Educator - Wellington Gardens

We are the Education Team for Wellington Gardens, delivering engaging, plant-based learning across two of Wellington's most significant green spaces : the native forest, ecological sanctuary and botanic garden of Otari-Wilton's Bush, and the diverse living collections of Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekaka, including the interactive Discovery Garden and a purpose-built classroom.

Our kaupapa is to foster meaningful connections between people, plants, and place, guided by the values of manaakitanga, kaitiakitanga, and whanaungatanga.

We provide hands-on, inquiry-based learning experiences that explore the vital role plants play in biodiversity, kai systems, ecosystems, and cultural practices.

At Otari-Wilton's Bush, Educators lead active, outdoor sessions within native plant collections and ngahere (the forest), immersing learners in natural forest environments that enrich experiential learning beyond the traditional classroom.

At Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekaka, Educators engage learners with themed plant collections, hands-on activities in the Discovery Garden, and use of a purpose-built classroom, providing rich opportunities for interactive, plant-focused education.

During term time hours are typically 9 : 00 am – 2 : 30 pm.

This is an active, on-site role, availability to teach during these core hours is essential.

This role is 25 hours per week.

As an Educator, you will :

Write and adapt lesson plans, under the direction of the Team Leader, to reflect visiting teachers' curriculum goals and cohort needs.

Create and maintain self-guided learning materials to support schools completing visits independently.

Deliver hands-on, inquiry-based sessions that make use of the unique settings and resources available across both gardens.

Support the use of teaching tools such as our wormery, digital microscopes, and indoor apiscope.

Incorporate te reo Maori and cultural knowledge into your sessions in alignment with the Te Tauihu – Te Reo Maori Policy and our team values of manaakitanga, kaitiakitanga, and whanaungatanga.

Highlight the cultural and ecological narratives of both gardens, supporting the Botanic Gardens of Wellington Management Plan goal of using the gardens as outdoor ecological classrooms.

Assist with the care of the Discovery Garden, including classroom upkeep and seasonal gardening.

Contribute to events such as revegetation days, open garden events, and public education initiatives.

Help realise Wellington City Council's strategic goals through education that supports both community wellbeing and the city's natural capital.

Nga tohu me nga wheako | Qualifications and experience

Experienced in delivering outdoor and environmental learning, with strong group facilitation and communication skills.

Ideally a registered NZ teacher (though not essential), with a good understanding of the New Zealand Curriculum, Te Marautanga o Aotearoa, the International Baccalaureate (IB) PYP / MYP frameworks, and inquiry-based learning.

Confident developing curriculum-linked lesson plans and learning resources.

Enthusiastic about plants and sustainability, and eager to inspire that interest in others.

Comfortable working in all weather conditions and supporting light gardening tasks, including revegetation activities.

Culturally responsive, with a working knowledge of te reo Maori and tikanga Maori.

Flexible and collaborative, with the ability to adapt to different learner needs and settings.

Nou te rourou | What's in it for you

Working for the Council offers you a range of benefits including 5 weeks annual leave, flexible working options, health and wellbeing support, Council staff discounts and a range of learning and development programmes and opportunities.

A collaborative, experienced education team.

Purpose-built learning environment and resources.

The opportunity to contribute to Wellington's future as a green, sustainable, and connected city.

A role with purpose, where you'll inspire young minds to value plants and care for the environment.

Diversity :

We want your application to enable you to portray the real you.

Skills are gained across many areas of our life, not just formal employment.

If you can demonstrate the skills listed in the advert through whanau life, community or mahi aroha (volunteering) we encourage you to apply and share your story with us in your cover letter.

We welcome applications from all people and like our workforce to reflect the diverse communities we serve.

Accessibility Support :

We want to make sure any accessibility requirements you may have, are well supported so the selection process is equitable for everyone.

Please let us know if there are any adjustments or support, we can offer to make our process more accessible to you by emailing :

Applications close 19 November

All applications must be submitted online – we will not accept emailed applications.

All applicants must have the right to work in New and be prepared to obtain and maintain a Police Vetting check.

Expertise : Education, Parks, gardens and open spaces

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