Grounds Maintenance Instructor - OCF

About this role

• Supervise and train men in prison in horticulture, landscaping & maintenance.
• Share practical skills that build confidence and future employment pathways.
• Help create safer communities by supporting reintegration through work

  

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Grounds Maintenance and Horticulture Instructor – Otago Corrections Facility (OCF)

Are you looking for a challenging position within an environment that will stretch your skills, offer you opportunities for development and growth, and provide personal satisfaction?

Prison industries provide people in prison with meaningful engagement and equip them with valuable work experience and skills for the future. They are an important part of working towards reintegration and can increase chances of obtaining successful employment on release. Industries are also critical in providing essential services for the operation of the prison.

In this varied role as a Grounds Maintenance and Horticulture Instructor, you will work directly with the men in prison, providing supervision and practical training across the two sectors.

The hours of work will be on a standard shift basis of 80 hours per fortnight, Monday to Friday, 0800hrs – 1600hrs.

We take a commercial approach to employment training, focusing on work readiness, on-the-job learning, and where possible, nationally recognised certification.

 

Mōu | About you

We are looking for someone with practical, hands-on abilities in grounds maintenance, and horticulture (including nurseries). You will have:

• A solid understanding of landscaping and horticulture, including plant knowledge and cultivation techniques.
• Experience using gardening equipment and tools, including basic preventative maintenance.
• A passion for sharing your skills and helping others succeed in a horticulture-related career.
• Strong people skills and the motivation to manage and develop men in prison.

This is a role with unique challenges and rewards. Our Industries Team supports the men in prison to build work habits and skills that increase their chances of finding sustainable, legitimate mahi upon release—reducing reoffending and making our communities safer.

 

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

This rewarding position demands someone who possesses:

• General Ground Maintenance and Horticultural experience essential
• Experience as an Adult Educator or NZQA Assessor (4098) an advantage.
• Outstanding health & safety practices.
• Exceptional people management and communication skills.
• The ability to motivate and develop people within a team environment.
• Building experience (preferred but not essential).

 

Ngā painga | The benefits

The starting salary for this role is $72,514 per annum with progression up to $90,322 possible in accordance with our criteria.

To support you in this role, you will go through the Corrections Officer Development Pathway, which includes:

• 10 weeks of training, with 5 weeks delivered at our National Learning Centre in Upper Hutt.
• Comprehensive preparation to ensure you are confident and capable in your role.

 

Mō mātou | 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 Māori in correctional facilities. As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whānau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hōkai 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 ināianei | 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: 26 January 2026

If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact southernregion@corrections.govt.nz, or visit careers.corrections.govt.nz.