Apprentice Parks & Gardens

Port Stephens Council; Newcastle-Maitland; On-site; AUD 38,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

12% Superannuation

Study Leave

Paid Parental Leave (14 weeks)

Health & Wellbeing program

Free Parking

Job summary

Port Stephens Council in Raymond Terrace NSW invites applications for an Apprenticeship in Parks and Gardens. This full-time contract position runs at 38 hours per week, with study leave and a pathway to a Certificate III in Parks and Gardens.

You’ll gain hands-on experience maintaining parks, reserves and streetscapes, plus safe operation of power tools and irrigation systems. We’re seeking a reliable, safety‑minded team player who can start early, adapt to outdoor conditions, and commit to

Qualifications

• A genuine passion for horticulture, landscaping, or physical outdoor work.
• Basic familiarity with plant care and outdoor maintenance.
• Willingness to learn and follow safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Planting, turf establishment, weed control, and landscape maintenance.
• Safe operation of power tools and irrigation systems.
• Maintain parks, reserves, sporting fields, and streetscapes.

Skills

Outdoor work

Communication skills

Team player

Safety mindset

Education

Certificate III in Parks and Gardens

Tools

Power tools operation

Irrigation systems

Class C Driver’s License

Job description

Port Stephens Council – Raymond Terrace NSW

Contract, Apprenticeship, Casual/Temporary

Own your future with an Apprenticeship at Port Stephens Council (PSC) – ready for commencement in January 2027!

The opportunity

Our Apprentice Parks & Gardens position is the perfect opportunity for an enthusiastic candidate, looking to combine their love of the outdoors with their career. This is your chance to earn while you learn with Council's Parks and Gardens team.

Not only will you gain invaluable on the job work experience from your experienced team mates, you will also undertake a Certificate III in Parks and Gardens, working toward becoming a specialist in the Horticulture field!

Working across our beautiful parks, reserves, sporting fields, and streetscapes, you will master essential skills including planting, turf establishment, weed control, landscape maintenance, and the safe operation of specialised power tools and irrigation systems.

We are looking for a reliable, self-motivated team player with exceptional communication skills, a strong safety-first mindset, and the resilience to accept constructive feedback as you learn. While prior experience with gardening tools, customer service, or community volunteering is a bonus, what matters most in your first six months is your punctuality for early morning depot starts, a positive attitude, and a commitment to respecting public assets and the local community.

What does a career at PSC look like for me post-apprenticeship?

Whilst we can’t guarantee a permanent position post-apprenticeship, this is what a career path could look like with a business or accounting qualifications behind you:

Apprentice Gardener

The key responsibilities within this role are listed within the position description.

This is a contract opportunity – working full-time, 38 hours / week + access to a flexible working arrangement + access to study leave to attend courses at your formal education provider during work hours.

Base Salary Range:$37,574 to $57,438 pa based on 38 hours / week + 12% superannuation + $2,562 retention allowance

You will be working from Raymond Terrace Depot

What does it mean to be an apprentice at PSC?

Throughout your apprenticeship, you’ll receive;

Financial support in a paid role, including full payment for your studies

Time in your work week to attend your formal training

Progression through your salary levels with each year of successful completion

You will also have the opportunity to participate in our internal networking events, where you can meet and socialise with other Apprentices, Cadets and Trainees at PSC

Opportunities to develop your own professional and social networks through collaborating with other teams across PSC

We’re all about putting the right people, in the right role! Here’s what we’re looking for:

A genuine passion for horticulture, landscaping, or physical outdoor work.

A valid White Card (or willingness to get one before your start date).

Class C Driver’s License and access to reliable transport for attendance at both work and external training providers

Strong work ethic, reliability, and self-motivation.

Top-tier communication, active listening skills, and a team-first attitude.

Work/Life balance with generous leave entitlements, flexible work options and leave in lieu

Long service leave when you’ve been with us for just over 5 years

Health & Wellbeing leave to recharge when you need it

Industry leading Paid Parental Leave accessible for all employees – regardless of how you became a parent, we offer 14 weeks that can be taken within 2 years from the birth, adoption, or long-term foster care of your child.

PSCare Day available to all employees to take in addition to your regular leave entitlements

Confidential support (including mental health) through our employee assistance program

Award winning health and wellbeing program PSCare, Workers Health Initiative with access to a broad range of gyms in the area, and discounted health insurance

Free parking on site and a convenient local shopping centre

And lots more…

Enough about us, we want to hear about you! So tell us about…

Why you want a career in Parks and Gardens?

This role requires early starts and working outdoors in varying weather conditions. How do you/would you prepare yourself for these work environments?

What skills or qualities will help you be successful as our Apprentice?

Applications Close: Midnight, Wednesday, 23 September 2026

We’re a 2026 Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant

We’ve partnered with the Veterans Employment Program to support veterans finding suitable, sustainable and meaningful employment

Port Stephens Council adheres to the principles of a child safe organisation and supports children and young people having a safe and welcoming experience in our community, accessing our facilities and in our care

We acknowledge the Worimi Peoples as the original Custodians and inhabitants of Port Stephens. May we walk the road to tomorrow with mutual respect and admiration as we care for the beautiful land and waterways together