Do you enjoy working outdoors and take pride in well-presented gardens and public spaces?

Are you ready to be a part of something exceptional? Invercargill City Council invites you to become a driving force in our future-focused team. With a vibrant atmosphere and an unwavering commitment to our values—positivity, respect, responsibility, and above and beyond—we're passionate about creating a team full of outstanding individuals who are as passionate about shaping the future as we are.

We are seeking a motivated Horticulture Assistant to support our Parks Operations team in maintaining and enhancing parks, reserves, and public spaces across Invercargill and surrounding areas.

In this position you will assist with a wide range of ornamental horticulture, gardening, and general maintenance activities. This is a hands-on position suited to someone who enjoys physical work, values teamwork, and takes pride in delivering high-quality outcomes for the community.

What you will do:

• Assist with planting, caring for, and maintaining trees, shrubs, plant beds, and landscaped areas.
• Perform general horticulture tasks such as weeding, mowing, mulching, edge trimming, chipping, and weed-eating.
• Support pest and disease control, including weed spraying, to maintain plant health.
• Assist with the routine maintenance of the winter gardens display houses, paddling pool and fountains and all gardens and grounds, including the aviary/animal park area of Queens Park.
• Conduct regular inspections and remove litter to ensure facilities are clean and safe.
• Operate horticultural machinery, including tools and equipment, from small plant (blowers, hedge trimmers etc.) through to the larger mowers as instructed.
• Assist, when required, with the care of living species at Queens Park, including feeding and cleaning enclosures.

What you will bring:

• NCEA Level 1.
• Current full NZ Driver Licence (Class 1).
• A genuine interest and passion for horticulture and gardening.
• Ability to follow instructions and work unsupervised.
• Good physical fitness and willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Strong communication skills and a positive team-focused attitude.
• Knowledge of safe work practices and a commitment to health and safety.

This is a permanent full-time position working 40 hours per week, primarily worked between 7.00am to 7.00pm Monday to Friday, both days inclusive. Some weekend work maybe required.

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 e.g. 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 are outstanding nature reserves, Ōreti Beach and the Waihōpai River to explore plus our lively restaurants complemented by a thriving entertainment and arts scene which 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?

To learn more, view the full position description or contact Invercargill City Council at (03) 211 1777. Please note: applications submitted via SEEK will not be received. Apply online at Jobs - Invercargill City Council.

If you enjoy practical work, value teamwork, and want to help keep Invercargill's parks and gardens looking their best, we'd love to hear from you.

Applications close 22 February 2026. 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.

Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand. While all applications will be considered, preference will be given to candidates currently residing in New Zealand.