• Join the team for summer at Auckland Botanic Gardens 
• Fixed term, full time opportunity for 12 weeks
• Grow your gardening experience!

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

Auckland Botanic Gardens are seeking 2x Summer Gardeners to join the horticultural and curatorial team’s for a 12 week fixed term. These positions work Monday - Friday, and a passion for working outside with plants and engaging with people are key. The fixed term duration is late November 2025 till late February 2026.

This is a fixed term and full-time position with 40 hours per week, paying $28.95 per hour.

Please review the position description here.

Te hiranga o tēnei mahi: Why this role matters

This is a fantastic opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals, contribute to the care of our stunning plant collections, and learn more about public garden operations.You’ll be part of a dedicated team that keeps the gardens thriving and beautiful for thousands of visitors each week.

Ngā kawenga matua: Key responsibilities

Day-to-day you could expect to:

•  Maintain and present plant collections and amenity gardens to high standards alongside Botanic Gardens staff
• Assist with seasonal horticultural tasks such as planting, weeding, watering, and mulching
• Support with Botanic Gardens nursery operations, plant trials, visitor services, and botanical services
• Learn about plant cultivation, and how garden design, conservation, and horticultural science intersect with the work we do
• Help ensure the gardens are welcoming and engaging for all visitors

He kōrero mōu: About you
 

If you're currently studying or have studied horticulture, or simply have a strong interest in plants, nature, and the outdoors, we want to hear from you!

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has basic practical horticulture skills, a passion for plants, and a thirst for learning
• Communicates confidently with a diverse range of visitors
• Brings a positive, can-do attitude to the team
• Is comfortable in a physical role, enjoys working outdoors in all weather, and is willing to take on a variety of tasks
• Has experience with horticulture or small machinery (advantageous but not essential – training provided)
• Holds a clean and full NZ driver’s licence (preferred)

Experience in horticulture and handling small machinery would be advantageous, but training will be provided to the successful candidate.  Preference will be given to applicants who have a clean and full NZ driver’s licence. You must be comfortable in a physical role, love working outdoors in all sorts of weather and be willing to do all sorts of jobs!

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 1.7 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. 

Me Tono Ināianei!: Apply Now!

Applications close: Tuesday 14th October 2025 12am NZST

We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis as they come in so please apply today to avoid disappointment!

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

Our employer Kiwisaver contribution is additional to base salary offered.

#workingforauckland  #horticulture #HorticultureJobs #EnvironmentalCareers #BotanicGardens #GardenJobsNZ

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

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.
 
Employees in receipt of salary protection and/or on the predecessor Council terms and conditions of employment, please note that the salary protection and/or predecessor Council terms and conditions, including relocation, apply to your current position. Should you change to a new position (other than any secondment) you will be issued with a new employment letter of offer with current Auckland Council terms and conditions.