Central Highlands Regional Council – Emerald QLD

Work Type:

Maximum Term Full Time - 24 Months

Directorate:

Operations

Award & Salary:

In accordance with relevant industrial agreements, including the applicable Award, Order or Certified Agreement

Central Highlands Regional Council (CHRC) is seeking a motivated, reliable, and eager-to-learn trainee to join our Parks and Gardens team. This is an exciting prospect to gain full‑time, paid work while working towards a Certificate III in Horticulture.

As a trainee, you'll help maintain CHRC’s parks, gardens, and open spaces while gaining hands‑on experience operating a variety of tools, equipment, and machinery. You'll combine practical outdoor work with formal training to develop the skills and knowledge required for a career in horticulture.

What we’re looking for:

- A positive attitude and genuine willingness to learn
- Sound written and verbal communication skills
- The ability to work effectively as part of a team in a hands‑on outdoor environment
- Basic computer literacy to support training and on‑the‑job learning
- A commitment to completing a Certificate III in Horticulture
- A current Queensland C Class manual Provisional Driver’s Licence
- A General Construction Induction Card (White Card), or willingness to obtain one prior to commencement

What you’ll be doing:

- Assisting with routine maintenance activities, including mowing, edging, pruning, mulching, planting, and fertilising
- Learning turf management techniques for sports fields and recreation areas
- Supporting the installation, maintenance, and repair of irrigation systems
- Participating in tree planting and vegetation management activities
- Assisting with garden bed preparation, planting, and landscape maintenance under supervision
- Helping manage weeds, pests, and plant diseases using safe and environmentally responsible practices
- Operating and maintaining hand tools, power equipment,



and small plant safely and effectively

At CHRC we’re committed to creating opportunities for the next generation of skilled workers. As the winner of the 2022 and 2024 Regional Queensland Training Awards – Large Employer of the Year, as well as producing the 2022 Apprentice of the Year and 2023 Equity Student of the Year, we have a proven track record of supporting apprentices and trainees to achieve their career goals.

At CHRC, there’s a rewarding path and an incredible future waiting for you. Through hands‑on experience, structured training, and supportive mentoring, you’ll have the opportunity to develop valuable skills, gain a nationally recognised qualification, and build a rewarding career close to home.

We also offer great benefits including:

- Five weeks annual leave with 17.5% leave loading
- Fortnightly RDO’s
- Full uniform allocation
- Payroll deductions and salary sacrifice options
- Wages paid fortnightly
- Employee Assistance Program
- Fitness Passport member benefits

To be eligible for this traineeship, you must:

- Be at least 17 years of age and no longer at school
- Meet citizen, residency, and visa requirements to undertake a traineeship
- Not hold a qualification equal to or higher than the traineeship qualification in the same field

Where trainee positions are funded through government initiatives, they may be subject to additional eligibility requirements. We strongly encourage applications from the following groups:

- Young people (aged 15–24 years, including those in and transitioned from out‑of‑home care)
- Long‑term unemployed job seekers
- Mature‑age job seekers (aged 45 years or older)
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- Migrants and refugees
- People with disability
- Displaced workers
- Women re‑entering the workforce
- Veterans and ex-service personnel and their families

Applications close: Monday 19th October 2026 at 8am.

Whoever you are, there’s a place for you here.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Parks and Gardens Trainee (Emerald)
🏢 Central Highlands Regional Council
📍 Emerald