Horticulturist

He angitūtanga: The opportunity
 
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced horticulturist to join the team on a 6-month full-time fixed-term basis. Working as part of a small, dedicated team at the Auckland Botanic Gardens, you'll help deliver and maintain high presentation standards across amenity gardens, landscapes, hardscapes, and associated assets.

This hands-on role offers the chance to make an immediate impact while further developing your horticultural skills in a unique and diverse environment. You'll contribute to the ongoing enhancement of one of Auckland's premier horticultural destinations, helping create inspiring spaces for visitors and the wider community.

Ngā kawenga matua: Key responsibilities

• Maintenance of amenity gardens using a variety of plant and equipment
• Ensure the appropriate plant introductions are made and all plants (where required) are labelled
• Maintain and update records of all data relevant to the gardens regularly
• Liaise with a diverse range of stakeholders including garden visitors, friends, local user groups, Iwi, and commercial users
• Conserve plants relevant to the portfolio in collaboration with DOC, Iwi, and stakeholders
• Maintain turf (including mowing) and assist as required with maintenance of structures & hard landscaped areas

You can find the position description Here

This role has a remuneration range of $66,000 - $72,000 depending on experience and skillset.

Te hiranga o tēnei mahi: Why this role matters

This role offers the opportunity to apply and grow your horticultural skills while helping create and maintain high-quality parks, gardens, and green spaces. Your work will contribute to healthy, attractive environments that support biodiversity, sustainability, and community wellbeing.

He kōrero mōu: About you
 

You will bring proven experience from similar roles within large, complex, and potentially politically influenced organisations, demonstrating your ability to navigate diverse stakeholder needs while delivering high-quality horticultural outcomes.

We’re looking for a passionate horticultural professional who is happy to get their hands dirty no matter the weather, then this is the role for you.

We will be looking for specific experience with the key role requirements:

• Level 3 qualification in Horticulture, Landscape Construction, or a related discipline, or demonstrated equivalent practical experience in the horticulture or landscape construction industry.
• 3 – 5 years of experience in amenity horticulture or landscape construction industry, preferably in Botanic Gardens
• GrowSafe certification
• A current, valid and full driver’s license 
• The ability to think strategically while maintaining a customer-focused approach

 

We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every requirement listed. What matters most is your ability to contribute to a purpose-driven environment where diverse experiences are valued. We know that transferable skills can come from experience gained from outside of work.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

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

Tono Mai: Apply Now!

Application close date: Friday 28th August 2026 

(Please note we are reviewing applications on a rolling basis and may amend the deadline earlier than anticipated - please ensure to keep an eye out on the advert, as we will ensure to update the deadline dates)

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 privacy@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.

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.