Horticultural Apprentice

Overview

Three years fixed-term full-time apprenticeship; based at the Auckland Botanic Gardens; achieve level 3 and level 4 New Zealand Certificates in Horticultural Services (Amenity).

Three years fixed-term full-time apprenticeship

Based at the Auckland Botanic Gardens

Achieve level 3 and level 4 New Zealand Certificates in Horticultural Services (Amenity)

We're offering an exciting opportunity for a Horticultural Apprentice to join the team at Auckland Botanic Gardens on a three-year fixed term.

This role is part of a structured training programme designed to develop skilled, qualified horticulturists who can care for complex plant collections and contribute to the future of public gardens.

Your work will help ensure our gardens and grounds are beautifully maintained, delivering exceptional experiences for visitors to one of Auckland's most loved destinations.

You'll be part of a small, passionate team responsible for the high-quality presentation of amenity gardens, landscapes, and assets.

As an apprentice, you'll learn from some of the best in New Zealand's public garden and horticulture industry, rotating through areas such as :

What you'll do

Plant and amenity collections

Nursery operations

Botanical and conservation work

Asset maintenance

Visitor experience

You can find the position description here

This role has a remuneration range of $60,216 - $63,000 depending on experience and skillset.

This apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience, develop practical skills, and build a strong foundation for a career in horticulture.

The Auckland Botanic Gardens is more than just a beautiful space—it's a living collection that supports conservation, education, research, recreation, and wellbeing.

As an apprentice, you'll be immersed in an environment that fosters learning, sustainability, and community connection, while receiving formal training and mentoring from experienced professionals.

This role is ideal for someone who is :

Enthusiastic about horticulture

Enjoys working outdoors

Keen to learn and grow in a supportive and inspiring setting

In your third year, you may also could apply for and participate in the Young Amenity Horticulturist of the Year competition—a fantastic way to showcase your skills and passion.

This is more than just a job—it's the beginning of a rewarding career in horticulture.

Your primary focus will be supporting our curators and gardeners in the cultivation and care of plant collections and amenity gardens, while assisting with day-to-day operations.

As a Horticultural Apprentice, you will :

Maintain gardens and plant collections to high presentation standards

Participate in structured training, including plant identification and horticultural courses

Operate a range of machinery and tools safely and effectively

Support plant conservation and contribute to botanical records

Assist with education programmes, events, and visitor engagement

Throughout your apprenticeship, you'll also receive training in :

Safe operation and maintenance of horticultural machinery

First aid

Growsafe certification for safe agrichemical use

You're physically active, enjoy working outdoors in all conditions, and are comfortable with manual tasks.

You bring a genuine interest in horticulture, a passion for plants, and a willingness to learn and grow.

With strong communication and teamwork skills, you're ready to contribute to a collaborative environment and engage with visitors.

Requirements

Minimum NCEA Level 2 or Year 12 secondary school completion

A passion for plants, with basic horticultural knowledge and practical experience preferred

Proficient in record keeping and basic computer skills (MS Office Suite)

Kaitiakitanga (stewardship) is a value that guides your approach to work

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 Tamaki Makaurau we can all be proud of.

As part of our organisation, please view a range of our : benefits.

Applications close : Thursday 20th November at 12am NZDT

We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis as they come in so please apply today to avoid disappointment!

If you have any support or access requirements, please advise us when submitting your application so we can assist you.

Our employer Kiwisaver contribution is additional to base salary offered.

As a part of Auckland Council drug and alcohol policy pre-employment checks, you will be subject to drug, alcohol and police screening.

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.

Employees in receipt of salary protection and / or on the predecessor Council terms and conditions of employment, please note that the salary protection and / or predecessor Council terms and conditions, including relocation, apply to your current position.

Should you change to a new position (other than any secondment) you will be issued with a new employment letter of offer with current Auckland Council terms and conditions.

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