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.

Our friendly Parks Operations team are seeking a Turf Operator. Take this opportunity to be part of re-building our green spaces after the devastating storm in October.

Key responsibilities for this role include:

• Assist in turf maintenance operations, tree works and various other plant operator positions within the Parks and Recreation.
• Assist with a variety of horticultural work including, but not limited to tree planting, chipping, track works, pruning, mulching, weed eating, rubbish collection, custodial duties and facilities maintenance.
• Safely operate a variety of tools/machinery which may include ride on mowers, trucks, loaders and tractors and the use of smaller motorised hand tools such as bush cutters, blowers, edger's.
• Attend and actively participate in health and safety discussions and training.
• Ensure horticultural work is carried out to a high standard and work sites are left in a tidy state.

What you will bring:

• Current Full NZ Drivers Licence
• Good verbal communication skills
• Sound time management skills
• One to two years practical experience in operating a range of agriculture type machinery, specifically ride on mowers and tractors in the urban environment
• Demonstrated experience in operating and maintenance of a range of small mechanical hand tools/machines

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 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.

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.