Head Gardener | Retirement Village | East Auckland

About the Company Established in 1984, Metlifecare is a prominent owner and operator of retirement villages, dedicated to providing rewarding lifestyles and care to over 6,500 New Zealanders. We take pride in creating retirement communities that empower individuals to be the very best versions of themselves. About the Role We are currently seeking a Head Gardener to join our dedicated team at Highlands Village, located in Highland Park, East Auckland. This is a full-time, permanent position, with working hours from Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. In this leadership role, you will manage your own dedicated gardening team while overseeing the maintenance and development of our stunning botanical gardens, which span 12 acres. With over 1,000 roses, ponds, and a bird aviary, this position offers a variety of challenges and opportunities for creativity. As the Head Gardener, your primary responsibilities will include: - Establishing new planting as needed to maintain the gardens' standards, ensuring the right plants are placed in appropriate areas to enhance aesthetics, accommodate seasonal changes, and support future management. - Utilizing garden maintenance feedback to prioritize requests and maintain communication with the Village Manager and residents about planned works. - Developing and implementing planned maintenance programs. - Managing all gardening budgets. - Leading a team of three direct reports and supervising any external contractors. - Maintaining gardening equipment and ensuring staff are trained in its proper use. About You This is a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact on the landscape of the Village. We are looking for someone who is confident in their gardening skills and can effectively communicate with a diverse range of individuals. To be successful in this role, you will need: - Previous horticultural experience as a Gardener or Landscaper, along with a genuine passion for gardening and ground maintenance. - Proven leadership and staff management experience. - A clean, full Driver's License. - A thorough understanding of gardening and landscaping methods, as this is a hands-on role. - Strong technical knowledge and the physical fitness required to operate garden machinery. - A strong focus on Health and Safety standards. - The ability to plan and communicate effectively with various stakeholders, including Village Management and residents. Benefits We offer a range of excellent employee benefits, including: - Three paid wellness days per year and an additional paid day of leave to celebrate your birthday. - Health and Life Insurance coverage, which is automatically provided free to all permanent staff. - Continued Kiwisaver payments for those opted in over the age of 65 years. - Support for education, development, and training. How to Apply If you are interested in joining our team, please apply by clicking the "APPLY NOW" button or by visiting our careers page at http://www.careers.metlifecare.co.nz/home. Please note that identification and work eligibility documentation will be required with your application.