Assistant Gardener

Closing date: 03/08/2025

**Assistant Gardener**

BASScare is a NFP which operates an integrated program of services including meals-on-wheels, residential care facilities, respite care, dementia specific services, retirement living, as well as planned activity groups at day centres, for older people who wish to remain active and engaged with their local communities.

BASScare is located in the leafy suburb of Canterbury and we are currently seeking a passionate and committed Assistant Gardener in a full-time position.

**The Role**

This role is so much more than maintaining grounds, and gardens. More importantly it's about the ability to connect with our residents and clients that we provide care and support which is core to what we do on a day-to-day basis.

You will be working under the guidance of the Head Gardener and will assist in ensuring all properties, grounds and gardens are maintained and present well.

Some of the duties include:

- Provide garden and ground keeping services including but not limited to plant cultivation, plant identification, pruning, weed control, turf management and soil management.
- Assist with maintaining all gardens including landscaping, mowing, whipper snipping and hedging, water fountains are cleaned and maintained with fresh clean water.
- Assist with maintaining all entrances/exits, courtyards and gardens to an agreed standard of safety and appearance.
- Collect and remove garden waste, small tree branches and leaves, rubbish and spills to ensure clean, safe and presentable gardens.
- Ensure all outdoor furniture is kept clean, tidy and washed and displayed properly.
- Interact meaningfully with the residents and clients.
- Operate and maintain gardening machinery and equipment to required safety standards.

**About you**
- You have a passion for all things horticulture.
- You take pride in your job and love the look of a pruned manicured garden
- You are committed to continuous improvement and keen to learn and develop
- You are patient by nature and enjoy the company of seniors of varying needs.
- You understand the need for a sensory and lifestyle garden.
- Your understanding of the importance of assisting and supporting residents and clients to maintain independence and dignity with respect to activities of daily living and lifestyle will see you excel in the role

**Requirements**:

- Certificate IV in Horticulture or similar
- Some experience working in a professional horticultural environment.
- Willingness to learn about the needs of visitors and elderly residents that visit our gardens.
- Some horticultural knowledge, plant and herb identification skills.
- Ability and experience in the use of lawn mowers (including ride-on), whipper snipers and hedging equipment.
- Initiative and the ability to work with minimum supervision.
- Able to meet the physical requirements of the role.
- Basic computer skills (Office Word & Excel).
- Current drivers licence (Essential).
- Current Satisfactory Police Check.

**Hours of work and location**

Full Time position

Monday to Friday. 7.30m - 3.36pm

Working across multiple BASScare sites, Canterbury, Surrey Hills, Balwyn North & Glen Iris. You may have use of a company vehicle to travel to sites.

**Salary and Benefits**
- $32 per hour
- Access to our generous Not for Profit salary packaging (increase your take-home pay by packaging up to $15,900 of your annual salary plus further Meals and Entertainment benefits)
- Access to training and development
- Access to our Employee Assist Program (EAP)
- Free onsite parking and Free Uniform
- Access to our amazing Recognition and Reward program
- Quarterly social functions
- Supportive and inclusive team environment
- Use of company van and equipment during work hours.

**How to apply**

Attach your resume and your covering letter stating why you are a perfect fit for this position.