Apprentice Horticulture

Clarence Valley Council; South Grafton; On-site; AUD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

9-day fortnight

Leadership programs

Study assistance

Internal secondments

On-the-job training

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Clarence Valley Council is offering an open-ended apprenticeship in horticulture, based in Yamba and Townsend, NSW. You will learn plant identification, garden maintenance, turf management, and landscape work under experienced horticulturalists as you work toward a nationally recognised Certificate III in Parks and Gardens (AHC31024).

Join our Open Spaces team to gain real-world experience outdoors, develop practical skills, and build a career in horticulture while contributing to parks,

Qualifications

• Interest in horticulture and outdoors work.
• Willingness to learn plant identification and garden maintenance.
• Commitment to pursuing a formal qualification while working.

Responsibilities

• Learn horticulture from the ground up alongside experienced staff.
• Assist with plant identification, garden maintenance, turf management and landscape work.
• Develop skills in soils, irrigation, machinery and modern horticultural practices.

Education

Certificate III in Parks and Gardens (AHC31024)

Job description

Working at Clarence Valley Council

Our goal is simple. We want Clarence Valley to be a community full of opportunity. We know that starts with our people. Located in the heart of the Northern Rivers, the Clarence Valley is a special place to call home. With over 100km of stunning beaches, national parks and 60 unique towns and villages to enjoy, we’ve got a massive backyard to look after. As one of the region’s largest employers, we provide the job security and career opportunities of a large organisation, with the warmth and connection of a local team. We’re currently working on some big plans to make the Valley even better by 2036, and we need people who are ready to roll up their sleeves and be a part of something truly important.

Your opportunity

Got a passion for plants, the outdoors and working with your hands? Want to turn that into a career? Clarence Valley Council is looking for a keen and motivated Horticulture Apprentice to join our Open Spaces team based at Yamba and Townsend. This is an opportunity to learn horticulture from the ground up, working alongside experienced horticulturalists across some of the Clarence Valley’s most beautiful parks, gardens, streetscapes, sportsfields and coastal open spaces. You’ll gain real-world experience in plant identification and care, garden maintenance, turf management, tree and landscape work, soils, irrigation, machinery and modern horticultural practices while working towards a Certificate III in Parks and Gardens (AHC31024), a nationally recognised qualification. If you’re keen to work outdoors, learn from experienced people, get your hands dirty and build a genuine career in horticulture, we’d love to hear from you. Start your horticulture career in one of the most beautiful parts of the Clarence Valley. Applications close at Tuesday 11:30pm 10 November 2026.

Other important information

All successful candidates will be required to undertake a drug and alcohol screening and a pre-employment medical check may be required. This position is located at Council's Yamba/ Townsend Depot, however, this may change should business needs identify other work locations to be more appropriate to deliver our services in the future. At Clarence Valley Council, we believe our diversity is our strength. We strongly encourage applications from First Nations people, veterans, and individuals of all backgrounds and abilities.

Why our team chooses Clarence Valley Council

• See the tangible results of your efforts in the streets, parks and infrastructure used by you and your loved ones every day.
• We invest in your potential through leadership programs, internal secondments and specialised training to keep your career moving forward.
• We empower you to lead a fulfilling life where family comes first - backed by a culture that genuinely respects your time.

We believe you shouldn’t have to choose between an impactful career and a relaxed, coastal lifestyle. That’s why we provide plenty of rewarding benefits so you can enjoy work and play in equal measure.

You’ll also be rewarded with a range of benefits

• Our popular 9-day fortnight offering gives you more time to spend with the people who matter most.
• Leadership programs, study assistance, internal secondments and on-the-job training to invest in your potential.
• Your wellbeing is always a priority - we have a zero-harm commitment, and you can access 24/7 confidential support through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).