Gardener - Grounds person at The University of Waikato, Waikato

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Join our Grounds team to maintain and develop 65ha of park-like campus, caring for gardens, trees, paths, and open spaces for all to enjoy.

• Competitive superannuation, discounted gym membership and insurance
• Fantastic team environment in a beautiful park-like campus setting
• Hands-on outdoor role maintaining and enhancing 65ha of grounds

Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

We are looking for someone with green fingers to assist in the care, maintenance and development of our 65 hectares of attractive, park-like campus grounds. You will have the opportunity to work across all areas of the grounds, including a variety of garden collections, trees and shrubs. You will also help care for hardscape areas such as walkways and roads, while ensuring the campus grounds remain litter-free.

The aim of this role is to help provide an environment that supports the University's activities, while also creating spaces for passive and active recreation for students and staff. Grounds maintenance and new developments are delivered through a combination of Grounds staff and contractors.

Salary will be determined based on your skills, knowledge and experience, with an additional allowance available depending on your qualifications. This is a full-time role (40 hours per week) based at our Hillcrest Campus.

For more information on the role, please see the position description.

For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Mark Thompson, Landscape Manager, at mark.thompson@waikato.ac.nz

All applications must be submitted through the online portal. Emailed applications will not be accepted.

Ko wai koe? - Who are you?

You will be physically fit, well organised and enjoy working both autonomously and as part of a team. You will also have:

• Proven experience in amenity horticulture
• The ability to operate and maintain grounds equipment
• Experience maintaining garden beds
• A full NZ driver's licence

A horticultural industry qualification is preferred; however, this is not essential if you have relevant experience.

Ko wai mātou? - Who are we?

The Property Services team is responsible for managing the University's corporate estates portfolio, including campus development, commercial lease management, facilities, security and support services such as grounds maintenance, portering and cleaning.

The Gardener/Groundsperson is part of a small team, including a Grounds Supervisor who reports to the Landscape Manager. The Grounds team is responsible for maintaining and developing all grounds associated with our Hamilton campus.

He aha ngā take me tono mai ai koe? - Why should you apply for this position?

We want you to be part of our success. Our University stands proudly on the world stage as a provider of future-focused, international education and an active contributor to global research. Our rankings reflect these strengths.

Working with us means you'll enjoy a satisfying work environment with many benefits.

The University of Waikato is distinctive for the diversity of its staff and students and encourages applicants with the relevant capabilities from all backgrounds to apply.

Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in NZ in accordance with NZ Immigration regulations, which can be found here.

Ko te Tangata - For the People

The University of Waikato prides itself on the quality of its engagement with the communities it serves, the provision of a world-class education and the national and international impact of its research. Our policies are guided by the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and equal opportunity for all.

E herea ana te Whare Wānanga ki te kaupapa kia whakaratohia te mea angitū ōrite ki ngā tāngata katoa.

Applications close on Sunday, 28 June 2026

Requisition number: 1003666