Apprentice Nursery Operations

Ready to start your career in nursery operations?

Fairfield City Council is looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our team as a Nursery Operations Apprentice! This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who loves plants, the outdoors, and wants to develop practical skills in nursery management and horticulture.

Role Overview

As a Nursery Operations Apprentice, you will provides daily support to the Fairfield Community Nursery and its volunteers to provide local provenance native plants for use in Council programs and projects. This role will provide you with a strong foundations in nursery management, while contributing to the health and growth of plants for public spaces across Fairfield.

What You’ll Do

• Assist with the propagation, planting, and care of a wide variety of plants.
• Maintain nursery facilities, ensuring they are clean, organized, and safe.
• Assist with the weed maintenance of native gardens that are utilised as seed orchards and provide for habitat creation and integrated pest management.
• Assist to deliver the Nursery Volunteer Program and work within a diverse range of participants including age, race, ability, and background.
• General nursery administration

What We’re Looking For

• Successful completion of Year 12 Higher School Certificate or equivalent
• Class C Driver’s licence        
• A genuine interest in plants, gardening, and the environment.
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and maintain focus on tasks.
• Strong teamwork skills, as you will work closely with other staff in a hands-on environment.
• A reliable and enthusiastic attitude, with a willingness to learn and take on new challenges.
• Basic communication skills and an ability to follow instructions.

About the Apprenticeship

This apprenticeship is part of the Certificate III in Nursery Operations (Nursery Production) course, delivered through a combination of on-the-job training and formal study over a 24-month period. The course is designed to give you the knowledge and practical experience needed to succeed in the industry.

What’s In It for You?

• Earn a wage while you learn, providing financial support as you gain hands-on experience and complete your qualification.
• Receive on-the-job training and mentoring from experienced nursery professionals, helping you develop key skills for your career.
• Gain real-world experience in plant care, horticulture, and nursery management, with potential job opportunities in the public and private sectors.
• Enjoy flexible work arrangements, allowing you to balance your work, study, and personal life effectively.
• Convenient location close to home, with free on-site parking available.
• Confidential support through our Employee Assistance Program for personal or professional challenges.
• Generous fifteen (15) days of paid sick leave per year to help support your wellbeing.
• Prioritize your health with access to two (2) additional days of paid sick leave per year as Wellbeing Days.
• Free access to library resources to support your study and personal development.
• Discounted gym and leisure centre memberships, encouraging you to stay active and healthy.
• Ongoing personal and professional development programs designed to help you grow and advance in your career.
• A supportive, friendly team environment, where your ideas and contributions are valued.

Your Contact Person

For any enquiries regarding the position, please contact Robert Stevenson, Team Leader Natural Resources on 9725 0308 or via email at rstevenson@fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au. A position description is attached and also available on our Careers Page for your reference

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is Friday, 10 January 2025 at 11.59pm. Please note that candidates may be shortlisted and interviewed prior to the closing date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Ready to Join Us?

To apply online, visit Council’s website at www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au/fccjobs.

Suitable candidates are subject to pre-employment screening, which includes reference checks, work rights verification, medical examination, and may also include criminal history, working with children check, and qualification verification. Offers of employment are subject to satisfactory completion of these.

Fairfield City Council is a smoke-free workplace and is an EEO employer. As an inclusive workplace, we support reasonable workplace adjustments. If you require an adjustment during the recruitment process, please notify us on your application form.

We kindly ask for no recruiters at this stage.

PO BOX 21                                                                                             BRADLEY CUTTS

FAIRFIELD NSW 1860                                                                          GENERAL MANAGER