Leading Hand - Hamilton Gardens

At Hamilton City Council, our people are united by a shared purpose: to improve the wellbeing of Hamiltonians. As one of New Zealand's largest city councils, we're proud to serve a growing and vibrant community while delivering services and projects that improve the wellbeing of Hamiltonians every day.

You'll join a team that values collaboration, innovation, and community impact. Together, we're on track to being one of New Zealand's leading community-focused councils, where everyone matters and every contribution helps shape the future of our city.

If you're looking for meaningful work, a supportive team, and the opportunity to make a real difference in your community, you'll find it here.

This roles sits within the Destination Group which includes the Waikato Museum, Te Kaaroro Nature Precinct, Hamilton Gardens, H3 Venues (Claudelands, FMG Stadium Waikato and Seddon Park).

To find out more about Hamilton Gardens, click here.

He angituutanga: The opportunity 

We’re looking for an experienced and practical Leading Hand to join the Grounds Maintenance Team at Hamilton Gardens.

This is a great opportunity to join our highly motivated and passionate team working at one of the City’s greatest assets and world renowned gardens.  The Leading Hand plays a key role in the maintenance and management of these famous gardens attracting huge visitor numbers locally, nationally and internationally. 

Reporting to the Hamilton Gardens Horticulture and Operations Manager, you’ll help lead the day-to-day work of a team of five while remaining very much on the tools yourself.

You’ll play an important role in maintaining the high standards our visitors expect from Hamilton Gardens, coordinating daily work programmes, looking after grounds, turf, machinery and infrastructure, and helping your team deliver their best work.

What does a day in this job look like?

This is a 12 month maternity cover role. You’ll be working Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week. (Some rostered weekend may be required)   

• Coordinate the team’s daily work and make sure maintenance programmes are completed on time and to the required standard.
• Work alongside the team maintaining the Gardens, grounds and associated areas.
• Oversee the maintenance of lawns and turf areas, including annual turf renovation programmes.
• Monitor machinery, vehicles and equipment and coordinate servicing, repairs and replacements as required.
• Help ensure water features and irrigation systems are maintained and operating effectively.
• Support the development of rosters for rubbish collection and weekend customer service requirements.
• Supervise contractors and contribute to special projects and asset maintenance.
• Coach and train team members, sharing your knowledge and helping build capability across the team.
• Work closely with our gardening, assets, customer service and events teams.
• Maintain a strong focus on health and safety for the team, contractors and visitors.

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience

We’re looking for someone who knows how to lead from the front. You’ll be comfortable giving direction and supporting others, but equally happy rolling up your sleeves and working alongside the team.

You’ll bring:

• At least three years’ relevant industry experience.
• Previous experience supervising or leading staff.
• A Level 3 Turf qualification.
• A Growsafe qualification.
• A full New Zealand Class 1 Driver Licence.
• Confidence operating mechanical tools and equipment used in grounds maintenance.
• The ability to train others and share your practical knowledge.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively with different teams across Council.
• Good computer skills and the literacy and numeracy skills needed to complete records and administration accurately.
• A practical, self-motivated approach and the ability to respond when priorities change or unexpected issues arise.
• A strong focus on providing a positive experience for visitors.

First Aid training would be an advantage.

This role is for you if you:

• Are energetic, hardworking and driven by success
• Have proven Leadership skills
• Are a passionate grounds person with an eye for detail
• Have the knowledge and experience to maintain a high standard in a unique setting
• Are a team player that has the ability to interact with the other teams and a variety of stakeholders including visitors to Hamilton Gardens

He aha te wariu o te utu kaimahi? | What’s the salary? 

Circa $70k dependent on skills and experience.

Ngaa waahi whakarato painga kei a maatou: What we offer 

We invest in our people, their wellbeing, and their future. That's why we offer a range of benefits designed to support you both inside and outside of work, including:

• We support flexible ways of working that balance individual wellbeing, team and business needs. And great outcomes for our community.
• We support professional development and opportunities to grow your career.
• Two wellbeing days each year to focus on what matters most to you (after one year of service).
• Fully funded Unimed health insurance, including hospital and surgical cover, with discounted rates for family members.
• Free annual health checks and flu vaccinations.
• The option to purchase additional annual leave for greater flexibility.
• Eye care support, including reimbursement towards eye testing and prescription glasses.
• Access to a wide range of local discounts, including gyms, healthcare providers, retail stores, and more.

Me Tono Inaaianei!: Apply Now! 

• View the Position Description.
• Click apply.
• ​Complete your application.

If you wish to include a cover letter with your application, please combine this in the same file as your resume and upload as a PDF file. Alternatively, you can use the 'Write a message to the Hiring Team' text box.

Applications close on the: 13 November 2026

Note: We will be shortlisting as we receive applications.

Council is committed to honouring the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi through its relationship with Kiingitanga, Waikato Tainui, mana whenua and maataa waka within Hamilton Kirikiriroa.

All candidates will be notified of the outcome on their application via email. Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks and a criminal check. This role is Safety Sensitive so a pre-employment medical including drug and alcohol test will be required. View more information about these checks and our commitment to the Privacy act here by clicking here

It is important to us that we support you throughout our selection process (interview and assessments). If you have any access needs during this process, let us know in advance so we can make sure these are met.

As a council, we believe in creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and belongs. We value inclusiveness (Kotahitanga) – we respect and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents that everyone brings. 

This role is being sourced directly. If/where Hamilton City Council requires the support of a recruitment agency, we will seek this support from our panel of selected agencies. Hamilton City Council will not be responsible for, and will not pay, any commissions, fees or other payments related to unsolicited contact.