Summary: This role involves delivering practical and theory-based horticulture training to prisoners, supporting their skill development and contributing to their growth and change. Highlights: 1. Teach and inspire learners behind the wire with your horticulture skills. 2. Support real-world skill development and help people grow and change. 3. Meaningful, hands-on work in a supportive team environment. Horticulture Instructor - Invercargill Prison 'Kotahi ano te kaupapa, ko te oranga o te iwi' -`There is only one purpose to our work: the wellness and wellbeing of our people. * Use your horticulture skills to teach and inspire learners behind the wire. * Grow natives and produce while supporting real‑world skill development. * Enjoy stable hours, a supportive team, and meaningful, hands‑on work. Mo te tunga | About the role If you're passionate about horticulture and want to use your skills to make a real difference, this role offers a meaningful way to contribute working behind the wire as part of a supportive team that helps people grow and change. As a Horticulture Instructor, you'll deliver practical and theory‑based horticulture training to prisoners, supporting them to gain NZQA‑recognised unit standards and develop strong work habits. A vital part of the role is teaching people with varying education levels, including those who may have had little or no formal learning experience. You'll adapt your teaching style to ensure every learner can succeed. Alongside teaching, you'll also be hands‑on in our large gardens carrying out horticultural tasks such as growing native plants and vegetables for community use, especially when learner numbers are low. This is a prison base position, where you'll play a key role in creating a safe, structured, and positive learning environment, following custodial procedures and maintaining situational awareness. You'll work Monday-Friday, 7am-3pm, and be supported for the next 12 months by two experienced horticulture staff. Mou | About you You're confident in your horticulture skills, enjoy being outdoors, and have a calm, patient approach with learners. You will thrive in this role if you: * Want to apply your horticulture skills in a secure, behind‑the‑wire environment. * Enjoy hands‑on horticulture work as well as guiding others. * Can adapt your teaching approach to suit learners with varied education levels and learning styles. * Are non‑judgmental and able to build rapport with prisoners. * Communicate confidently in both written and verbal forms. * Maintain professionalism, safety focus, and situational awareness at all times. Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and experience To be considered, you'll need: * A current Growsafe Basic Certificate (or ability to renew) * Level 3 horticulture qualification. * Minimum 3 years' experience in the horticulture sector. * Strong verbal and written communication skills. * Ability to teach and support learners with diverse education levels. * NZQA Unit Standard 4908 - desired but not essential. Nga painga | The benefits * Monday-Friday hours (7am-3pm) * Career development and the chance to gain additional qualifications (incl. Unit Standard 4908) * On-site gym, wellbeing support, and retail/travel discounts * Opportunities to work across other primary industries teams. * Supportive, experienced horticulture colleagues to guide you. The midpoint of the salary range is $72,514 - $80,876 per annum. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role. Mo matou | About us Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and address the overrepresentation of Maori in correctional facilities. As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whanau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hokai Rangi strategy. We value inclusion and diversity in our workforce, and as a Public Service organisation we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the public we serve. We strive to make our recruitment process fair, and we encourage you to discuss reasonable accommodations with us if required. Tono inaianei | Apply Now To submit an application and view the position description, click the apply link. All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency - applications received via email will not be considered. When applying, submit a tailored CV and a cover letter describing your motivation for joining the department highlighting relevant skills and experience and the alignment to our work. Applications close on: 30th, March 2026 If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact southernrecruitment@corrections.govt.nz, or visit careers.corrections.govt.nz.
Trademe · HR
Trademe · HR
