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 three experienced and passionate Horticulturalist's to join our Parks Operations team. This is a hands-on position suited to someone who takes pride in high-quality garden presentation and enjoys working outdoors to enhance public parks, gardens, and green spaces for the community.

In this position you will undertake a wide range of horticultural and general maintenance duties across Invercargill and surrounding areas. You will play a key role in ensuring parks, reserves, and landscaped areas are healthy, well-maintained, and visually appealing, while working safely and efficiently at all times.

What you will do:

• Plant, care for, and maintain trees, shrubs, plant beds, and landscaped areas to ensure they are healthy, tidy, and visually appealing.
• Carry out pest and disease control, including weed spraying, to maintain plant health.
• Undertake horticultural and general maintenance tasks across public parks, gardens, and green spaces in Invercargill and surrounding areas.
• Assist with job safety analysis and traffic management requirements.
• Interact professionally and courteously with members of the public, providing information and responding to enquiries.
• Assist, when required, with the care of living species at Queens Park, including feeding and cleaning enclosures.
• Safely operate and maintain machinery, tools, and equipment, keeping them clean, tidy, and well-presented.

What you will bring:

• Level 3 New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture or equivalent practical experience.
• Current full NZ Driver Licence (Class 1).
• 1-2 years' experience in horticultural practices including planting, pruning, weeding, mulching, and disease control.
• Experience using and maintaining horticultural tools and machinery.
• Strong understanding of seasonal planting and plant care.
• Good physical fitness and ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Strong attention to detail and pride in garden presentation.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Sound time management skills.

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 are an experienced horticulture professional who enjoys practical work and takes pride in maintaining high-quality public spaces, we'd love to hear from you.

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!

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.