He angitūtanga: The opportunity

Auckland Council has an opportunity for a permanent full-time Team Leader Programmes to lead the Auckland Botanic Gardens and Domain team. Based at Auckland Botanic Gardens, this role reports to the Manager of the Auckland Botanic Garden, Domain Winter Gardens and Platt Arboretum.

In this role, you'll ensure all work aligns with the Auckland Botanic Gardens Plant Collections Guidelines and that service standards are consistently met. You’ll be responsible for managing a small team of 2x direct reports, supporting their development, and fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture. Volunteers are a vital part of the Gardens’ success, and you’ll work closely with them to build strong community engagement and support.

A key focus of the role is to oversee the effective and timely renewal of infrastructure, and assets, ensuring the delivery of the work programme is both efficient and forward-thinking. A high standard of turf and grounds maintenance will be a key measure of success, supporting the overall presentation and health of the Gardens.

You could expect to:

• Lead a team of horticulturists specialising in hard landscaping and mowing, with responsibility for recruitment, performance reviews, and professional development.
• Serve as the primary on-site liaison with contractors, collaborating with the Work Programme Lead to ensure smooth project delivery.
• Monitor and review select garden development projects, contributing to activities such as tree management and landscape improvements.
• Manage allocated budgets, ensuring compliance with financial processes and staying within approved limits.
• Participate in annual and seasonal planning, helping to prioritise tasks and align the work programme with strategic goals.

Please view the position description attached HERE

The renumeration range for the role starts from $90,000 – $105,000 annually depending on skillset and experience.

He kōrero mōu: About you

This role requires over 10 years’ experience from either horticulture/landscaping, engineering, project management and facilities/property management industries. With more than 4 years in leadership or management positions. You will bring experience from similar roles within large, complex, and often politically influenced organisations.

You are a highly organised, autonomous individual skilled at maintaining stakeholder relationships, solving problems, and driving performance through influence. Resilient and composed under pressure, you stay focused and energised in fast-paced environments.

We will be looking for specific experience with the key role requirements:

• Qualification and experience from landscaping, horticulture, engineering and construction related project management is preferrable
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
• Strong ability to prioritise tasks and manage competing deadlines
• Health and Safety advocate, with current first aid certification preferred
• Solid understanding of horticulture and familiarity with Botanic Gardens

We still encourage you to apply if you have some but not all these requirements.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

Auckland Council is the largest local government council across Oceania, serving over 1.7 million people and contributing towards making Tāmaki Makaurau a world-class city. We offer a range of employee benefits and proudly support flexible working options where possible.

Help us make a difference to Tāmaki Makaurau. View a snapshot of some of our employee benefits Here

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

Me Tono Ināianei!: Apply Now!

Ehara taku toa, he takitahi, he toa takitini. My success is not mine alone, but the success of many.

Applications close: Wednesday 4th June 12am NZST

Our employer Kiwisaver contribution is additional to base salary offered.

#workingforauckland #ProgrammeManagement #HorticultureJobs #LandscapeLeadership #BotanicGardens

This position is deemed a safety-sensitive position and will require pre-employment drug and alcohol testing.

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.