Your New Role:
Love working outdoors?
Turn your passion for plants, gardens and the great outdoors into a career!
Council is seeking two enthusiastic and motivated Apprentice Horticulturists to join our Civic Services Team.
This is a outstanding opportunity to earn while you learn and work towards a Certificate III in Horticulture, Parks and Gardens (or equivalent) through TAFE, while gaining valuable hands‐on experience across some of Kempsey Shire's parks, sporting fields, reserves, cemeteries, road reserves and landscaped areas.
Working alongside experienced team members, you'll develop practical horticultural and parks maintenance skills while helping keep our public spaces safe, attractive and enjoyable for the community.
What you'll do:
As an Apprentice Horticulturist, you will:
Undertake and successfully complete a Certificate III in Horticulture, Parks and Gardens (or equivalent) through TAFE.
Gain hands‐on experience across parks, sporting fields, reserves, cemeteries, road reserves and landscaped areas.
Carry out general horticultural duties including:
Mowing, whipper snipping and edging.
Tree planting, pruning and maintenance.
Line marking of sporting fields.
Garden bed maintenance and mulching.
Litter collection and general grounds maintenance.
Minor landscaping and construction works.
Assist with the maintenance of playgrounds and other public facilities.
Carry out minor repairs to park equipment, street furniture and playgrounds, as well as painting works.
Operate vehicles, machinery and plant as required, following appropriate training and safety procedures.
Provide friendly, professional and timely customer service.
Complete routine workplace documentation including timesheets, leave forms, plant sheets and Work Health and Safety (WHS) forms.




Participate in team and toolbox meetings.
For a full list of the Key Accountabilities of the role, please refer to the Position Description.
About You:
We're looking for someone who enjoys working outdoors, has a genuine interest in horticulture and is keen to learn new skills.
You will ideally have:
Completed Year 10, with Year 12 preferred.
A genuine interest in horticulture, gardening, parks and grounds maintenance.
A willingness and commitment to complete a Certificate III in Horticulture, Parks and Gardens (or equivalent).
The ability to successfully complete both the theory and practical components of your apprenticeship.
Good verbal and written communication skills.
A positive attitude and willingness to learn.
The ability to work effectively and cooperatively as part of a team.
A strong commitment to workplace health and safety.
A willingness to participate in training, toolbox meetings and ongoing workplace development.
A reliable and responsible approach to work, with the ability to follow instructions and complete tasks to a high standard.
Essential requirements
You will also need:
A current Driver Licence, or willingness to obtain and maintain one.
A General Construction Induction Card (White Card), or willingness to obtain one.
A willingness to undertake all training and development identified as necessary for the role.
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 pride ourselves on the respectful and supportive workplace we have cultivated.
With 360+ dedicated staff managing $1.8 billion worth of assets across many sites throughout the Shire, KSC work closely with our community to build an inspired, connected Macleay Valley.
Why Join Us?
A temporary full‐time position for three years, 38-hour work week over 4 days
Rostered Day Off every Monday or Friday giving you a long weekend every weekend!
Weekly salary of $****** to $******* in accordance with the Local Government (State) Award (plus superannuation).
Learning from experienced tradespeople, developing practical skills and knowledge from qualified and experienced Council staff.
Variety every day!
Get hands‐on experience across gardening, planting, pruning, turf management, weed control, irrigation and general grounds maintenance.
Being part of something bigger.
See the direct impact your work has on the appearance, amenity and enjoyment of the local community.
A working environment focussed on wellbeing, including flexible work arrangements, rostered days off, EAP access, social club, and health and wellbeing programs.
Fitness Passports for discounted access to a range of gym and pool facilities.
Career development and learning opportunities.
A supportive, collaborative working environment designed to help you grow!
A fantastic lifestyle and work life balance, on the beautiful Mid‐North Coast.
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📌 Apprentice Horticulturist (Kempsey Shire Council)
🏢 Newman Indigenous Partnership
📍 Kempsey