Park Superintendent (Live-in)

About the role

The Hynds Foundation is seeking an experienced, hands‑on Park Superintendent to live on‑site at Pōkeno Park, a private native conservation property in Waikato. This full‑time position combines native plant and wetland management, building and grounds maintenance, contractor coordination, and visitor hosting under a long‑term Master Plan.

Key responsibilities

• Planting, weeding, track and fence maintenance, and wetland care.
• Operate and maintain farm and grounds machinery; undertake small construction projects such as retaining walls, pathways and fencing.
• Supervise external contractors and suppliers; ensure health, safety and site security.
• Maintain all buildings, art installations and sculpture displays across the park.
• Host visits from trustees, stakeholders and guests, acting as the primary point of contact.

Required profile

• Strong knowledge of native New Zealand flora and ecological restoration practices.
• Practical experience in horticulture, landscaping or land management.
• Comfortable operating and maintaining farm‑type machinery.
• Basic construction skills for retaining walls, pathways and fencing.
• Organised, self‑directed and able to manage workload independently.
• Excellent communication skills for interacting with contractors, trustees and visitors.
• Commitment to health and safety in a rural environment.

Required skills

• Native flora identification
• Ecological restoration
• Horticulture
• Land management
• Farm machinery operation
• Construction (retaining walls, pathways, fencing)

What we offer

• Live‑in accommodation on the property (partner welcome).
• Opportunity to work on a unique conservation park with art installations.
• Scope to contribute ideas to a long‑term Master Plan.