Ensuring the council's parks and open spaces are kept to the highest possible standard is an important role and this sort of work requires a strong sense of pride and responsibility. If you are ready to contribute to our award winning Queens Park and have a genuine interest in plants and horticulture, come and join the Parks Operations team!

Our friendly Parks Operations team are seeking a Gardener and Senior Gardener, both of these positions are situated in Queens Park.

Key responsibilities for this role include:

• Plant and care for trees, shrubs, bedding plants and pest and disease control.
• Ensure all horticultural duties are carried out in a professional and enthusiastic manner, to a high standard and meet timing requirements.
• Ensure plants are visibly well presented, healthy and thoroughly cared for within the gardens, parks, and grounds around Invercargill.
• Operate all machinery, tools, and equipment in an efficient and safe manner, as instructed and following all relevant safety procedures.

Senior Gardener only

• Demonstrating extensive knowledge and skill-base within the horticultural areas in which you are assigned to look after.
• Supervise and provide training to staff under your control on correct horticultural techniques and practices.
• Traffic management.

What you will bring:

• Full NZ Drivers Licence
• Formal horticultural qualification or equivalent experience
• Demonstrated experience in horticultural activities
• Sound time management skills
• Passion for working outdoors
• Experience in staff supervision - Senior Gardener only

What we offer:

• Career progression and training/development opportunities
• Positive focus of employee health and well-being: Workstation assessments, free flu vaccines, EAP services, 50% off eye exams, discounted gym memberships etc
• Kiwisaver and Superannuation Schemes
• Access to sick leave from day one of employment
• Appointment time leave: Up to 2 hours for important appointments eg. Doctor, bank, dentist

Waihōpai Invercargill is New Zealand's southernmost city and the heart and hub of Southland. We're known for our lush green spaces, like award-winning Queens Park, our long summer daylight hours and our local legend Burt Munro. Our city has character, charm and a laidback atmosphere. There's outstanding nature reserves, Ōreti Beach & the Waihōpai River to explore plus our lively restaurants complimented by a thriving entertainment and arts scene are hard to beat! The sensible gridded layout featuring wide streets ensures a convenient 10-minute drive to work. Who wouldn't want to call this place home!

The Invercargill City Council is committed to the wellbeing and protection of children, the elderly and vulnerable adults. As a component of this role involves interaction with one or more of the above groups, as part of the assessment of candidates, we will require Police Vetting as per the Children's Act 2014 and a Pre-employment Alcohol and Drug Screening test to ensure we are providing a safe environment for our customers and members of the public.

For more information please see the full position description or contact the Invercargill City Council on (03) 211 1777. Apply online at www.icc.govt.nz

Applications close 16 April 2025. Please note applications will be processed as they are received and we encourage you to apply early as this advert may be removed at any time.

Successful applicants must be legally entitled to live and work in New Zealand. While all applications will be reviewed, first priority will be given to those applicants who are currently residing in New Zealand.