Parks & Gardens Officer

Ararat Rural City Council; Ballarat; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Ararat Rural City Council is seeking a motivated Parks and Gardens Officer to maintain council parks, gardens and open spaces. You will work as part of the Parks & Gardens team under supervision, carrying out horticultural and landscaping tasks to keep public spaces safe and well presented.

Key duties include plantings, pruning, watering, weed control, irrigation maintenance and safe operation of equipment.

Qualifications

• Experience in parks, gardens, open space maintenance.
• Certificate III in Parks and Gardens or equivalent.
• Current Victorian Driver Licence.
• Construction Induction (White Card) or willingness to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Undertake parks, gardens, open space and streetscape maintenance activities.
• Perform horticultural and landscaping tasks including planting, pruning, watering, mulching and weed control.
• Assist with maintenance of urban and rural tree assets, including planting, watering and pruning.
• Operate and maintain plant, equipment, tools and vehicles safely.
• Maintain open space infrastructure such as irrigation, park furniture, fencing and signage.
• Record defects and maintenance issues and report to supervisor.
• Contribute to seasonal works programs and public space improvements.
• Work collaboratively to deliver services safely and to standard.
• Provide courteous customer service when interacting with public and contractors.
• Use asset/work management systems to record completed works and asset information.

Skills

Parks & Gardens maintenance

Safety & OH&S

Teamwork

Customer service

Communication

Education

Certificate III in Parks and Gardens or related

Tools

Plant & equipment operation

Job description

Ararat Rural City Council is located 2 hours northwest of Melbourne and is a growing regional centre, a trend which is predicted to continue as more people pursue a tree-change lifestyle with all essential services at their fingertips.

We recognise that our employees are the key to making a difference and delivering our vision for a vibrant and sustainable community. Council is committed to serving our community in a friendly and professional way and offers fantastic employee conditions including a 9-day fortnight, flexible working options, a health and wellbeing program, professional development opportunities, and much more.

We are an equal-opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion, allowing our staff to thrive and grow.

About You :

Qualifications & Experience

• Certificate III in Parks and Gardens, Horticulture or a related field, or demonstrated equivalent skills and experience.
• Experience in parks, gardens, open space, landscaping or horticultural maintenance activities.
• Current Victorian Driver Licence.
• Construction Induction (White Card) or willingness to obtain.
• Experience operating plant and equipment relevant to parks and gardens maintenance would be desirable.

Key Selection Criteria

• Demonstrated experience in parks, gardens, horticultural or open space maintenance, including activities such as planting, pruning, mowing, weed control, irrigation and general landscape maintenance.
• Ability to safely operate and maintain plant, equipment, tools and vehicles associated with parks and gardens maintenance, together with a commitment to safe work practices and Occupational Health and Safety requirements.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and follow work programs, instructions and procedures to deliver quality outcomes within required timeframes.
• Well-developed communication and customer service skills, including the ability to interact professionally with members of the public, colleagues and contractors, and accurately record and report maintenance issues, defects and work activities.

Position Summary :

The Parks and Gardens Officer contributes to the maintenance and presentation of Council’s parks, gardens, open spaces and urban and rural tree assets. Working as part of the Parks and Gardens team, the position undertakes a range of horticultural, landscaping and grounds maintenance activities to ensure Council’s public spaces are safe, well maintained and presented to a high standard. The role operates under the direction of the Parks & Gardens Supervisor.

Key Requirements :

Accountability & Extent of Authority

• Accountable for the quality and timely completion of assigned parks, gardens and open space maintenance activities.
• Responsible for the safe operation and routine maintenance of plant, equipment and vehicles utilised in the performance of duties.
• Works under general supervision, applying established work practices, procedures and instructions to achieve required outcomes.
• Responsible for identifying and reporting maintenance issues, hazards, defects and asset condition matters to the appropriate supervisor.
• Decisions made are generally guided by established procedures, with unusual or complex matters referred to the Parks & Gardens Supervisor.

Judgement & Decision Making

• Uses judgement in selecting appropriate work methods, equipment and techniques to undertake assigned tasks.
• Applies practical knowledge and experience to identify and resolve routine operational issues.
• Prioritises daily work activities within established work programs and schedules.
• Guidance and assistance are readily available for non-routine matters or issues outside established procedures.

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

• Knowledge of parks and gardens maintenance practices, including horticultural, landscaping and turf management activities.
• Ability to safely operate and maintain a range of plant, equipment, tools and vehicles relevant to the position.
• Understanding of safe work practices, risk management principles and relevant legislative requirements.
• Ability to identify common plant, turf, irrigation, tree and asset maintenance issues and report them appropriately.
• Basic computer and mobile technology skills relevant to recording work activities and utilising Council systems.

Management Skills

• Ability to organise and complete assigned tasks within required timeframes and service standards.
• Ability to work effectively with limited supervision and contribute positively as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to use resources, equipment and materials efficiently.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe, clean and productive work environment.

Interpersonal Skills

• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with supervisors, team members and other Council employees.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with members of the public, contractors and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated customer service skills and a willingness to respond courteously to enquiries and requests.
• Ability to follow instructions and contribute positively to team objectives.

Job Responsibility :

• Undertake parks, gardens, open space and streetscape maintenance activities in accordance with Council standards, work programs and service levels.
• Perform horticultural and landscaping tasks including planting, pruning, watering, mulching, weed control, turf maintenance and garden bed establishment and maintenance.
• Assist with the maintenance and care of Council’s urban and rural tree assets, including planting, watering, pruning, and general tree maintenance activities as directed.
• Operate and maintain plant, equipment, tools and vehicles associated with parks and gardens maintenance in a safe and efficient manner.
• Assist with the maintenance and repair of open space infrastructure, including irrigation systems, park furniture, fencing, signage and recreational facilities.
• Monitor and report defects, hazards, vandalism, maintenance issues and asset condition matters to the parks and gardens supervisor.
• Contribute to the delivery of seasonal works programs, beautification projects and the ongoing improvement of Council’s public open spaces.
• Work collaboratively with team members to deliver quality services and ensure work activities are completed safely, efficiently and to the required standard.
• Provide courteous and professional customer service when interacting with members of the public, contractors, and other stakeholders.
• Use Council's asset and works management systems, including Confirm, to record completed works, report defects, update asset information and support the effective delivery of Council services.
• Maintain regular attendance and actively participate in performance review, feedback, coaching and development discussions to support accountability, continuous improvement and the achievement of role expectations.
• Ensure compliance with Council’s Risk Management Policy, Risk Management Framework and OH&S Policies.
• Observe all policies and procedures of Council.
• Any other duties as required within the scope of the position.

Job Benefits :

• Outdoor, hands-on work in a diverse environment.
• Supportive team and positive workplace culture.
• Training and professional development opportunities.

Selling Point :

Love the outdoors? Join our Parks & Gardens team and help create safe, attractive community spaces.