  {\bf Background:} Level sequences of rotational character have been observed
in several nuclei in the $A=60$ mass region. The importance of the
deformation-driving $\pi f_{7/2}$ and $\nu g_{9/2}$ orbitals on the onset of
nuclear deformation is stressed.\\ {\bf Purpose:} A measurement was performed
in order to identify collective rotational structures in the relatively
neutron-rich $^{62}$Ni isotope. \\ {\bf Method:} The
$^{26}$Mg($^{48}$Ca,2$\alpha$4$n\gamma$)$^{62}$Ni complex reaction at beam
energies between 275 and 320~MeV was utilized. Reaction products were
identified in mass ($A$) and charge ($Z$) with the Fragment Mass Analyzer (FMA)
and $\gamma$ rays were detected with the Gammasphere array. \\ {\bf Results:}
Two collective bands, built upon states of single-particle character, were
identified and sizable deformation was assigned to both sequences based on the
measured transitional quadrupole moments, herewith quantifying the deformation
at high spin. \\ {\bf Conclusions:} Based on Cranked Nilsson-Strutinsky
calculations and comparisons with deformed bands in the $A=60$ mass region, the
two rotational bands are understood as being associated with configurations
involving multiple $f_{7/2}$ protons and $g_{9/2}$ neutrons, driving the
nucleus to sizable prolate deformation.
