Horticulturist

Sutherland Shire Council; Sutherland Shire Council; On-site; AUD 73,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

38-hour week

9-day fortnight

Fitness passport

Employee assistance program

Annual flu shots

Novated lease options

Health and wellbeing programme

Job summary

Sutherland Shire Council is seeking a motivated Horticulturist to help maintain and enhance parks, gardens, and open spaces across the Shire. You will join the Parks and Natural Areas team, delivering high-quality maintenance services while prioritising safety and environmental sustainability.

The role involves hands-on planting, turf work and equipment operation, with a focus on delivering excellent customer service and community-friendly outcomes.

Qualifications

• Proven horticultural maintenance experience and practical knowledge of plant care.
• Strong safety mindset and ability to work in outdoor conditions.
• Current licences and certifications as required by law.

Responsibilities

• Maintain parks, gardens, streetscapes and open spaces across the Shire.
• Undertaking planting, mulching, watering, fertilising and weed control activities.
• Performing turf maintenance, including mowing, whipper snipping and turf renovations.
• Operating and maintaining horticultural equipment, machinery and vehicles.
• Applying horticultural chemicals in accordance with legislative and Council requirements.
• Conducting site safety assessments and following safe work practices.
• Identifying and reporting asset defects and maintenance needs.
• Delivering professional and courteous customer service to residents and stakeholders.
• Maintaining accurate records and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Outdoor work

Horticulture knowledge

Education

Certificate III in Horticulture

ChemCert AQF3

NSW White Card

Tools

MR Licence

Job description

Are you passionate about creating and maintaining vibrant parks, gardens and open spaces? Join our Parks and Natural Areas team and help shape the outdoor environments that our community enjoys every day. As a Horticulturist, you'll play a hands‐on role in maintaining and enhancing Council's horticultural assets across the Shire. Working within a dedicated team, you'll deliver high‑quality maintenance services that keep our parks, gardens and public spaces safe, attractive and thriving, while championing safety, environmental sustainability and outstanding customer service.

• Maintaining parks, gardens, streetscapes and open spaces across the Shire
• Undertaking planting, mulching, watering, fertilising and weed control activities
• Performing turf maintenance, including mowing, whipper snipping and turf renovations
• Operating and maintaining horticultural equipment, machinery and vehicles
• Applying horticultural chemicals in accordance with legislative and Council requirements
• Conducting site safety assessments and following safe work practices
• Identifying and reporting asset defects and maintenance needs
• Delivering professional and courteous customer service to residents and stakeholders
• Maintaining accurate records and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives

About you: You're a motivated and reliable horticultural professional who enjoys working outdoors, takes pride in your work, and values being part of a high‑performing team. You have a passion for creating well‑maintained green spaces and a commitment to delivering quality outcomes for the community.

To be successful in the role you will have:

• Certificate III in Horticulture or equivalent qualification
• ChemCert (AQF3) or equivalent qualification
• NSW White Card
• Current Class MR Licence, or willingness to obtain within six months of appointment
• Experience in horticultural maintenance or a similar role
• Sound knowledge of horticultural practices and chemical application
• Strong understanding of workplace health and safety requirements
• Effective communication and teamwork skills

Why join us?

• 38-hour week with a 9-day fortnight
• Work across a diverse range of parks, gardens and natural areas
• Supportive team culture with ongoing training and development opportunities
• Make a visible impact on the spaces that enhance our community's lifestyle
• Opportunity to grow your skills while working in some of the Shire's most valued outdoor environments

Join our Team and Grow with Us!

• Package: $72,577 to $76,813 gross p.a. plus 12% superannuation.
• Hours of work: Permanent & Temporary Full‑Time Opportunities available: 38-hour week with a 9-day fortnight.
• To benefit your wellbeing, you will have access to fitness passport, employee assistance program, annual flu shots, health and wellbeing programme and novated lease options.

Suitable candidates are subject to pre‑employment screening which includes Reference Checks, Work Rights Verification, Identity and Functional/Medical History Checks, and will also include a Criminal History, Qualification and Working with Children Check. Employment is subject to clearance of all these checks.

Reach out to George Crowe, (Sports Turf Manager)******@ssc.nsw.gov.aufor any job specific enquiries. Claire Murphy, Talent Acquisition Business Partner*******@ssc.nsw.gov.aucan assist with any recruitment related enquiries.

Council is a Child Safe Organisation and is committed to ensuring the NSW Government’s Child Safe Standards are incorporated in our procedures, practices, programs, and events.

Sutherland Shire Council values the skills and attributes Veterans can bring to our Council. We understand that transitioning to roles outside of Defence can feel challenging. If you're unsure where to begin or would appreciate guidance throughout the application process, please don't hesitate to contact us.