Grounds & Maintenance - Paroa Bay Winery | Bay of Islands

Paroa Bay Winery is a boutique vineyard, winery and hospitality destination near Russell in the Bay of Islands. The property includes landscaped grounds, Sage Restaurant, luxury accommodation, guest facilities, pools and spas, vineyard areas and a range of operational buildings and equipment.

We are looking for a practical and capable person who takes pride in keeping a property looking its best and enjoys being the person others can rely on when something needs attention.

About the Role

This is a broad, hands-on position covering grounds and landscaping, general property maintenance and minor repairs across the estate. No two days will be quite the same. You may be maintaining gardens and outdoor areas, troubleshooting equipment, carrying out a repair, checking a pool or spa, moving materials, or coordinating with a local contractor or supplier.

You will work across different parts of the business and will need to plan your time well, communicate clearly and respond calmly when priorities change.

Key Responsibilities

Maintain the grounds, gardens and landscaped areas to a high standard, including mowing, trimming, pruning, planting, weeding, irrigation and general presentation.

Complete general maintenance, preventative maintenance and minor repairs across buildings, guest facilities, outdoor areas, fixtures and equipment.

Identify maintenance issues early, assess what is required and either complete the work safely or coordinate an appropriate contractor.

Monitor and maintain pools and spas, including safe testing, handling and balancing of chemicals where trained and authorised.

Safely handle and apply fertilisers and other grounds-care products in line with product instructions and health and safety requirements.

Operate and care for tools, vehicles and equipment, and keep maintenance areas organised and secure.

Drive a range of vehicles, including a ute towing a trailer.

Assist with vineyard, property and seasonal work when required.

Maintain clear records for inspections, servicing, maintenance work, chemicals and stock as required.

Build effective working relationships across departments and with local contractors and suppliers.

Support, train and guide other team members in safe work practices and routine maintenance tasks where appropriate.

About You

You will be a practical self-starter who can see what needs doing, work safely and follow tasks through to completion. You will also bring:

At least two years’ experience in a similar grounds, property maintenance, facilities, landscaping or trade-based role.

Broad practical maintenance skills and confidence using common hand and power tools.

Some form of trade experience or a strong hands-on background with the ability to troubleshoot and fix a range of issues.

A current full driver licence and confidence driving a ute with a trailer attached.

Good verbal and written communication skills.

Strong organisation, initiative and the ability to juggle multiple priorities.

The ability to work independently while collaborating well with hospitality, accommodation, vineyard and management teams.

A reliable, safety-conscious and solutions-focused approach.

The following would be an advantage, but are not essential

Experience operating heavy machinery, together with any relevant licences, endorsements or qualifications.

Experience with pool and spa water testing, chemical handling and balancing.

Experience using fertilisers and grounds-care chemicals.

Vineyard, horticulture, irrigation or rural property experience.

Experience training, mentoring or supervising other staff.

* Living in, or having a good understanding of, Northland and the Bay of Islands, including local contractors and suppliers.

The Location

This role is based at Paroa Bay Winery, Russell, Bay of Islands — an area known for its pristine beaches, world-class fishing, and relaxed coastal lifestyle. Reliable transport to and from the property is required. Assistance will be available to help the successful applicant secure local accommodation.

If you’re ready to make the move and be part of something truly special, we’d love to hear from you!