Apprentice Parks & Gardens

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

Benefits offered by this job

Full payment for studies

Study leave during work hours

Flexible working arrangement

Job summary

Port Stephens Council invites applications for an Apprenticeship in Parks & Gardens commencing January 2027. You will earn while you learn, undertake a Certificate III in Parks and Gardens, and work across parks, reserves, sports fields and streetscapes under experienced mentors.

Key responsibilities include planting, turf establishment, weed control, and landscape maintenance, with safe operation of power tools and irrigation systems.

Qualifications

• Reliable and self-motivated team player with good communication skills.
• Willingness to learn and adhere to safety standards.
• Commitment to respecting public assets and the local community.

Responsibilities

• Planting and turf establishment across parks, reserves, and streetscapes.
• Weed control and landscape maintenance.
• Safe operation of power tools and irrigation systems.
• Work across Parks & Gardens facilities and assets.

Skills

Punctuality

Positive attitude

Communication skills

Safety-first mindset

Education

Certificate III in Parks and Gardens

Tools

Power tools

Irrigation systems

Job description

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
• Assistant Trades Gardener
• Trades Gardener
• Parks Team Leader
• Parks Supervisor

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