Grounds & Maintenance Officer - Hamilton Zoo

This role sits within the Destination Group which includes the Waikato Museum, Te Kaaroro Nature Precinct, Hamilton Gardens, H3 Venues (GLOBOX Arena and Events Centre, 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!

He angituutanga: The opportunity 

Reporting to the Team Leader – Grounds, this hands-on role supports the day to day maintenance and development of zoo grounds, including visitor areas, service zones, and animal exhibits. You’ll also help maintain zoo infrastructure such as vehicles, buildings, and fencing, and provide support across other departments including visitor services and animal operations.

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience

We’re looking for someone who brings a mix of practical skills, a proactive mindset, and a commitment to teamwork and safety. Ideally, you’ll have:

• A proven ability to work collaboratively, act with integrity, think creatively, and get things done.
• Strong leadership qualities and the ability to support change and growth.
• Self-awareness and a commitment to personal and team development.
• A current full New Zealand driver’s licence.
• Growsafe certification (advantageous but not essential).
• Experience with agrichemical preparation and application.
• Competence in using chainsaws, tractors, and power tools safely.
• Solid horticultural knowledge, including weed control and tree maintenance.
• Ability to operate and maintain tractors and associated machinery (e.g. PTO mowers).
• General building repair experience.
• Basic computer literacy and accurate record-keeping skills.
• Good physical fitness and ability to meet the demands of outdoor work.
• A relevant tertiary qualification (e.g. National Certificate in Horticulture Level 4) is preferred.
• Experience in Amenity Horticulture, chainsaw certification, rope and harness use, or specialist building skills would be a bonus.

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

The hourly rate for this job is $28.96.

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.

Me Tono Inaaianei!: Apply Now! 

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

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.