Gardener - Hamilton Gardens

These roles sit within the Destination Group which includes the Waikato Museum, Te Kaaroro Nature Precinct, Hamilton Gardens, H3 Venues (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!

To find out more about Hamilton Gardens, click here.

He angituutanga: The opportunity 

Passionate about horticulture and creating stunning green spaces? Join our dedicated team at Hamilton Gardens, one of New Zealand's most beloved horticultural destinations!

This is a unique opportunity to work in our enclosed gardens. 

As a Gardener at Hamilton Gardens, you will have the opportunity to work in a multi globe-award winning venue with breath-taking landscapes and engaging with curious visitors. If you have a genuine love for plants, gardens, and the natural environment, this is the perfect opportunity for you!

What does a day in this job look like?

• Maintain and enhance the beauty of Hamilton Gardens' extensive gardens and landscapes.
• Undertake general horticultural tasks such as planting, pruning, weeding, and mulching.
• Monitor plant health, identify pests and diseases, and implement appropriate solutions.
• Interact with visitors, providing exceptional customer service, and sharing your horticultural knowledge.

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience

• Solid horticultural experience, demonstrating a deep understanding of plant care and maintenance.
• A horticulture qualification, or working towards one would be advantageous, although not essential.
• Excellent customer service skills to answer gardening-related queries and be a friendly face for visitors.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with the team and contribute to a positive work environment.
• Physical fitness and the ability to perform outdoor tasks in various weather conditions.
• Ability to work a weekend roster is required.
• A genuine love for plants, gardens, and the natural environment.
• Has a valid and full NZ Driver’s Licence
• A team player who is receptive to new ideas and enjoys challenges.
• A sense of humour and a positive attitude, especially when dealing with mundane tasks.

Will I be a good fit? What is the Gardening team like?

At Hamilton Gardens, we have a supportive and united team culture, where everyone is a team player, and we celebrate good news and successes together with celebratory shouts and have fun. We value generosity of spirit, open-mindedness, and a positive mindset with a can-do attitude.

Staff are continually updated on best practices in working procedures and the use of machinery and equipment. We embrace a perpetual learning culture that encourages new ideas and technology in the industry. Our staff also have the opportunity to experience different landscapes and plantings through rotation across various gardens, allowing for cross-skilling and development.

Attitude is Everything!

A good sense of humour is important, given the nature of the job and working outdoors in various weather conditions. While qualifications are valuable, we value a positive attitude and eagerness to learn, as we can nurture individuals into great gardeners or ground-staff with the wealth of experience and knowledge within our team.

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

Were keen to secure the right person with a wide range of horticultural skills and are offering between $29.86 - $31.85 per hour.

Ngaa waahi whakarato painga kei a maatou: What we offer 

• 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.

Of course, you’ll work in one of the world’s top awarded garden venue. Your workplace changes with the seasons and enjoy the events that run throughout the year. 

Me Tono Inaaianei!: Apply Now! 

Ready to immerse yourself in the beauty of Hamilton Gardens and let your horticultural talents bloom? Apply today and be a part of our dynamic team!

• View the position description.
• Click apply
• ​Complete your application.

Applications close 18 May 2026

Note: We will be shortlisting as we receive applications.

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.