Horticulture / Gardener Position

**About Us**

The Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (SMCT) is a progressive, fast-paced, not-for-profit organisation, dedicated to making a difference in the lives of the Victorian community. With over 300 employees across nine iconic sites in Victoria's south-east, SMCT is a proud industry leader that is setting new sector benchmarks. Our vibrant employee culture and outstanding customer satisfaction ratings are a proud reflection of our people-focused approach and our unwavering commitment to honouring and celebrating life.

**The opportunity**

Join our energetic and hard-working operations team as a full-time General Hand - Gardener/Horticulture, working at Cheltenham Memorial Park. Reporting to the Operations Leader, this position will play an integral role in the overall presentation of our unique open spaces. Commitment to continuously improving practices towards environmental sustainability.

**Key Responsibilities**
- Assist the Horticulture Team with maintenance and gardening duties including but not limited to pruning, weeding, irrigating, mulching, fertilising, mowing, spraying, and planting.
- Working always in accordance with work schedules, seasonal operations, occupational health and safety legislation, codes of practices and industry standards.
- Operate plant and equipment which includes but is not limited to ride on mowers, brush cutters and powered gardening equipment, manual and mechanical tools, utility vehicles, small trucks, and tractors.
- Assist the Horticulture Team with the planting initiatives and projects within the grounds.
- Complete customer requests allocated through the SMCT system within the required time frames.
- Assist with on-ground queries from the general public (directions, daily services)
- Provide support and assistance to other operational teams as required.

**About You**
- Current Victorian driver's licence (manual would be advantageous)
- Certificate III (or above) in Horticulture or demonstrated experience in a similar role
- Ability to plan and prioritise work both on an individual basis and within the team framework to meet work plans, customer requests and business requirements
- Well-developed skills in the safe and competent operation of plant and equipment, including safe and competent handling of horticultural chemicals. Current AGVET certificate or willingness to obtain one.
- Excellent work ethic with the ability to work in a fast-paced, agile environment

**Working with us**

We recognise that our people are our greatest asset and make it our priority to attract and retain top talent by offering excellent working conditions, SMCT operates as an essential service, competitive benefits, and development opportunities. In 2020, we received an outstanding employee engagement score of 90%, with organisational commitment and pride being the leading theme of employee sentiment.

As a valued member of our organisation, you will have access to the following:

- 16 RDO's per year
- Employee Assistance Program
- Flexible, supportive, and people-focused culture
- Discounts at our Springvale and Bunurong employee café and on-site florist
- Employees provided with Uniform, PPE and Laundry services
- Employee Health & Wellbeing Programs including onsite Osteopath
- Leadership, Training and Development opportunities
- Onsite Parking

Our values represent who we are and what we expect of one another.

**SMCT is an equal opportunity employer, a Diversity Council Australia Member and are proudly endorsed by WORK180, in our ongoing commitment to raising workplace standards for all.