Apprentice - Horticulturist

Are you ready to start a rewarding career in a horticulturist role? Sutherland Shire Council is looking for a motivated apprentice to join our Parks and Natural Areas Team This is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience whilst completing a Certificate III in Parks and Gardens over four years.

• Gain hands-on experience in maintaining parks and natural areas.
• Work towards a nationally recognised qualification in Parks and Gardens.
• Contribute to the community by ensuring safe and accessible recreational spaces.
• Collaborate with a dedicated team committed to continuous improvement and customer service.

Sutherland Shire Council is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for our community through the provision of well-maintained parks and natural areas. We prioritise safety, accessibility, and environmental sustainability in all our initiatives.

With a strong commitment to professional development, we offer our employees opportunities to grow and advance their careers while making a positive impact in the community.

The Horticulturist Apprentice role is a four-year apprenticeship designed for individuals eager to develop their skills in horticulture within the Parks and Natural Areas. This position plays a vital role in supporting Council's mission to maintain safe, accessible, and well-kept parks for the community. While pursuing the Certificate III in Parks and Gardens, apprentices will engage in hands-on maintenance of open spaces, adhere to safety procedures, and utilise equipment appropriately.

Attendance at TAFE and completion of all required learning components is mandatory. The apprentice will work as part of a collaborative team, contribute to customer service initiatives, and actively engage in training and development opportunities. A strong commitment to workplace health and safety, as well as a drive for continuous improvement, is essential for success in this role.

We are looking for enthusiastic candidates who are passionate about horticulture and eager to learn in a practical environment.

• Satisfactory completion of Year 10 Record of School Achievement.
• Possession of a Class C driver's licence.
• Able to meet the manual handling and physical requirements of outdoor work.
• A willingness to work with equipment related to horticulture and landscape maintenance.

Successful candidates will demonstrate a commitment to safe work practices, teamwork, and customer service, while adhering to Council policies and procedures. The ability to identify opportunities for improvement will be highly valued.

Join our Team and Grow with Us

If you are ready to take on a challenging and rewarding role that makes a real difference in the community, apply now to join our team at Sutherland Shire Council

• Apply by responding to our online application questions and submitting your resume outlining why we are a great fit
• Get your application in by 11.59pm: Wednesday 15 October 2025
• Package: $43,024.80 gross p.a. plus 12% superannuation.
• Interview date: Interviews will be facilitated within two weeks of closing
• Hours of work: Temporary Full Time, 38 hours per week with a 9-day fortnight. 4-year apprenticeship opportunity.
• To benefit your wellbeing you will have access to fitness passport, employee assistance program, annual flu shots, health and wellbeing programme and novated lease options.

**Suitable candidates are subject to employment screening which includes Reference Checks, Work Rights Verification, Identity and Functional/Medical History Checks (including Covid-19 Vaccination), and may also include a Criminal History, Qualification and Working with Children Check. Employment is subject to clearance of all these checks.

Reach out to Aaron Leahy Senior Manager Parks and Natural Areas for any job specific enquiries.

Melanie Silburn, Talent Acquisition Business Partner, can assist with any recruitment related enquiries.

Council is a Child Safe Organisation and is committed to ensuring the NSW Government's Child Safe Standards are incorporated in our procedures, practices, programs, and events.

If you want to make a difference and be part of a challenging and rewarding working environment, then joining us just might be the right career move for you Join a passionate and dedicated team covering a diversity of services, industries and occupations.

At Sutherland Shire Council we do more than serve our community – we are our community. Our energy can be seen in everything we do. From having a can-do attitude, to embracing change and opportunities, being people-centred and working together as one.