Qualified Gardener - Parks Landscapes

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.

He angituutanga| The opportunity 

Reporting to the Park Landscapes Team Leader, as a Qualified Gardener your role is to assist with maintaining the Parks and Reserves around the city to the relevant contract specifications.

In this role you get to unleash your inner plant nerd, your energy and enthusiasm for learning will be encouraged, you’ll get the routine you enjoy along with the opportunity to problem solve and the satisfaction of a hard day’s work outside, adding to your already great physical fitness. Also, you get to keep your weekends free!

A typical day can involve:

• Daily maintenance of mixed shrubberies including playgrounds
• Spraying herbicide, fungicide, and insecticide
• Assist the wider team at times

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 a good knowledge of amenity plants.
• Current Full New Zealand Driver Licence.
• Experience in the preparation and application of agrichemicals.
• Knowledge and experience of the use and maintenance of general tools, plant and equipment. including RTV and spray equipment.
• Good understanding and experience to identify and control plant pests and diseases.
• Physically fit and the ability to work independently.
• An understanding of Health and Safety requirements working in this industry.
• Good knowledge of amenity plants.

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

The role starts at $28.95 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.

Me Tono Inaaianei!: Apply Now!

• View the Position Description
• Click apply
• ​Complete your application.

Applications close on 17/02/2026.

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.