About the role
As a Gardener at Yarra Ranges Council, you will help maintain and present our parks and streetscapes to a high standard in the spaces our community uses every day. You’ll work as a self-managed member of the Parks team, applying sound horticultural and environmental practices, safely operating mowing and vegetation maintenance equipment, and completing programmed and requested works to specification.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and life experiences — whether you’re returning to work, looking for a career change, or bringing transferable skills from another industry. You’ll be supported with practical onboarding, clear safety procedures, and a team culture that values respect and inclusion.
You’ll work as part of the Northern Parks Team caring for Parks, reserves and townships across the Yarra Valley.
This is a full-time permanent position (38 hours per week).
This is a Band 4 role with a salary range between $75,140 and $80,191 per annum, plus superannuation.
Benefits of working with us:
- Support work-life balance with your choice of monthly or fortnightly rostered day off.
- 20 weeks paid primary caregiver leave (6 weeks for secondary caregivers) plus other generous leave options such as volunteer leave, family planning, study assistance and menstrual and menopause leave.
- Opportunities for professional development and to take on temporary roles in other teams to grow your skills and experience.
- Novated lease vehicle options.
Experience and skills we’re looking for:
- Experience in amenity horticulture and/or park maintenance (e.g., mowing, pruning, mulching, weeding, planting and seasonal garden maintenance) to maintain high presentation standards across parks and streetscapes.
- Demonstrated ability to apply sound horticultural and environmental knowledge in line with safe work practices.
- Proven experience safely operating and maintaining small to medium plant and equipment used in vegetation maintenance (e.g., ride-on mowers,
brush cutters and similar equipment), including pre-start checks and basic maintenance.
- Experience following OH&S; requirements, identifying hazards, and taking action to report and/or correct unsafe working conditions.
- The ability to communicate clearly with team members and support on-the-job guidance/training of casual or temporary staff when required.
- Customer service skills and confidence engaging with the public and handling concerns respectfully and professionally.
- Good record keeping and communication skills, and the ability to make basic reports or give feedback on maintenance activities and issues.
- Relevant qualification(s) such as Certificate III in Horticulture (or equivalent).
How to apply
Please ensure you submit your application via our jobs portal by clicking ‘Apply’. Include a resume and cover letter with your application. In your cover letter, tell us about your experience, skills, and why you would like to work with us here at Yarra Ranges Council.
Applications close 11.59pm, Sunday 8 November 2026.
Contact person: Jesse Bolte, Northern Parks Team Leader, 04•• ••• 720.
If you need support with your application or have accessibility needs, please call the contact person above or email us at
[email protected].
Applicants who progress past the interview stage must complete pre-employment checks. These checks will include a Working with Childrens Check, Police Check and Medical Check.
About Yarra Ranges Council
Yarra Ranges Council committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is welcome. We encourage people of all genders, cultures, backgrounds, and abilities to apply for jobs with us. We support flexible work arrangements, including full time, part-time, hybrid, and job-sharing options to meet your needs and suit your life.
Yarra Ranges Council is a child safe organisation and is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people in our community. We are committed to protecting children from abuse in accordance with the Victorian Child Safe Standards.
📌 Gardener (Lilydale)
🏢 Yarra Ranges Council
📍 Lilydale