Apprentice Parks and Gardens (MidCoast Council)

Newman Senior Technical College; Taree; On-site; AUD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

MidCoast Council in Taree is offering an Apprentice Parks and Gardens role within the Parks Maintenance team. You will help maintain parks, reserves, sports fields, cemeteries and other recreational assets.

You will operate and maintain park maintenance equipment and contribute to the upkeep of trees, shrubs, groundcover and turf areas as part of a 3-year training program through TAFE NSW.

Qualifications

• Interest in working in community spaces and public areas.
• Reliability, focus, and commitment reflected in past study or work.
• Motivation to develop a career in parks and gardens and related fields.
• Diligence and a positive work ethic demonstrated through prior experience.

Responsibilities

• Maintain Council's parks, reserves, sports fields, cemeteries and other recreational assets.
• Operate and maintain park maintenance plant and equipment.
• Contribute to upkeep of trees, shrubs, groundcover, garden beds, turf areas and plantings.

Skills

Interest in community spaces

Reliable and focused

Motivated to develop career in field

Diligence through study/work

Education

Certificate III in Parks and Gardens

Job description

Apprentice Parks and Gardens

Location: MidCoast NSW

Start building your future with MidCoast Council

Our 2027 career pathway opportunities are a great way to gain practical experience and a recognised qualification. Whether you're entering the workforce, expanding your skills or considering a career change, there are opportunities across a range of interests and pathways.

You'll receive support from experienced mentors, develop valuable workplace skills and contribute to projects that benefit our local community.

Discover why MidCoast Council is a great place to work

With opportunities across our incredible region, you could work in modern facilities, outdoors in the community or on a range of practical projects. We're committed to helping our people learn, grow and reach their goals while providing a supportive environment.

The Opportunity

In this position you will work in our Parks Maintenance team to help maintain Council's parks, reserves, sports fields, cemeteries, and other recreational assets.

You will operate and maintain park maintenance plant and equipment and contribute to the upkeep of natural assets such as trees, shrubs, groundcover plantings, street garden beds, floral displays, and turf areas.

• Have a genuine interest and aptitude for working in Council's community spaces
• Are motivated to develop your career in this field
• Can demonstrate diligence through past study or work experience
• You'll stand out by showing reliability and focus, and your application will reflect the hard work and commitment you put into everything you do

The qualification for this position will be through TAFE NSW to attain a Certificate III in Parks and Gardens (3 years).

Successful candidates will be required to:

• Commence employment on Monday, 1 February 2027.
• Complete a pre-employment skills assessment as part of the interview process.
• Undertake a medical assessment that will include a drug and alcohol test, sight and hearing, functional and medical component
• Obtain a General Construction Induction Card (White Card) prior to commencing on 1 February 2027.

What we offer

Location: MidCoast Council's Taree Depot at 36 Arkwright Crescent, Taree. You will also be required to be based from other Council sites across the MidCoast Council region.

Tenure:

• 3-year fixed term
• Full-time 38 hours per week, Monday to Friday with a fortnightly rostered day off.

Closing date: Monday 5 October 2026 at 11.00 pm.

For questions relating to the position please contact Lee Kavanagh - Acting Parks Works Supervisor Northern Operations, who is the hiring manager for this role. Lee can be reached on [phone] or at [e-mail].

For enquiries regarding the application process contact Kim Aird, Human Resources Officer who is the HR representative for this role. Kim can be reached on [phone] or at [e-mail].

Our organisation

At MidCoast Council our people are our most important resource and we believe that we can only reach our full potential when you reach yours. This is the place for those who seek to play a role in the community and have an enthusiasm to learn and grow. Here you can make a real difference.

Our community is our customer and is at the centre of everything we do. We value, support and empower our people to deliver positive results for our community.

Right now, we are investing heavily in our organisation, and our people. Our Administration Centre is a state-of-the-art facility designed to inspire innovation, creativity and collaboration. The building has been named 'Yalawanyi Ganya' which means "sitting/meeting place" in the Gathang language of the indigenous people across the MidCoast Region.

About the MidCoast Region

From lakes and estuaries to white sandy beaches to world heritage mountain wilderness, the MidCoast region offers an attractive lifestyle for everyone. Our community is characterised by its welcoming attitude, growing economy and natural beauty. These are the pillars of the quality of life we value.

Our commitment

At MidCoast Council we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities. Our aim is to provide all of our staff with an inclusive, safe and healthy working environment. We never discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age or marital, veteran or disability status. If you have a disability and need to request any adjustments to assist with the application process, or to discuss workplace adjustments you may require, please contact the HR representative.

Council also recognises the skills and attributes of veterans and welcomes applications from ex-service personnel.