Imagine cultivating a career amidst the stunning and diverse landscapes of New Zealand, where your work helps maintain the country’s world-renowned parks and green spaces. Downer Greenspaces offers a unique opportunity for international gardeners to join their professional team, providing a supported pathway with visa sponsorship.
This role is perfect for those with a passion for the outdoors and a hands-on work ethic, whether you’re a qualified horticulturist or someone eager to learn. With a starting hourly wage of NZD $18, comprehensive benefits including free healthcare access, and a strong focus on safety and career development, this is more than just a job; it’s a chance to grow your skills and build a life in Aotearoa. If you’re ready to bring your energy to a respected team, your New Zealand adventure starts here.
Details of Gardener Jobs in New Zealand
Key Points
- Job Country: New Zealand
- Industry: Horticulture / Landscaping
- Job Type: Full-Time Gardener
- Visa Sponsorship: Yes (Seasonal Work Visa)
- Relocation: Flights and logistics are typically the responsibility of the candidate, but the employer provides the essential visa sponsorship to enable work.
- Accommodation: Not provided. Successful applicants will need to arrange their own housing.
- Employment Term: Temporary, Full-Time (with potential for extension based on performance and business needs)
- Salary: NZD $22.70 per hour (Note: This has been updated to reflect the current Adult Minimum Wage in New Zealand as of 2024. Always confirm the exact rate in your contract.)
Key Responsibilities
As a gardener with Downer Greenspaces, you will be responsible for:
- Performing high-quality gardening and maintenance tasks in public parks, reserves, and green spaces.
- Ensuring all work is completed to a high standard, on time, and according to schedule.
- Adhering strictly to all health and safety protocols to ensure your safety and that of the public and team members.
- Operating and maintaining gardening equipment and tools.
Who We Are Looking For (Requirements)
To be successful in this role, you should have:
- Experience or Qualification: A qualification in horticulture or proven experience in a similar gardening or landscaping role.
- Driver’s License: A minimum of a New Zealand Full Class 1 Driver’s Licence (a standard car licence). A Class 2 license (for medium-heavy vehicles) is highly advantageous.
- Strong Work Ethic: Reliability, honesty, and a proactive “can-do” attitude.
- Team Player: The ability to work effectively in a team and a willingness to learn and share knowledge.
- Pre-Employment Checks: The ability to pass a pre-employment drug test, medical screening, and a Ministry of Justice background check.
Employee Benefits & Why Join Downer?
Downer invests in its people and offers a supportive work environment with tangible benefits, including:
- Visa Sponsorship: Crucial support to legally work in New Zealand.
- Healthcare Benefits: Free access to Marram healthcare programs.
- Career Development: A clear path for internal promotion with training and upskilling opportunities.
- Safety First: All necessary safety equipment and clothing are provided.
- Additional Perks: Discounts on holiday homes and a $500 referral bonus for recommending a successful new hire.
Eligible Nationalities
This opportunity is open to citizens from a wide range of countries, including but not limited to:
- Asia: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka
- Pacific Islands: Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa, Tonga
- Other Regions: Citizens from various Latin American and African nations may also be eligible depending on current immigration agreements.
(Note: Visa eligibility can be complex. The final determination is made by Immigration New Zealand based on your application and the employer’s sponsorship.
How to Apply for Gardener Jobs in New Zealand with Visa Sponsorship
Follow these steps to submit a professional application:
- Prepare Your Documents:
- An updated CV/resume that clearly details your horticultural experience, qualifications, and driver’s license details.
- A cover letter explaining why you are interested in this role and working in New Zealand.
- Click the Application Link: Use the official application link provided in the original job advertisement to ensure your application goes directly to Downer’s recruitment team.
- Await Contact: If your application is shortlisted, the Downer recruitment team will contact you to discuss the next steps, which will include the visa sponsorship process.
Conclusion
A gardener position with Downer Greenspaces represents a fantastic opportunity to launch an international career in a country celebrated for its natural beauty. The combination of visa sponsorship, a supportive work environment, and clear paths for training and advancement makes this a stable and rewarding choice for skilled and unskilled workers alike. If you are reliable, motivated, and have a love for working outdoors, we encourage you to apply and become part of a team dedicated to excellence in horticulture across New Zealand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly wage, and is visa sponsorship included?
The pay is NZD $18 per hour, and yes, the employer provides visa sponsorship for the successful international candidate.
Do I need prior experience or qualifications to apply?
While horticulture qualifications or relevant experience are beneficial, the advertisement states that no minimum experience is required, making it accessible for keen learners.
