Graduate Programme 2027 - Parks & Community Facilities Graduate

Auckland Council is on the hunt for graduates! If you're in your final year or recently graduated and ready to kick-start your career where your work truly matters, our 2-year rotational Graduate Programme is your chance to get stuck in. 

Join the largest local government organisation in Oceania, serving over 1.7 million people, and gain hands-on experience and the opportunity to help shape the future of Tāmaki Makaurau as a world-class city.

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

Parks and Community Facilities (PCF) is the kaitiaki of Auckland’s parks network, sports grounds, regional reserves and community facilities, ensuring they thrive for current and future generations. The department plans, maintains, renews, and activates these spaces through strategies, programmes, and community partnerships that enhance biodiversity and wellbeing

As a PCF Graduate, you will complete a 2‑year rotation programme spanning multiple teams. You’ll gain hands‑on experience working alongside specialists, park rangers, project managers, planners, ecologists, and community partners. You’ll develop a broad understanding of council operations and be supported into a permanent role at the end of the programme.

Your Rotations

• Parks and Places
  You’ll contribute to open space planning, concept plans and network assessments while supporting local board engagement. This rotation grows your skills in strategic thinking, political engagement and written advice. 
• Regional Arborists & Ecologists
  You’ll support delivery of the Ngahere Programme and ecological work across the region, including field audits, biodiversity research and pest management. This rotation strengthens your ecological knowledge.
• Area Operations
  You’ll learn how parks and facilities are maintained and renewed by supporting asset management, contract oversight and project delivery. Your contribution ensures these spaces remain safe, high-quality and welcoming.
• Te Waka Tai ranga whenua
  You’ll work within Treaty-based co-governance and co-management arrangements, supporting culturally significant sites and partnership mahi with mana whenua. This rotation deepens your understanding of te ao Māori, tikanga, and how local government honours Te Tiriti in operational practice. 
• Volunteering and Programmes
  Support community-led restoration, planting events and connect to nature programmes. This rotation enhances your engagement skills as you work with volunteers, rōpū, kura and community groups 
• Regional Parks
  Work alongside Park Rangers to deliver conservation, recreation and visitor experiences across regional parks. With practical fieldwork, conservation tasks and public engagement.
• Auckland Botanic Gardens
  You’ll support horticulture, education and conservation mahi through plant collection care, nursery work and events. 

Start date of programme, Monday 15th February 2027

He kōrero mōu: About you

You’re someone who cares about people, place and environment. You communicate well, enjoy working with others, and are ready to learn across a wide range of projects and teams. 
We value diverse life experiences and the transferable skills gained from whānau, community, volunteering, sport and cultural roles.

We welcome applications from graduates in the following disciplines: 

• Ecology
• Environmental Science
• Conservation
• Geography
• Sociology
• Sports & Recreation
• Natural Sciences and related areas

You must have:

• A minimum of a relevant Bachelor’s degree 
• Eligibility to work in Aotearoa New Zealand for more than 4 years without sponsorship
• A restricted driver licence by February 2026, and be comfortable driving in Tamaki Makaurau

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

You’ll gain a broad understanding of council operations and receive the support you need to step into a permanent role at the end of the programme. We offer flexibility, wellbeing support, tailored learning opportunities, and a development pathway designed to accelerate your career. You’ll also be part of a supportive graduate cohort throughout your journey.

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. 

How we’ll support you as a candidate

We aim to provide an experience where you feel comfortable, supported, and able to be yourself.

• We value whakapapa, reo, and tikanga as strengths - bring your whole self to mahi.
• If you prefer a virtual interview or would like whānau support included, just let us know during the recruitment process.
• We’ll work with you on any access needs so you can show your best self.

For more information about the graduate programme, please visit our careers page.  

Te Tukanga Tono: Application process

• Online application – CV + a few quick questions
• One-way video interview
• Formal interview with a 2-person panel – in person or virtual
• Pre-employment checks
• Offer – Nau mai ki te whānau!

We will be reviewing and progressing applications as they are received, so get your application in now!  

Together, we can create a Tāmaki Makaurau we can all be proud of. Nau mai, uru mai, your journey starts here.

Me Tono Ināianei!: Apply Now!

Applications close: Sunday, 29 March 2026

Find a copy of the position description here: Parks & Community Facilities Graduate

This role has a remuneration of $65,000

Our employer KiwiSaver contribution is additional to the 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 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.