Field Operator (Horticulture)

Clarence Valley Council; South Grafton, Maclean, Townsend; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

9-day fortnight

Fitness Passport

Leadership programs

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Long service leave

Job summary

Clarence Valley Council is seeking a passionate horticultural professional for outdoor work across parks, gardens and public spaces in the Northern Rivers region of NSW. You will plant, prune, and maintain spaces, contributing to community wellbeing and the region’s aesthetic appeal.

The role requires a Certificate III in Horticulture or equivalent experience, plus MR Licence and WHS training. You will join a supportive team at the Rushforth Road Works Depot with potential future location

Qualifications

• Certificate III or higher in Horticulture or equivalent industry experience.
• Experience in managing planted areas, tree establishment and turf management.
• Must have MR Licence and NSW WHS Construction Induction Training.
• Commitment to WHS standards and safety.

Responsibilities

• Planting and maintaining gardens across parks, streetscapes and reserves.
• Pruning, turf management and improving public space presentation.
• Operate and maintain small/medium plant equipment (tractor/slasher, mowers).

Skills

Horticulture

Garden maintenance

Small plant operation

MR Licence

Education

Certificate III in Horticulture

Tools

Tractor/Slasher

Zero Turn Mowers

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

Grow your career with Clarence Valley Council

Love working outdoors and taking pride in creating beautiful, healthy, and welcoming public spaces? Clarence Valley Council is looking for a passionate horticultural professional to join our team and help keep the Clarence Valley looking its best.

Based in the spectacular Northern Rivers of NSW, you’ll work across a diverse range of parks, gardens, streetscapes, reserves, and community spaces. From planting and maintaining gardens to pruning, turf management and improving the presentation of public spaces, every day will bring something different.

This is more than just a gardening job. You’ll have the opportunity to put your horticultural skills into practice, work with a great team, contribute to the local community and help shape outdoor spaces that residents and visitors enjoy every day.

If you’re practical, motivated and take pride in a job well done, we’d love to hear from you.

What you’ll bring

To thrive in this role, you’ll bring:

• Certificate III or above Horticulture; or equivalent relevant industry experience
• Experience in management & maintenance of planted areas, tree establishment, maintenance & management and growing, establishment & management of grassed areas and experience in the operation and maintenance of small and medium plant (including tractor/slasher or out-front deck mowers and/or Zero Turn Mowers)
• A current MR Licence and WHS Construction Induction Training Certificate (NSW)
• A safety-first approach, with a strong commitment to following WHS standards.

Applications close at 11:30pm Tuesday 3 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 Rushforth Road Works 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.
• Our Fitness Passport program provides discounted gym and pool access, not just for you, but for your entire household.
• 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).
• Long service leave after 5 years employment.