engaging with visitors.

You will join a dedicated horticultural team, contributing to the care of our plant collections and public garden operations, while learning from experienced staff.

Qualifications

• Basic practical horticulture skills are desirable.
• Confident communication with a diverse range of visitors is valued.
• Positive, can-do attitude and reliability are important.
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather and perform varied tasks.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and present plant collections and amenity gardens to high standards.
• Assist with seasonal horticultural tasks such as pruning, weeding and watering.
• Support nursery operations, plant trials, visitor services and botanical services.
• Learn about plant cultivation, garden design, conservation and horticultural science.

Skills

Horticulture basics

Public engagement

Physical work

NZ Driver's Licence

Education

Horticulture studies

Tools

Small machinery

Job description

Auckland Botanic Gardens are seeking 2x Summer Gardeners to join the horticultural and curatorial team’s for a 12 week fixed term. These positions workMonday - Friday, and a passion for working outside with plants and engaging with people are key. The fixed term duration is late November 2026 till late February 2027.

This is a fixed term and full-time position with 40 hours per week, paying $29.90 per hour.

This is a fantastic opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals, contribute to the care of our stunning plant collections, and learn more about public garden operations. You’ll be part of a dedicated team that keeps the gardens thriving and beautiful for thousands of visitors each week.

Day-to-day you could expect to:

• Maintain and presentplant collections and amenity gardensto high standards alongside Botanic Gardens staff
• Assist withseasonal horticultural taskssuch as pruning, weeding, watering, and general maintenance tasks.
• Support with Botanic Gardens nursery operations, plant trials, visitor services, andbotanical services
• Learn aboutplant cultivation, and howgarden design, conservation, andhorticultural scienceintersect with the work we do
• Help ensure the gardens are welcoming and engaging for all visitors

If you're currently studying or have studiedhorticulture, or simply have a strong interest inplants, nature, and the outdoors, we want to hear from you!

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has basicpractical horticulture skills, a passion for plants, and a thirst for learning
• Communicates confidently with adiverse range of visitors
• Brings apositive, can-do attitudeto the team
• Is comfortable in aphysical role, enjoys working outdoors in all weather, and is willing to take on a variety of tasks
• Has experience withhorticulture or small machinery(advantageous but not essential – training provided)
• Holds aclean and full NZ driver’s licence(preferred)

At Auckland Council, you will join a dynamic, supportive environment where your mahi (work) will directly impact the lives of over 1.8 million Aucklanders. We offer flexible working conditions, a focus on well-being, and a culture of continuous improvement.

We are proud to be recognised for our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We are accredited by GenderTick, a signatory of the Pride Pledge. These commitments reflect our ongoing efforts to create a workplace where all staff feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.

Together, we can create a Tāmaki Makaurau we can all be proud of. As part of our organisation, please view a range of our: benefits

Our employer Kiwisaver contribution is additional to base salary offered.

This role is deemed safety sensitive and in line with Auckland Council policy, you will be required to complete pre-employment drug and alcohol testing.

Auckland Council is committed to the protection and wellbeing of children. This role is classified as a Children's Worker role under the Vulnerable Children Act 2014. As such applicants will be required to undergo police vetting prior to commencing employment. Appointment will be subject to a satisfactory police check.

Auckland Council is committed to protecting your privacy in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020. We collect personal information directly from you and, where relevant for the purpose of assessing you for employment, and employing you as part of the transport reform process, from third parties such as referees, previous employers (including Auckland Transport) recruitment agencies, and background checking providers.

By applying for this role, you consent to Council obtaining a reference from your current employer, including information about any active conduct investigations and current performance management processes, if you are the preferred candidate. Reference checks will only be undertaken at the preferred candidate stage. Any non-active performance or conduct matters may also be discussed with referees as part of the reference checking process.

If you do not consent to this information being provided, Council may be unable to properly assess your application and your application will not progress further. If you wish to withhold your consent, or to access or correct your personal information, please contact the Privacy Officer at [e-mail].

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.

Employees in receipt of salary protection and/or on the predecessor Council terms and conditions of employment, please note that the salary protection and/or predecessor Council terms and conditions, including relocation, apply to your current position. Should you change to a new position (other than any secondment) you will be issued with a new employment letter of offer with current Auckland Council terms and conditions.