Apprentice Greenkeeper x2

Join to apply for the Apprentice Greenkeeper x2 role at Port Stephens Council

Own your future with an Apprenticeship at Port Stephens Council (PSC) – ready for commencement in January 2026

Overview

The opportunity is for an enthusiastic candidate to combine a love of the outdoors with a career in Parks & Gardens. You will undertake a Certificate III in Turf Management while gaining on‑the‑job experience with the team.

Your Apprenticeship will involve general maintenance duties, including mowing operations, turf/garden maintenance and renovations, landscaping and horticulture, and asset inspections.

Responsibilities

• Undertake grounds maintenance and improvement activities within work schedules including vegetation management, landscaping and horticulture, etc.
• Operate horticulture equipment including ride-on mowers, brush-cutters and edgers
• Work in alignment with Council's safety policies and procedures

Career prospects

What does a career at PSC look like post‑apprenticeship? A range of pathways could include roles such as:

• Assistant Trades Gardener
• A Trades Gardener
• Leadership positions such as a Parks Team Leader
• Parks Supervisor

Contract and hours

This is a contract opportunity – full-time 38 hours/week over 4 days, with access to study leave to attend courses at your formal training provider during work hours.

Remuneration and allowances

Base Hourly Range: $24.59 - $31.47 (T4 – T7) + 12% superannuation + $2,464 retention allowance. Under 18: $18.28 - $21.60 (T2 - T3) + 12% superannuation + $2,464 retention allowance.

Locations

You will be working from Nelson Bay, Medowie and Mallabula Depot.

Key responsibilities (summary)

• Undertake grounds maintenance and improvement activities within work schedules including vegetation management, landscaping and horticulture
• Operate horticulture equipment including ride-on mowers, brush-cutters and edgers
• Work in alignment with Council's safety policies and procedures

Apprenticeship benefits

• Financial support in a paid role, including full payment for studies
• Time in your work week to attend formal training
• Opportunity to participate in internal networking events with other Apprentices, Cadets and Trainees at PSC
• Opportunities to develop professional and social networks across PSC

What we look for

• Demonstrated commitment to completing a Certificate III in Turf Management
• Understanding of Work Health and Safety (WHS)
• Access to reliable transport for attendance at work and training
• Ability to work in a team environment

Employee benefits and culture

• Work/Life balance with generous leave entitlements, flexible work options and leave in lieu
• Long service leave after ~5 years
• Health & Wellbeing leave and PSCare program
• Award‑winning health and wellbeing program and access to fitness facilities
• Confidential support through employee assistance program
• Other benefits and programs

Application preparation

To complete your online application, you will be asked to upload a copy of your resume and provide responses to questions outlined in the description.

Application deadline

Applications Close: Midnight, Sunday, 21 September 2025

Contacts

For position related enquiries: Mitchell Morgan, Parks Team Leader Central, on 0427 149 098, or Ryan Wensemius, Parks Team Leader Nelson Bay, on 0499 796 368

For Application enquiries: Tarryn Whyte, Talent Acquisition Advisor on 0499 796 365

For information on the Apprenticeship and study requirements: 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'

We're a 2024 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 safe and welcoming experiences in our community, accessing our facilities and in our care. We acknowledge the Worimi as the original Custodians and inhabitants of Port Stephens.

Seniorities and type

• Seniority level: Internship
• Employment type: Part-time
• Job function: Management and Manufacturing
• Industries: Government Administration

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