Apprentice Parks & Gardens

Own your future with an Apprenticeship at Port Stephens Council (PSC) – ready for commencement in January 2027!

The opportunity

Our Apprentice Parks & Gardens position is the perfect opportunity for an enthusiastic candidate, looking to combine their love of the outdoors with their career. This is your chance to earn while you learn with Council's Parks and Gardens team.

Not only will you gain invaluable on the job work experience from your experienced team mates, you will also undertake a Certificate III in Parks and Gardens, working toward becoming a specialist in the Horticulture field!

Working across our beautiful parks, reserves, sporting fields, and streetscapes, you will master essential skills including planting, turf establishment, weed control, landscape maintenance, and the safe operation of specialised power tools and irrigation systems.

We are looking for a reliable, self-motivated team player with exceptional communication skills, a strong safety-first mindset, and the resilience to accept constructive feedback as you learn. While prior experience with gardening tools, customer service, or community volunteering is a bonus, what matters most in your first six months is your punctuality for early morning depot starts, a positive attitude, and a commitment to respecting public assets and the local community.

What does a career at PSC look like for me post-apprenticeship?

Whilst we can’t guarantee a permanent position post-apprenticeship, this is what a career path could look like with a business or accounting qualifications behind you:

• Apprentice Gardener
• Assistant Trades Gardener
• Trades Gardener
• Parks Team Leader
• Parks Supervisor

The key responsibilities within this role are listed within the position description.

• This is a contract opportunity – working full-time, 38 hours / week + access to a flexible working arrangement + access to study leave to attend courses at your formal education provider during work hours.
• Base Salary Range: $37,574 to $57,438 pa based on 38 hours / week + 12% superannuation + $2,562 retention allowance
• You will be working from Raymond Terrace Depot

What does it mean to be an apprentice at PSC?

Throughout your apprenticeship, you’ll receive;

• Financial support in a paid role, including full payment for your studies
• Time in your work week to attend your formal training
• Progression through your salary levels with each year of successful completion
• You will also have the opportunity to participate in our internal networking events, where you can meet and socialise with other Apprentices, Cadets and Trainees at PSC
• Opportunities to develop your own professional and social networks through collaborating with other teams across PSC

Check out more information in on our website here.

We’re all about putting the right people, in the right role! Here’s what we’re looking for:

• A genuine passion for horticulture, landscaping, or physical outdoor work.
• A valid White Card (or willingness to get one before your start date).
• Class C Driver’s License and access to reliable transport for attendance at both work and external training providers
• Strong work ethic, reliability, and self-motivation.
• Top-tier communication, active listening skills, and a team-first attitude.

For more information on who can apply please visit our website.

This is life at PSC!

• Work/Life balance with generous leave entitlements, flexible work options and leave in lieu
• Long service leave when you’ve been with us for just over 5 years
• Health & Wellbeing leave to recharge when you need it
• Industry leading Paid Parental Leave accessible for all employees – regardless of how you became a parent, we offer 14 weeks that can be taken within 2 years from the birth, adoption, or long-term foster care of your child.
• PSCare Day available to all employees to take in addition to your regular leave entitlements
• Confidential support (including mental health) through our employee assistance program
• Award winning health and wellbeing program PSCare, Workers Health Initiative with access to a broad range of gyms in the area, and discounted health insurance
• Free parking on site and a convenient local shopping centre
• And lots more…

Enough about us, we want to hear about you! So tell us about…

• Why you want a career in Parks and Gardens?
• This role requires early starts and working outdoors in varying weather conditions. How do you/would you prepare yourself for these work environments?
• What skills or qualities will help you be successful as our Apprentice?

Ready to Apply? Here’s what you need to know

To complete your online application, you will be asked to upload;

• a copy of your resume
• provide responses to questions

Applications Close: Midnight, Wednesday, 23 September 2026

• Contact: David Sadler, Team Leader on 0417 255 442 or Jordan Rimmington, Team Leader on 0493 007 901
• For Application enquiries, contact: Katarina Currey, Talent Acquisition Advisor on 0499 796 365
• For information on the apprenticeship and study requirements, contact: Tiahna Sanderson, Learning and Development Officer on 0408 767 254
• For information on our recruitment process, and what we look for in an application, please visit our Careers page on our website for ‘How to Apply’
• To complete your online application, you will be asked to upload a copy of your resume and provide responses to questions which are based on the criteria listed in the Position Description and our organisation Values
• We’re a 2026 Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant
• We’ve partnered with the Veterans Employment Program to support veterans finding suitable, sustainable and meaningful employment
• Port Stephens Council adheres to the principles of a child safe organisation and supports children and young people having a safe and welcoming experience in our community, accessing our facilities and in our care
• We acknowledge the Worimi Peoples as the original Custodians and inhabitants of Port Stephens. May we walk the road to tomorrow with mutual respect and admiration as we care for the beautiful land and waterways together