Horticultural Trainee

Do you enjoy working outdoors and making a visible difference in your community? We are now looking for a Horticultural Trainee to join the Residential Red Zone team. This role will help the team maintain and enhance parks and open spaces that support biodiversity, recreation, and connection across our city. The Parks Unit at Christchurch City Council plays a vital role in shaping and maintaining a world‑class environment for current and future generations. Building on the foundations laid by the city’s founders, the team works every day in the community to care for Christchurch’s diverse and much‑loved green spaces About the team | Ko te rōpū nei The Residential Red Zone team manages a unique mix of natural and developed open spaces across the Ōtākaro‑Avon River Corridor, Southshore, Brooklands and Te Pātaka o Rākaihautu / Banks Peninsula. The team works with a wide range of people, cultures and communities, so an open‑minded, respectful and community‑focused approach is essential. About the role | Ko te mahi nei As a Horticultural Trainee, you'll complete a three‑year training programme while working alongside experienced field staff to help maintain and enhance Christchurch's Residential Red Zone parks. You'll gain valuable hands‑on experience while working towards nationally recognised horticultural qualifications. In this role, you'll: Carry out maintenance tasks across the Residential Red Zone, including mowing, vegetation management, pest plant and animal control, and supporting ecological restoration Work alongside experienced field staff across a variety of parks and open spaces Develop practical skills in amenity horticulture and biodiversity maintenance Commit to completing your New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (Levels 3 & 4) as part of the three‑year training programme Apply Christchurch City Council's health and safety practices and procedures in your day‑to‑day work Build the knowledge, skills and experience needed to launch a rewarding career in horticulture To be successful, you'll: Have a genuine interest in horticulture and indigenous biodiversity Be motivated to learn and committed to completing the three‑year training programme and your New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (Levels 3 & 4) Enjoy working outdoors in all weather conditions Work well as part of a small team while also using initiative Have a strong commitment to health and safety Be personable and approachable, with a willingness to engage with the local community and support community‑organised events Hold a current full New Zealand driver's licence We understand that recruitment processes can be challenging. If you require any support or adjustments to help you put your best foot forward, please reach out to us [email protected] Hours of work - Monday to Friday (occasional weekend work), between 7:00am and 5:00pm. Position - Full-time, fixed‑term for three years Location - This position is primarily based at the Community Parks Depot, Pages Road, Bromley Salary - The hourly rate for this position is $28.97 per hour Closing Date - Monday 20 July 2026, 9am. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place prior to the close date. This means we reserve the right to close a job ad before the advertised close date. Central City | Post date: 09 Jul 2026 | Close date: 30 Jul 2026 09:00 | Expertise: Building Services, Engineering | Work Type: Permanent, Full-time Where it's possible to love what you do. #J-18808-Ljbffr