Do you have a passion for working outdoors and helping create attractive parks, gardens and open spaces?

An exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience while completing a nationally recognised qualification.

Based at Oak Flats Services Depot, you will work alongside experienced professionals to develop practical skills in horticulture, parks and reserve maintenance, landscape presentation and bush regeneration that help keep Shellharbour's open spaces looking their best.

You will gain experience across a variety of parks maintenance activities while learning the safe use and operation of horticultural equipment and small plant and contribute to the upkeep and presentation of our parks, reserves, gardens and streetscapes that are enjoyed by residents and visitors across the city.

Through a combination of practical workplace experience and formal training, you will complete a Certificate III in Horticulture through Yallah TAFE, developing valuable skills and knowledge in horticultural maintenance, landscape management and open space presentation.

This opportunity is anticipated to commence in January 2027 and upon successful completion of the traineeship, you will have achieved a nationally recognised qualification and gained two years of practical industry experience.

Council's Cadet, Apprentice and Trainee (CAT) Program aims to build a skilled workforce by creating employment opportunities and developing future talent. As part of the program, you'll receive ongoing training, mentoring and support from experienced professionals while completing a nationally recognised qualification and gaining valuable industry experience.

For more information on our CAT Program, click here.

About us:

Shellharbour City, located in the Illawarra region, is just 80 minutes south of Sydney and is home to over 86,000 people in a city that spans 154 square kilometres. It's an area of great natural beauty - stretching west from the picturesque coastline to rolling pastures, set against the majestic backdrop of the Illawarra escarpment.

Our dedication to be financially sustainable in an evolving environment,



while striving for a great organisational culture and committing to employing staff who embrace our core values, has made Shellharbour City Council an employer of choice.

We have been recognised with numerous state and national awards in recent times, including eight wins for our First Nations Community the Yirran Muru (many pathways) playspace, as well as being presented as winners in the NSW Landscape Architecture Awards, Regional Achievement Awards, and Parks and Leisure Australia Regional Awards of Excellence.

We offer:

Shellharbour City Council offers a high performing and sustainable organisation to deliver outcomes for the community through leadership, collaboration and innovation. We have exciting, rewarding career opportunities and flexible working arrangements to support a healthy work/life balance.

- Temporary full time, 38 hours per week up to 24 months (or the duration of the traineeship) with access to a 9 day fortnight
- Salary up to $838.00 per week (based on school level achieved & years out of school with a range from $412.70 for a school leaver up to $838.00 for 5+ years out of school)
- Plus 12% superannuation
- On the job training
- Compulsory course costs are paid by Council
- Approved leave to attend TAFE
- Plus advantages including novated leasing, retail discounts, corporate fitness programs, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) support & Learning & Development opportunities
- Plus Annual Award Increases & Bi-annual bonus payments & weekly pay run
- Plus a range of local government benefits, including LSL after 5 years, one week 'My Leave', health & wellbeing initiatives as well as generous parental leave entitlements.

For further information about this position, click here for the position description for this role.





Please Note:

- You will need to complete a Pre-placement Medical examination
- You will need to obtain a General Construction Induction Card (White Card) prior to commencement

Contact: Tiffany Henderson, Team Coordinator Parks (City West) 04•• ••• 767.

Closing date: Sunday, 18 October 2026 at 11:30pm.

Apply now...

Complete the application below by answering the questions, describing how your skills and experience are relevant to the position.

Your Resume and qualifications can be attached on the NEXT page.

Once you start your online application, you may save and return to this later, however incomplete applications will not be considered. You may wish to prepare your responses in a word document and then COPY and PASTE into the fields below. Your Resume and qualifications can be attached on the NEXT page.

When you have submitted your application, an email confirmation will be sent to your nominated email address. Please ensure you have the correct email address and check your inbox (including your "junk" inbox).

For further information about the selection process including tips on how to address the selection criteria, please view our Guide to Applying.

Shellharbour City Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values the unique strengths and talents of all people. Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and people with a disability are encouraged to apply.

At Shellharbour City Council we promote respect at work as a fundamental right for all and strive to create a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. This commitment extends to the promotion of the rights of all children and young people to be safe from harm when interacting with our services and spaces. Our values, Collaboration, Accountability, Integrity, Respect and Sustainability underpin all we do.

Your decision to apply for a role at Shellharbour City Council is the first step in acknowledging your alignment to our values and aspirations to create a great workplace.

📌 Horticulture Trainee (Parks & Gardens) (Shellharbour)
🏢 Shellharbour City Council
📍 Shellharbour