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Trials Horticulturist (South Auckland, NZ, 1010) @ Auckland Council

South Auckland, NZ, 1010OnsiteFull-time
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About this role

<ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt;color:black"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt;color:black">Onsite, casual role with an immediate start at Auckland Botanic Gardens </span></li> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt;color:black"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt;color:black">Autonomous role that balances field work and office work </span></li> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt;color:black"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt;color:black">Work in a flexible and supportive team at one of Auckland&apos;s most iconic visitor spaces</span></li> </ul> <p style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"> </p> <p style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"> </p> <p style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt;color:black"><strong>He angitūtanga: The opportunity</strong></span></p> <p style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt;color:black"><strong> </strong></span></p> <p style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt;color:black"><strong><br></strong>We’re offering an exciting opportunity for a <strong>Trials -</strong> <strong>Horticulturist</strong> to join the team at <strong>Auckland Botanic Gardens</strong> on a <strong>casual basis. </strong></span></p> <p style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"> </p> <p style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt;color:black">You’ll help establish plant trials by supporting plant selection, sourcing, planting, and bed preparation, as well as assisting in maintaining trial gardens through tasks such as weeding and mulching. </span></p> <p style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt;color:black">You’ll also assist with collecting high‑quality trial data, entering results, and contributing to simple reporting on plant performance. The role provides opportunity for writing occasional reports for academic journals or excerpts in newsletters.</span></p> <p style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt;color:black">The role requires you to be working outdoors often in all weather conditions, carrying out practical and repetitive tasks such as collecting data and helping care for the trial gardens. </span></p> <p style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"> </p> <p style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt;color:black"><strong> <br>You can find the position description <a title="" href="https://bit.ly/4gLkxq2" target="_self">here</a></strong></span></p> <p style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt;color:black"><strong>This role has a remuneration range starting from $29.90 per depending on experience and skillset.</strong></span></p> <p style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><br><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt;color:black"> </span><br><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt;color:black"> </span></p> <p style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt;color:black"><strong>Te hiranga o tēnei mahi: Why this role matters</strong></span></p> <p style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"> </p> <p style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><br><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt;color:black">This role gives the opportunity to learn by doing, developing practical horticultural and research skills while contributing to work that benefits the wider community.</span></p> <p style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt;color:black">Through hands‑on work in plant trials and trial gardens, you’ll gain experience in data collection, plant care, and basic research, while learning from experienced horticulture staff.</span></p> <p style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt;color:black">The work you support helps inform future planting and green space management, making a positive impact on local environments and community wellbeing.</span></p> <p style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"> </p> <p style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"> </p> <p style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt;color:black"><strong>Ngā kawenga matua: Key responsibilities</strong></span></p> <p style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"> </p> <p style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"> </p> <ul style="margin-bottom:0.0cm;margin-top:0.0px"> <li style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0cm 24.0px;line-height:107%;font-size:14.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt;color:black">Assist with plant evaluation by monitoring trials and collecting, recording, evaluating, and interpreting trial data.</span></li> <li style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0cm 24.0px;line-height:107%;font-size:14.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt;color:black">Source new plant acquisitions as directed to support trial activities.</span></li> <li style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0cm 24.0px;line-height:107%;font-size:14.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt;color:black">Maintain trial gardens, including mulching, planting, weeding, deadheading, and pruning as required for each trial.</span></li> <li style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 0.0cm 24.0px;line-height:107%;font-size:14.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt;color:black">Monitor plants for pests and diseases, accurately documenting and describing any damage observed.</span></li> <li style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt 24.0px;line-height:107%;font-size:14.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt;color:black">Work closely with the Trials Horticulturist, Records and Conservation Specialist, and Curator to support bed allocation, follow trial protocols, and complete other delegated tasks.</span></li> </ul> <p style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"> </p> <p style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"> </p> <p style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt;color:black"><strong>He kōrero mōu: About you</strong></span></p> <p style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"> </p> <p style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt;color:black">The role involves working independently most of the time, so being organised and reliable is important. Previous horticultural experience or a relevant qualification would be beneficial but is not essential. </span></p> <p style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"> </p> <p style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="color:black"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">A genuine interest in plants and gardens, along with a willingness to learn, is key though.</span><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">You’ll be a team player who shows initiative, is happy to support the wider team, collaborates and communicates well with others, and can follow instructions while working with minimal supervision.</span></span></p> <p style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"> </p> <p style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt;color:black">This role is ideal for students or part‑time workers with an interest in horticulture, conservation, or plant science. If you enjoy working outdoors and aren’t afraid to get your hands dirty in all weather conditions, and relish the opportunity to balance this with office-based tasks, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.</span></p> <p style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"> </p> <p style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt;color:black">We are looking for:</span></p> <ul> <li style="line-height:normal;font-size:14.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt;color:black">Some practical horticultural experience is preferred</span></li> <li style="line-height:normal;font-size:14.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt;color:black">A relevant tertiary qualification (minimum level 4), or a demonstrated equivalent experience and knowledge in a related field.</span></li> <li style="line-height:normal;font-size:14.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt;color:black">Advanced computer literacy (MS Office suite), with a focus on data collection and referencing academic articles.</span></li> <li style="line-height:normal;font-size:14.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt;color:black">Demonstratable experience with data collection and research</span></li> <li style="line-height:107%;font-size:14.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt;color:black">A clean, full NZ driver’s licence </span></li> </ul> <p style="margin:0.0cm 0.0cm 8.0pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"> </p> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt;color:black">We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every requirement listed. What matters most is your ability to contribute to a purpose-driven environment where diverse experiences are valued. We know that transferable skills can come from experience gained from outside of work.</span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt;color:black"><strong>Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer</strong></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt;color:black">At Auckland Council, you will join a dynamic, supportive environment where your mahi (work) will directly impact the lives of over 1.7 million Aucklanders. We offer flexible working conditions, a focus on well-being, and a culture of continuous improvement. We are proud to be recognised for our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We are accredited by GenderTick, a signatory of the Pride Pledge. These commitments reflect our ongoing efforts to create a workplace where all staff feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. Together, we can create a Tāmaki Makaurau we can all be proud of. As part of our organisation, please view a range of our: <a style="color:black" title="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vHbKbMwspk7ojQpXU0CYDw7SVkYgROhN/view?usp=sharing" target="_self">benefits</a></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt;color:black"><strong> </strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt;color:black"><strong>Tono Mai: Apply Now!</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt;color:black"><strong>Application close date:</strong> Monday 13th July at midnight</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt;color:black"><strong>(Please note we are reviewing applications on a rolling basis and may amend the deadline earlier than anticipated - please ensure to keep an eye out on the advert, as we will ensure to update the deadline dates)</strong></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt;color:black"><strong><em>Auckland Council is committed to the protection and wellbeing of children. This role is classified as a Children&apos;s Worker role under the Vulnerable Children Act 2014. As such applicants will be required to undergo police vetting prior to commencing employment. This position is also deemed a safety sensitive position and will require pre-employment drug testing. Appointment will be subject to a satisfactory police check. </em></strong></span></p> <p> </p> <p><em><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Kiwisaver is additional on top of salary.</span></em></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt;color:black">Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.</span></p>

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