Horticulturalist - Central

Shoalhaven City Council; Nowra; On-site; AUD 71,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous leave entitlements

Long Service Leave after 5 years

Flexitime for indoor staff

9-day fortnight for outdoor staff

Flexible and remote working

Novated lease arrangements

Professional development and training

Wellbeing programs (Fitness Passport &

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Shoalhaven City Council is seeking a hands-on gardener/landscaper to deliver gardening, landscaping and horticultural works across parks, reserves and open spaces in Nowra. You will operate plant and equipment safely, work with small crews and contribute to high-quality, efficient outcomes.

You'll need NSW MR Driver's Licence, a white card and proof of right to work in Australia. The role is 38 hours per week, on a 9-day fortnight, located at the Nowra Showground.

Qualifications

• NSW MR Driver's Licence (or equivalent)
• Current NSW General Construction induction card (white card)
• Proof of right to work in Australia

Responsibilities

• Operate equipment such as tractors, hydraulic gang mowers, sprayers, ride-on mowers, trucks and hand tools.
• Undertake landscaping installation and maintenance, tree pruning, park upkeep, irrigation and general grounds works.
• Read plans and work with minimal supervision to achieve high quality outcomes.
• Prepare correspondence and written reports as required.
• Liaise with on-site workers, contract personnel and members of the public.

Skills

MR Driver's Licence

White Card

Right to Work

Job description

• Salary: $71,228 - $80,059 gross p.a. plus 12% Super plus $20.29 gross per week adverse working conditions allowance
• 38 hours per week (Monday to Friday) with a 9-day fortnight
• Located at the Nowra Showground - West Street, Nowra

About the Role

This is a hands on, outdoor role delivering gardening, landscaping and horticultural works across Council parks, reserves and open spaces. You'll work with small crews, operating plant and equipment safely, and ensuring work is completed to a high standard. Using your practical horticultural knowledge, you'll help maintain and improve Council assets and contribute ideas for better, more efficient ways of working.

Other key responsibilities of this role include:

• Operate allocated plant such as, but not limited to Tractor, hydraulic Gang Mowers, Herbicide Sprayers, Ride-on Mowers, Truck, Water Tankers, hand tools and machines such as but not limited to mowers, chainsaws, hedge trimmers, pumps, brush cutters, herbicide spraying equipment, etc.
• Undertake a variety of tasks such as landscaping installation/maintenance works, hand digging, mowing operations, tree pruning, park maintenance, cleaning, irrigation systems maintenance and installation with the ability to work on above ground platforms and ladders, fencing, traffic control for various parks works.
• Occasionally prepare correspondence and written reports.
• Read and understand plans.
• Achieve high technical quality work unsupervised either individually or in a team environment on a range of projects.
• Liaise with other workers, on-site contract personnel and members of the public.

Please refer to the Job Description under the Job Attachments for a comprehensive list of duties, responsibilities and skills required.

Being available to be on-call and complete reasonable overtime is a requirement of this position.

About You

To be successful in the position, you will have:

• NSW Class MR Driver's Licence or equivalent licence valid in NSW.
• Current NSW General Construction induction card (white card) or accepted interstate alternative.
• Proof of right to work in Australia.

We are seeking a reliable, hands on worker who enjoys outdoor work, works well in a team, and can also work independently with respect and integrity.

Applications Close

Sunday, 25th October 2026 (at midnight)

If you have any questions about this role, please contact Jamie Cannon - Precinct Coordinator - Central- 0448 272 765

Why Work with Us

The Shoalhaven area is a unique place of great natural beauty, offering an enviable lifestyle and positive work-life balance. Our workforce is our greatest asset, and we pride ourselves on our people. Our teams are talented and inclusive and work together to provide better outcomes for our community, who are at the heart of everything we do. With a diverse range of professions and roles, we offer many career options and pathways, actively promoting opportunities and encouraging staff professional development.

Benefits include:

• Generous leave entitlements
• Long Service Leave after 5 years
• Option of flexitime for indoor staff
• 9-day fortnight for outdoor staff
• Flexible and remote working arrangements
• Novated lease arrangements available
• Opportunities for professional development and training
• Corporate wellbeing programs, including Fitness Passport and Employee Assistance Program (EAP), discounted health insurance

**Conditions apply as per the Local Government State award, and Council policies

Shoalhaven City Council is committed to creating a workplace that reflects our diverse community. We welcome applicants of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, veterans, people with a disability, culturally diverse individuals, and LGBTQIA+ community members. We ensure equitable recruitment practices, and applicants with disability can request reasonable adjustments. As a Child Safe Organisation, we uphold the rights and safety of all children and young people.