Operations Trainee

Shire of Augusta Margaret River; Margaret River; On-site; AUD 30,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

The Shire of Augusta Margaret River in Margaret River is seeking an Operations Trainee to start a career in horticulture within local government. You will work with a friendly Parks and Gardens team, learning to maintain parks, gardens and reserves while gaining practical, hands-on experience outdoors.

Key training includes pursuing a Certificate III in Local Government through TAFE, plus qualifications in First Aid, safety, and operating a range of machinery.

Qualifications

• Be enthusiastic and demonstrate an interest in horticulture.
• Be progressing towards or have successfully completed Year 12.
• Live within the Shire of Augusta Margaret River.
• Have a positive attitude, a willingness to learn and enjoy being part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Maintain parks, gardens and reserves while gaining practical experience.
• Learn to operate machinery and develop horticulture skills.
• Receive training toward Certificate III in Local Government.
• Assist with general maintenance operations and asset maintenance.
• Learn workplace health and safety and safe work methods.

Skills

Enthusiastic

Willing to learn

Team player

Education

Year 12 completed

Tools

Tractors

Telehandlers

Chainsaws

Job description

Job Title: Operations Trainee Location: Margaret River Full-Time 76 hours/fortnight Love the Outdoors? Grow your future with us! Ready to get outdoors, learn new skills and kickstart your career? Your future starts here! Looking for a career where you can work outdoors, get hands‑on experience and make a real difference in your local community? The Shire of Augusta Margaret River has an exciting opportunity for a motivated school leaver to begin their career in horticulture and local government! Join our fun, friendly and supportive Parks and Gardens team and turn your passion for the outdoors into a rewarding career.

About the opportunity

Working alongside our experienced team, you'll help maintain the Shire's beautiful parks, gardens and reserves while gaining practical experience across horticulture, natural areas rehabilitation, turf management and general maintenance operations. From learning to operate machinery to developing your horticulture skills, every day will bring new opportunities to learn, grow and make a difference in the community.

As an Operations Trainee, you'll receive a fantastic range of training, qualifications and practical experience to help set you up for success.

• Earn while you learn – work towards a relevant Certificate III in Local Government through TAFE.
• Gain valuable qualifications – access training in Senior First Aid, chemical awareness, chainsaw and pole saw operation, pruning, basic worksite traffic management and a Construction White Card.
• Get hands‑on experience – develop your skills using a range of tools and machinery, including tractors, zero-turn mowers, telehandlers, chainsaws and other small machinery.
• Learn from experienced professionals – receive mentoring in horticultural practices, nursery skills, turf management and natural areas rehabilitation.
• Build practical skills – get involved in maintaining Shire infrastructure, including drainage systems, signage, painting, minor carpentry and general asset maintenance.
• Discover the world of operations – gain experience in civil maintenance, storm damage response, traffic management and installation works.
• Work safely and confidently – learn about workplace health and safety, safe work methods, plant inductions and personal protective equipment in a safety‑conscious environment.
• Get ongoing support – enjoy a safe and supportive workplace with guidance to help you build your skills and confidence.

Obtain a relevant Tafe Certificate III in Local Government.

What we're looking for

We're looking for someone who is enthusiastic, keen to learn and ready to give things a go! You will ideally have:

• Be enthusiastic and demonstrate an interest in horticulture.
• Be progressing towards or have successfully completed Year 12.
• Live within the Shire of Augusta Margaret River.
• Have a positive attitude, a willingness to learn and enjoy being part of a team.

Why join us?

This is your chance to learn new skills, gain hands‑on experience and start to grow a career while making a real difference in the community you call home.

A team that backs you Learn alongside experienced and passionate people who want to see you succeed.

A career that grows with you Gain practical experience, recognised training and skills that can open doors to future opportunities.

Work that makes a difference Help maintain and enhance the places that make our community special.

Variety every day Enjoy outdoor work, hands‑on learning and opportunities to develop skills across horticulture and operations.

A safe and supportive workplace Build your confidence in a safety‑conscious environment with ongoing guidance.

Please contact Blake Cole on 08 9780 5632 or at [e-mail]

Applications close Monday, 26 October 2026 at 4pm. Andrea Selvey, CEO