Horticultural Apprentice

• Three years fixed-term full time apprenticeship
• Based at the Auckland Botanic Gardens
• Achieve level 3 and level 4 New Zealand Certificates in Horticultural Services (Amenity)

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

Auckland Council’s Botanic Gardens team has an opportunity for a Horticultural Apprentice to join the team. This is a critical role within the Council, offering an exciting opportunity to learn from a team of expert horticulturists. 

You will gain hands-on experience in the theory, science, and practice of horticulture, while earning recognized industry qualifications that will pave the way for your horticultural career. Upon completing the three-year program, you will be a qualified horticulturist with foundational skills that will enable you to pursue a range of career paths within the industry.

You will have an opportunity to work in a variety of areas within the Botanic Gardens, including the plant and amenity collections, nursery, botanic and conservation, assets, visitor experience and environmental education. Whilst gaining all that experience, you will be trained on first aid and complete a Growsafe certificate in the safe use and handling of agrichemicals.  

In your third year, you could have the opportunity to apply and take part in the 'Young Amenity Horticulturist of the Year' competition. What a journey and what a way to start a new career!

You could expect to:

• Participate in amenity horticulture apprenticeship programs including plant identification and any relevant courses as per the training agreement. 
• Maintain amenity gardens and plant collections to required service and presentation standards.
• Assist with the implementation and management of research projects, including the collection of data from associated plant trials. 
• Support recreational and educational programs, events, and services designed to enhance the visitor experience. 
• Operate and maintain machinery, including tractors, light utility vehicles, and a variety of powered small tools such as line trimmers, hedge trimmers, blowers, and hand mowers.

Find a copy of the position description here

This role has a remuneration range of $49,513 - $57,000 depending on experience and skillset.

He kōrero mōu: About you

The role requires a minimum NCEA Level 2 or secondary school year 12 completion. Whilst we prefer experience in the horticultural space it is not essential.

We will be looking for:

• Horticultural qualification Level 2 preferred
• You must be physically active, be able to handle manually shifting often heavy loads and be willing to work outside in often trying weather conditions
• Clean and current drivers license
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills coupled with a can-do attitude
• Kaitiakitanga (stewardship) is a significant value that governs your behaviour

We still encourage you to apply if you have some but not all these requirements.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

Auckland Council is the largest local government council across Oceania, serving over 1.7 million people and contributing towards making Tāmaki Makaurau a world-class city.We offer a range of employee benefits and proudly support flexible working options where possible. 

View a snapshot of some of our employee benefits HERE.

Help us make a difference to Tāmaki Makaurau. 

Me Tono Ināianei!: Apply Now!
Applications close: Wednesday 2nd April

If you have any support or access requirements, please advise us when submitting your application so we can assist you.

As a part of Auckland Council drug and alcohol policy pre-employment checks, you will be subject to drug, alcohol and police screening.

Our employer Kiwisaver contribution is additional to base salary offered.

#workingforauckland  #horticulture #apprenticeship #horticulturalapprentice #fixedtermfulltime

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.