Are you passionate about the environment and interested in building a career in bush regeneration and land management?

Based at Oak Flats Services Depot, you will gain hands on experience while working alongside experienced staff to assist with revegetation projects, weed management, habitat improvement and hazard reduction activities.

You will have the opportunity to develop an understanding of environmental conservation and land management practices that help protect and enhance Shellharbour's natural environment.

Through a combination of practical workplace experience and formal training, you will complete a Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management through TAFE, developing valuable skills and experience in the restoration, regeneration and ongoing maintenance of natural areas across the city, including bushland, wetlands and environmentally sensitive sites.

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 benefits 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 the position, click here for the position description. Please note that this position is call 'Trainee Horticulture' within our organisational structure.

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: Bronwyn Anderson, Team Coordinator Bushland Management on 04•• ••• 349.

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.

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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 Prospect 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.

📌 Trainee Bush Regeneration (Shellharbour)
🏢 Shellharbour City Council
📍 Shellharbour