Nursery Person

About the role

This position is part of the Council’s Community Group, alongside services such as Hamilton Pool, Parks and Recreation, Hamilton City Libraries, and the city’s three main visitor attractions. It offers the chance to contribute to the care of the natural environment in the Hamilton area and support community enjoyment of green spaces.

The Nursery Person will be part of a collaborative team responsible for producing and dispatching a wide variety of plants, including annuals, perennials, trees, and shrubs, both native and exotic. The work supports Council planting needs across the city.

What you’ll do

• Work with the nursery team to help meet bedding plant and tree/shrub production targets.
• Support propagation activities alongside the wider nursery team.
• Take a proactive approach to keeping nursery stock free from pests and disease.
• Maintain stock in a weed-free condition.
• Care for plants through nourishing and pruning so they meet the required standard.
• Assist with seasonal work demands as needed.
• Contribute to special projects when required.

Skills and experience

This role suits people at different stages of their careers, but the Council is especially interested in applicants with a strong understanding of native plants and hands-on experience in plant propagation.

Applicants should have prior commercial nursery experience, sound knowledge of native plants as well as exotic trees and shrubs, and an understanding of pests and diseases and how to manage them. You’ll also need to be able to prioritise work, operate independently, stay on schedule, and communicate effectively with teammates.

Additional requirements

• Full Class 1 driver licence.
• Current GrowSafe Certificate is preferred.
• Experience using potting machines.
• Experience pricking out seedlings.
• Experience with bedding production.
• Eco-sourcing experience.

Salary and benefits

Pay starts at $28.85 per hour and will depend on your skills and experience.

Benefits include professional development opportunities, two wellbeing days each year, free health insurance through Unimed with hospital/surgery cover and discounted family membership rates, free annual health checks and flu vaccinations, the option to buy extra annual leave, reimbursement for eye tests and glasses costs, and discounts with local businesses such as gyms, cafes, dentists, hairdressers, and more.

Application and selection process

Applicants can include a cover letter by combining it with their resume into one PDF, or by using the message box for the hiring team. Applications close on 18 June 2026, and shortlisting will begin as applications are received.

Successful candidates will be notified by email. Those shortlisted will go through interviews, reference checks, and a criminal check. Because this is a safety-sensitive role, a pre-employment medical assessment, including drug and alcohol testing, will also be required.

If you need accessibility support during interviews or assessments, the Council asks that you let them know in advance so appropriate arrangements can be made.

Values and working environment

The Council is committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi and its relationships with Kiingitanga, Waikato Tainui, mana whenua, and maataa waka within Hamilton Kirikiriroa. It also aims to provide a welcoming and inclusive workplace where different perspectives, experiences, and talents are valued.

Recruitment note

This vacancy is being managed directly by the Council. If external recruitment support is needed, it will only be sought from its selected agency panel. Unsolicited agency contact will not result in commissions, fees, or other payments.