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- Tasks: Supervise and train inmates in grounds maintenance and landscaping skills.
- Company: Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa, a values-led organisation focused on public safety.
- Benefits: Starting salary of $72,514 with progression opportunities and comprehensive training.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by helping others build skills for a better future.
- Qualifications: Experience in grounds maintenance and strong people management skills required.
- Other info: Unique role with challenges and rewards, contributing to safer communities.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
About this role
- Supervise and train men in prison in landscaping & grounds maintenance
- Share practical skills that build confidence and future employment pathways
- Help create safer communities by supporting reintegration through work
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.
As a Grounds Maintenance Instructor at Rolleston Prison, you will work directly with men in prison, providing supervision and practical training across various aspects of maintenance on the prison grounds. This could include tree pruning, fertilising, irrigation, spraying, fencing, tractor work, gardening tasks, pest control and other related maintenance tasks.
Instructors have the same classification as Corrections Officers and, as such, complete the same initial training courses. This will involve on-site training as well as residential training at our National Learning Centre in Upper Hutt, Wellington, to focus on the custodial elements of the position.
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.
About you
We are looking for someone with practical, hands-on abilities in grounds maintenance. You will have:
- Solid understanding and experience in parks and grounds maintenance
- Experience using gardening equipment and tools, including basic preventative maintenance
- A passion for sharing your skills and helping others succeed
- 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.
Skills and experience
This rewarding position demands someone who possesses:
- General Ground Maintenance experience essential
- A Primary ITO qualification or similar (highly desirable)
- 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
The benefits
The starting salary for this role is $72,514 - $80,876 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.
Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and addressing 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 strategy.
We value 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.
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: Sunday 11th January 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.
Grounds Maintenance Instructor - Rolleston Prison in Canterbury employer: Department of Corrections NZ
Contact Detail:
Department of Corrections NZ Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Grounds Maintenance Instructor - Rolleston Prison in Canterbury
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with grounds maintenance tasks and how they relate to the rehabilitation process. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show your genuine interest in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your people skills! Since you'll be working closely with men in prison, think about how you can motivate and support them. Share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully helped others learn or grow.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for teaching! Highlight any previous experience as an educator or mentor. Talk about how you can share your practical skills in grounds maintenance and help build confidence in others.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen. Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect your motivation for this role and how your skills align with our mission of supporting reintegration and community safety.
We think you need these skills to ace Grounds Maintenance Instructor - Rolleston Prison in Canterbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Grounds Maintenance Instructor role. Highlight your practical skills in grounds maintenance and any relevant experience you have. We want to see how your background aligns with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your motivation for joining us and how your skills can contribute to our mission. Be genuine and let your passion for helping others come through.
Showcase Your People Skills: Since this role involves working closely with men in prison, it’s crucial to highlight your people management and communication skills. We’re looking for someone who can motivate and develop others, so share examples of how you’ve done this in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our careers site! This ensures transparency and helps us keep track of all applications. Plus, it’s super easy to do – just click the apply link and follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Department of Corrections NZ
✨Know Your Grounds
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of grounds maintenance techniques and equipment. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with tasks like tree pruning, irrigation, and pest control. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but can also apply it practically.
✨Showcase Your Teaching Skills
Since this role involves training others, think about examples where you've successfully shared your skills or mentored someone. Prepare to talk about how you can motivate and develop individuals, especially in a challenging environment like a prison.
✨Emphasise Safety First
Health and safety practices are crucial in this role. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of safety protocols in grounds maintenance and how you ensure a safe working environment for yourself and others. This will demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high standards.
✨Connect with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with the values of Ara Poutama Aotearoa, such as respect and guardianship. During the interview, express how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to creating safer communities through your work.