Apprentice Horticulturist

Are you ready to kickstart a rewarding career in horticulture where you can earn while you learn This entry-level role provides the perfect pathway for those looking to build a long-term career in the horticulture industry. As an Apprentice you will gain hands-on practical skills mentoring and provided the opportunity to gain a nationally recognised qualificationall while working outdoors in beautiful public spaces making a real difference in your local community!

As part of your work with Council youll be actively involved in maintaining parks gardens reserves and streetscapes; learning how to plant prune mulch mow and care for various types of vegetation; and working closely with our experienced team to operate and maintain horticultural tools and equipment.

We have three incredible opportunities available. What are you waiting for Apply today!

What you will be doing:

During your Apprenticeship you will have the opportunity to:

• Obtain a nationally recognised qualification in Horticulture Parks and Gardens or similar
• Perform general horticultural duties including mowing whipper snipping and edging of turfed areas tree planting pruning and maintenance line marking of playing fields construction of minor landscaping works litter collection general maintenance of garden beds and mulching.
• Assisting in the maintenance of playgrounds
• Performing minor repairs to park equipment street furniture and playgrounds and painting.
• Please read the Position Description attached to this job advertisement. It is important to read this carefully to understand what the job involves.

About You:

To be successful in attaining this position you will meet the following criteria:

• A genuine interest in building a career in the horticulture industry
• Minimum Year 10 standard of education is essential Year 12 standard of education is desirable.
• Ability to complete theory and practical work units associated with the Certificate being studied.
• Commitment to the full term of the apprenticeship and study requirements.
• The ability to problem-solve and take initiative with a positivecan-do attitude.
• Experience being an active and effective member of a team (school sport work).
• Demonstrated willingness to learn and develop new skills and knowledge.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe working environment and to following instructions.
• Commitment to upholding our organisational values.
• Current Drivers Licence (P1 or above required or commitment to obtaining).
• WHS General Construction Induction Card (White Card).

About Us:

Kempsey Shire Council (KSC) is located on the Mid North Coast of NSW known for its genuine hospitality pristine beaches sub-tropical rainforests mountain ranges rock river gorges sprawling farmland and peaceful villages.

We are a progressive proactive and dynamic organisation and we look for people wholl put Kempsey Shire at the heart of all they do and champion our values of passion integrity innovation communication respect and collaboration. We pride ourselves on the respectful and supportive workplace we have cultivated. With 360 dedicated staff managing $1.3 billion worth of assets across many sites throughout the Shire KSC work closely with our community to build an inspired connected Macleay Valley.

Benefits of working for Kempsey Shire Council:

If successful in attaining a traineeship you will be provided with:

• A temporary full-time position 38 hours per week 3-year duration.
• Four-day work week (every Monday or Friday off)
• Paid study time
• All uniform and PPE provided
• Weekly salary of $601.70 - $947.70 plus superannuation.
• A supportive collaborative working environment designed to help you grow!
• Discounted membership to a range of gym and pool facilities.
• Employee health and wellbeing programs.
• Ability to acquire not just your Certificate III but also opportunity to obtain other tickets licences and SOAs in areas such as working in confined spaces first aid working at heights etc.

Interested

Please apply via Councils website or through Seek. Note that you will be required to prepare and submit:

• Cover Letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining how your experience abilities knowledge and personal qualities will enable you to achieve the key accountabilities of the role (as listed in the Position Description); and
• Your current Resume which details your work experience and any other information that is relevant to this role.

We understand that no candidate will meet every single desired qualification or skill. If your experience looks a little different from what weve identified and you think you can bring value to the role wed love to learn more about you!

Have questions Please contact Steve Pellen Coordinator Civic Services for a confidential discussion onPh:.

Please Note:

• Our recruitment notification process is primarily via system generated emails. Please ensure your email is correct before submitting your application to avoid missing crucial updates.
• Completion of a pre-employment medical assessment is a requirement of KSCs recruitment process for this position.

Hiring Timeline:

Applications for this position will close at 4:00pm on Sunday 26 October 2025. After this date the recruitment process will include:

• Invitations to attend our Trainee Selection Centre (which will include an interview) for shortlisted candidates will be sent during week commencing Monday 27 October 2025.
• Trainee Selection Centre for shortlisted candidates will be held on Tuesday 11 November Time TBA to progressing candidates (compulsory)
• Reference Checks and pre-employment medical assessments will be actioned from week commencing Monday 17 November 2025.
• Employment commences mid-January 2026.

If you experience any difficulties applying online please contact the Recruitment team on or email

Thank you and good luck with your application.

Kempsey Shire Council is an equal opportunity employer and we celebrate our diverse inclusive and values-led workforce. We welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people people with diverse culture and linguistic backgrounds and people with a addition Kempsey Shire Council will provide reasonable adjustments for suitably qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require additional assistance to participate in the recruitment process please discuss with the advertised contact person. You can ask for reasonable adjustments to be made at any time during the recruitment process.