Apprentice Parks and Gardens

Tweed Shire Council is looking for motivated individuals who are committed to completing an apprenticeship and earning a nationally recognised qualification through hands-on training and formal study.

If you have a genuine passion for promoting and encouraging regional tourism; specifically, the Northern Rivers Rail Trail (NRRT), we want to hear from you

**About the Apprenticeship**:
Tweed Shire Council is proud to offer an Apprenticeship with our Destination Communication and Customer Experience team. As an apprentice, you'll gain hands-on experience while completing a Certificate III in Parks & Gardens.

As an Apprentice Parks & Gardens - Northern Rivers Rail Trail, you will assist in maintaining, operating and supporting the Northern Rivers Rail Trail (NRRT) as a world class major regional tourism attraction and must do experience in the Northern Rivers NSW. Additionally, you'll assist in contributing to trail asset management by providing scheduled maintenance and cleaning services to effectively manage the NRRT vegetation, buildings and assets, bridges, tunnels and surfaces. This is a fantastic opportunity to start your career as a Maintenance Officer in the Parks & Gardens industry.

In order to meet the requirements of the Apprenticeship, successful completion of on-the-job training and studies is required.

**What you'll do**:

- Assist in the development and implementation of proactive maintenance schedules to ensure the safety, functionality, and presentation of the Rail Trail and associated infrastructure.
- Develop understanding of site and building management at the Murwillumbah Railway Station precinct, including commercial tenancies, lease areas, trail infrastructure and public amenities.
- Actively contribute to vegetation management in line with the Rail Trail Vegetation Management Plan, including weed control, revegetation and contractor engagement.
- Assist with the management of signage and infrastructure across the trail, respond to customer and tenant requests, and ensure a high standard of cleanliness, safety and visitor experience.
- Receive mentorship from the Destination Communication and Customer Experience team to help you succeed.

**Why join us**:
This isn’t just an apprenticeship; it’s the start of a rewarding career in the parks and gardens industry with a supportive team that wants to see you succeed. Here’s what we’re offering:

- **full-time position** for up to 48 months, commencing **January 2026**:

- **competitive starting salary** from **$33,962 to $64,228** per annum, plus **12% superannuation**:

- **salary progression** based on successful completion of training and strong on-the-job performance
- **course fees covered** - we’ll take care of the cost of your **Certificate III**:

- **earn while you learn**:

- **enjoy a 9-day fortnight** (76 hours per fortnight) for better work/life balance
- **ongoing training and professional development** to help you grow your skills and career
- **supportive environment** with coaching, mentoring, and guidance from experienced professionals
- **attractive employment conditions** - and plenty more perks

**We are seeking**:
We're looking for someone who values the great outdoors, embraces a healthy lifestyle, enjoys community engagement and is dedicated to managing, enriching and preserving our open spaces.
- a genuine interest in parks, gardens and engaging with community
- a strong work ethic and willingness to learn
- finished Year 10 Education, or higher.
- competent numeracy & literacy skills for reading manuals and completing maintenance worksheets
- experience with the operation of equipment associated with vegetation management (eg. chainsaws, mowers, blowers etc desirable)
- ready to commit to completing your apprenticeship - including attending TAFE and getting hands-on experience.
- a team player who can also work independently and is not afraid to get their hands dirty
- a current driver's licence
- a positive attitude and self-motivation
- demonstrated commitment to safety, with a strong focus on personal wellbeing and contributing to a safe team environment.

**About us**:

- Located on the picturesque far North Coast of NSW, bordering the Gold Coast.
- The Tweed is a vibrant, diverse location offering a lifestyle near the water, in a rainforest or on a farm.
- Join an **employer of choice**. Professionals Australia (Local Government Engineers’ Association) has named Council the 2021 Employer of Choice for our great employment practices within NSW local government.

**Where it's located**:
This position is based in Murwillumbah and can be directed to work from any Council work site.

**Position closes**:
**Pre-Employment Screening**:
Tweed Shire Council conducts pre-employment assessments as part of its recruitment process.

Job offers are not made until screening has been completed. Tweed Shire Council uses third-party providers to undertake:

- Background screening - verifies that the information you have prov