Head Gardener

About Summerset Retirement Villages

Summerset is dedicated to creating welcoming village environments for its residents through the passion and commitment of its team members. As part of a united team, the goal is to deliver the best quality of life to those living in their communities.

Role Overview

Summerset is seeking a committed Head Gardener for their Milldale village team in Auckland. Reporting to the Property Manager and collaborating closely with a fellow Gardener, you will be instrumental in maintaining and improving the outdoor spaces to ensure they are vibrant and well-kept.

Key Responsibilities

• Uphold the standards of the village’s Gardening and Landscaping Plan by caring for gardens, lawns, courtyards, and landscapes using best horticultural practices with attention to seasonal and long-term care.
• Ensure the cleanliness and tidiness of buildings, grounds, and amenities, including responsible rubbish management aligned with local authority guidelines.
• Serve as a professional and approachable representative for the village, warmly engaging with residents, their families, visitors, and staff.
• Lead, supervise, and mentor garden staff and contractors by assigning duties, providing training, and maintaining high horticultural quality consistently.
• Keep detailed records of residents’ gardening entitlements, manage maintenance agreements, work with Property and Village Managers on planning and budgeting, and oversee scheduling, irrigation systems, and the upkeep of tools and garden facilities.

Working Hours

This permanent position operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Qualifications and Experience

• Experience in gardening or landscaping roles is essential.
• A National Certificate in Horticulture (Amenity) Level 4 or higher is required.
• Possession of a current Growsafe (Standard) certificate is necessary.
• A passion for cultivating attractive outdoor spaces and a friendly, respectful attitude toward people from diverse backgrounds greatly distinguishes candidates.

Diversity and Inclusion

Summerset values diversity and welcomes applicants with varied experiences, including transferable skills from other sectors. They aim to create an inclusive workplace where every individual is respected and empowered to succeed, focusing on the whole person rather than ticking all traditional requirements.

Additional Benefits

• Southern Cross Health Essentials coverage.
• Birthday leave entitlement.
• Provided work uniform.

Application Notes

Applications close on Thursday, 24th September, but may be filled earlier if sufficient candidates apply. Early application is recommended to avoid disappointment.