About this roleLakes, bikes, and endless opportunities
Looking for a job that offers more than just a paycheck? Te Kaunihera o ngā Roto o Rotorua | Rotorua Lakes Council invites you to be part of a community where work meets play seamlessly. Imagine having the lakes as your backyard and being a stone's throw away from the world's premier mountain biking trails. Join a team that's shaping the future with remarkable projects like the Sir Howard Morrison Centre, the Rotorua Aquatic Centre Revitalisation, and the Rotorua Lakefront Redevelopment. Immerse yourself in a workplace that celebrates biculturalism and thrives on strong connections with Te Arawa, our local iwi – come build your career with us.
He koanga ngākau! He hikinga manawa! Uplifting and Inspiring! Heart pumping and heart warming!
We are looking for a Gardener to join our Open Spaces Operations team. This is a hands on role where you will help care for our city’s public gardens, landscaped areas, and open spaces. Your work will directly contribute to creating attractive and enjoyable environments for residents and visitors.
In this role you will carry out day to day garden maintenance including planting, pruning, weeding, mulching, fertilising, and pest control. You will support the preparation of seasonal bedding displays, assist with turf care, and help with the propagation and preparation of plants for internal use and community events. You will also take part in general grounds maintenance such as mowing and edging, and you will be responsible for the safe and accurate use of herbicides and pesticides in accordance with council procedures.
To be successful, you will bring practical gardening or horticultural experience, ideally supported by a Certificate in Horticulture or equivalent skills. You will be comfortable using horticultural tools and machinery, hold a valid driver’s licence, and be committed to following health and safety procedures at all times. Strong communication skills, reliability, and a positive attitude toward working with the public are essential, along with a willingness to work as part of a supportive and collaborative team.
Rotorua Lakes Council offers a people focused environment where you can see the impact of your work every day.
If you enjoy working outdoors, take pride in maintaining beautiful spaces, and want to contribute to the ongoing enhancement of Rotorua’s public areas, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and help us keep our city’s gardens and green spaces thriving.
Click this link to view the Position Description
This vacancy closes Friday, 27 March 2026.
Te Kaunihera o nga Roto o Rotorua (Rotorua Lakes Council) is committed to working in partnership with Te Arawa, our local iwi. We aspire to being a bicultural organisation and we value staff who speak te reo Maori, have an appreciation of Maori values, and a working knowledge of tikanga Maori.
Sound like you? Click the Apply button now!