Join our team as a Parks & Reserves Maintenance Leading Hand!

We’re on the lookout for a hands-on, practical leader with a strong background in generalist labouring to help us maintain Napier’s beautiful parks, reserves, and Council housing village grounds. This is a multi-skilled role where no two days are the same – one day you might be concreting a pathway or digging in posts, and the next you're helping maintain water features or supporting playground upkeep.

As a working leader, you’ll supervise small teams, support day-to-day operations, and ensure our spaces are kept to a high standard, including weed eating duties. Experience with submersible pumps, concreting, chainsaw use, spraying, and manual digging is essential, and you’ll need to be comfortable rolling up your sleeves and leading by example.

If you're someone who takes pride in your work, enjoys outdoor maintenance, and brings a solid mix of labouring skills and leadership, we want to hear from you!

Te Āheinga - The Opportunity

• Keep Napier’s parks, reserves, and village grounds looking their best every day!
• Tackle hands-on tasks like digging, concreting, and installing signs with energy and pride. Including conducting weed eating and spraying activities
• Use and maintain gear and machinery to get the job done right and safely.
• Step up and lead small teams to deliver great results out in the field.
• Take charge of keeping our fountains and water features flowing beautifully.
• Champion health and safety to keep your team and the public safe.
• Help keep our playgrounds fun and safe with regular maintenance and care.
• Be part of keeping our public spaces clean, tidy, and inviting.
• Jump in and support your wider team wherever needed – we’re all in this together!
• Bring a friendly, can-do attitude when dealing with the public and housing tenants.

He kōrero mōhou - About You

• A trade qualification in horticulture, landscaping, or similar field (or equivalent experience).
• At least 3 years’ experience in parks, reserves, or playground maintenance.
• Confident leading small teams and keeping work on track.
• Practical know-how with tools, machinery, and basic maintenance.
• Full Class 1 driver’s licence (STMS Level 1 and Grow Safe are a bonus).
• Clear communicator with good attention to detail.
• Physically fit and able to handle manual, outdoor work.
• Positive, hands-on attitude and happy working outdoors in all weather.

Ngā painga mōhou - What we Offer

• 5 weeks annual leave after 2 years service
• Discounted Health Insurance Work Scheme + Eye Test Subsidy
• Retailer Discounts + Study assistance
• Employee Assistance Program (OCP)
• Quarterly values awards + Birthday vouchers + Social club
• Free flu vaccinations (annual)
• Ka Awatea Cultural Wānanga + NCC Kapa Haka
• Te Reo Māori language classes

This is a permanent full-time position, Monday to Friday (42.5 hours) based out of our Depot (Onekawa). We will be interviewing applications as we receive them and may close the role when we have found the right person.

He kōrero mō Te Kaunihera o Ahuriri - About NCC

At Napier City Council, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and work to make our hiring process fair and accessible. If you need any support or adjustments during your application or interview, let us know—we’re happy to help!

Part of our success is shaped by our ability to foster strong, enduring relationships between NCC, Mana Whenua, and Iwi. Our Māori Partnerships team - Te Waka Rangapū – enhance our cultural capability and awareness through education, training, and resources to strengthen cultural competencies.

Before joining our team, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks, including drug testing for a safe workplace. Some roles may also require health screening.

As part of holding a role with Napier City Council, you may be called on to assist in Civil Defence emergencies—an opportunity to support our community when it matters most.

Please visit Napier City Council Careers website to see full job description

Job Description – Parks & Reserves Maintenance Leading Hand

Wage Range starting - $28.96