Nursery Officer

Mackay Regional Council; Mackay Regional; On-site; AUD 63,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Superannuation up to 18%

4 or 5 weeks annual leave with leave +

9-day fortnight roster

Salary sacrificing options

Lifestyle benefits program

Career development support

Employee Assistance Program

Health and wellbeing initiatives

Social clubs

Job summary

Mackay Regional Council’s Nursery Officer role is a permanent full-time position within the Parks and Environment team at the Mackay Natural Environment Centre and Botanic Gardens Nursery. You will propagate, maintain, and supply thousands of plants for parks, libraries, and community spaces across the region.

The role emphasizes hands-on nursery tasks, data recording, and mentoring volunteers, with a focus on safety and NIASA standards. Proven nursery or gardening experience is valued.

Qualifications

• Experience in nursery operations, gardening, or landscaping.
• Knowledge of plant propagation and seed storage.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• A love for the outdoors and a commitment to safety.
• Use of technology for communication, data collection, and work order systems.
• Operation and maintenance of small plant and power tools.

Responsibilities

• Propagate and grow plants for use across Mackay Regional Council areas including the Botanic Gardens, Queens Park, Orchid House, Libraries and natural area vegetation projects.
• Undertake nursery maintenance tasks such as ordering and collating materials and stock, soil and irrigation testing, weed and pest control, general upkeep of nursery facilities.
• Operate and maintain small plant equipment and power tools relevant to nursery work.
• Collect, catalogue, and store seeds.
• Maintain accurate records for plant production, seed storage, and volunteer engagement.
• Support and maintain compliance with Nursery Industry Accreditation Scheme Australia (NIASA) standards.
• Use digital tools for communication, data entry, and work order management.
• Provide instruction, mentoring, and support to volunteers and community groups such as Friends of the Gardens and SGAP.
• Maintain up-to-date volunteer records.
• Build and sustain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Assist in creating promotional materials.
• Actively participate in open days, workshops, and community events to promote nursery activities.
• Complete scheduled works and contribute to specific projects.
• Support the implementation and continuous improvement of nursery policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as directed by the supervisor within the scope of the role.
• Comply with all WH&S policies and procedures.
• Maintain a safe work environment for self, colleagues, volunteers, and the public.

Skills

Experience in nursery operations

Plant propagation

Communication and teamwork

Outdoor suitability and safety

Technology for data collection

Small plant tools operation

Education

Certificate III Horticulture / related field (Level 3-4)

General Construction Induction Training

QLD C Class Drivers Licence

Tools

Pole Saw (FWCO23238)

MR Licence

Chemical Accreditation (AQF3)

Job description

Grow Your Career with Mackay Regional Council.

We’re seeking a plant enthusiast to join the collaborative Parks and Environment team as a Nursery Officer on a permanent full-time basis.

Do you have a green thumb and a passion for community? Are you inspired by native plants, propagation, and creating meaningful environmental impact? Whether you’re just starting out or bringing years of experience, there’s a place for you in our vibrant nursery team.

At the Mackay Natural Environment Centre and Botanic Gardens Nursery, we don’t just grow plants—we grow futures. As a Nursery Officer, you’ll be part of a dynamic, hands-on team cultivating thousands of plants that bring life to parks, gardens, libraries, and community spaces across the region.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Propagate and grow plants for use across Mackay Regional Council areas including the Botanic Gardens, Queens Park, Orchid House, Libraries and natural area vegetation projects.
• Undertake nursery maintenance tasks such as ordering and collating materials and stock, soil and irrigation testing, weed and pest control, general upkeep of nursery facilities.
• Operate and maintain small plant equipment and power tools relevant to nursery work.
• Collect, catalogue, and store seeds.
• Maintain accurate records for plant production, seed storage, and volunteer engagement.
• Support and maintain compliance with Nursery Industry Accreditation Scheme Australia (NIASA) standards.
• Use digital tools for communication, data entry, and work order management.
• Provide instruction, mentoring, and support to volunteers and community groups such as Friends of the Gardens and SGAP.
• Maintain up-to-date volunteer records.
• Build and sustain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Assist in creating promotional materials.
• Actively participate in open days, workshops, and community events to promote nursery activities.
• Complete scheduled works and contribute to specific projects.
• Support the implementation and continuous improvement of nursery policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as directed by the supervisor within the scope of the role.
• Comply with all WH&S policies and procedures.
• Maintain a safe work environment for self, colleagues, volunteers, and the public.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience in nursery operations, gardening, or landscaping
• Knowledge of plant propagation and seed storage
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• A love for the outdoors and a commitment to safety
• Use of technology for communication, data collection, and work order systems
• Operation and maintenance of small plant and power tools

Essential

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

• General Construction Induction Training.
• QLD “C” Class Drivers Licence or interstate equivalent.
• Certificate III Horticulture, Rural Operations, Production Nursery, Nursery Operations, or related field (Level 3-4).

Desirable

• Medium Rigid (MR) Licence.
• Operate a Pole Saw (FWCO23238).
• Chemical Accreditation (AQF3).

Why Join Us?

• Base annual salary of $63,403 – $65,644 plus allowances as applicable (the level offered will be determined on the successful candidates’ qualifications and experience. This is a banded Level 2-4 position)
• Up to 18% superannuation (conditions apply).
• Choice of 4 or 5 weeks’ annual leave with 17.5% leave loading.
• 9-day fortnight roster.
• May be eligible for salary sacrificing options.
• Membership to lifestyle benefits program including corporate discounts.
• Study and assistance programs for career development.
• Learning and career development opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Employee health and wellbeing initiatives.
• Active Social Clubs.

Ready to plant the seeds of your next career move?

Applications may close earlier than expected. Don’t delay and apply today with your cover letter and resume.

• Important information for applicants:

To be considered for this position, all candidates must have the appropriate working rights for Australia, and your Australian work rights will be verified during the recruitment process.

Applicants who progress beyond the interview stage will be required to undergo a pre-employment process, which includes comprehensive Pre-Employment Medical Assessments (inclusive of Drug and Alcohol testing).

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer, where all applicants are treated fairly and respectfully and have equal access to all available opportunities. At Mackay Regional Council, diversity is about creating a respectful and inclusive workplace that recognises our employees' unique contributions and perspectives, working together to deliver extraordinary results.