Ready to grow your career in gardening and horticulture?
Fairfield City Council is looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our team as a Trades Gardener Apprentice! There are six fantastic opportunities for someone who loves working outdoors, has a passion for plants, and wants to gain practical skills in garden maintenance and landscaping.
Role Overview
As a Trades Gardener Apprentice, you will assist our skilled gardening team with the maintenance and beautification of parks, gardens, streetscapes, and public spaces throughout Fairfield. This role offers a hands-on learning experience, allowing you to develop your gardening and horticultural skills while contributing to the creation and upkeep of beautiful green spaces for the community.
What You’ll Do
- Assist the Trades Gardeners and other team members in maintaining parks, open space and gardens to a high standard.
- Learn to operate and maintain various tools and equipment under supervision, including handheld machinery, ride-on mowers, tractors with attachments and many of landscape gardening tools.
- Conduct routine park maintenance tasks such as planting, mulching, pruning, weeding and fertilising to enhance the beautification and health of Council’s parks, gardens, and open spaces, ensuring they are attractive and welcoming for the community.
- Assist in identifying weeds and applying appropriate control measures under supervision.
- Assist in turf care, mowing grassed areas and fertilising as required to maintain grassed areas with a high standard of presentation of Council’s parks, open spaces and gardens.
- Contribute to the preparation and maintenance of safe work sites, including setting up safety barriers and complying with traffic control procedures.
- Complete and submit documentation, including timesheets and basic risk assessments, under the guidance of supervisors.
- Check all plant and equipment daily to ensure sufficient stock and to maintain safety requirements.
What We’re Looking For
- Class C Driver's Licence or ability to obtain (MR/HR Licence desirable but not required).
- Construction Induction Card (Whitecard) or willingness to obtain prior to commencing duties.
- You must be at least 15 years or older and eager to begin your career in gardening or horticulture.
- A genuine passion for working outdoors, with an interest in plants, landscaping, and garden maintenance.
- Ability to work in various weather conditions and take pride in delivering quality results.
- Strong teamwork skills, with a willingness to learn from experienced gardeners and collaborate effectively in a team environment.
- Good physical fitness and the ability to carry out manual tasks, including lifting and handling gardening equipment.
- Reliable and punctual, with a positive attitude and a strong work ethic.
- Basic communication skills, with the ability to follow instructions and contribute to team discussions.
About the Apprenticeship
This apprenticeship is part of the Certificate III in Horticulture, delivered through a combination of on-the-job training and formal study over a 48-month period. The course is designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge required to work as a skilled trades gardener.
What’s In It for You?
- Earn a wage while you learn, gaining hands-on experience and completing your qualification in garden maintenance and horticulture.
- Receive on-the-job training and mentoring from experienced trades gardeners, helping you develop the skills needed to excel in the industry.
- Gain real-world experience in garden maintenance, landscaping, and horticulture, which will open up career opportunities in the public or private sector.
- Enjoy flexible work arrangements, helping you to balance work, study, and personal commitments 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, ensuring you have time to recover when unwell.
- Prioritize your wellbeing with access to two (2) additional days of paid sick leave per year as Wellbeing Days.
- Free access to library resources to support your studies and personal development.
- Discounted gym and leisure centre memberships, helping you stay fit 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 Daniel McDonald, Parks and Open Space Manager, on 02 9725 0397 or via email at parksandopenspace@fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au. A position description is attached and 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
