Qualified Gardener - Parks & Gardens Maintenance Officer

About the role

Randstad is recruiting a qualified gardener, described as a Parks & Gardens Maintenance Officer, to support municipal open space contracts across Melbourne's northern and south-eastern regions. The work is based at the council depot, where a dedicated civil crew keeps public parks, sporting reserves and council facilities in good condition. The contract is a variable one of 2 to 5 months, initially locked in for a 3 to 5 month block starting early June 2026, with full-time hours Monday to Friday.

Key responsibilities

• Horticultural upkeep: planting, mulching, pruning and weeding in garden beds
• Turf and open space care using commercial ride-on mowers, line trimmers and light mechanical plant
• Safe setup and application of pesticides and herbicides as part of scheduled weed control programs
• Daily pre-start safety inspections and minor field maintenance on plant, equipment and trailers, and clearing sites of litter and hazards before work begins
• Working in a small crew and occasionally giving casual trade guidance or on-the-job support to apprentices and trainees

Required profile

• Certificate III in Horticulture, Parks & Gardens, Arboriculture or an equivalent trade qualification
• Current Victorian driver's licence (medium/heavy rigid licence highly desirable)
• Valid Construction Induction White Card
• Experience in commercial landscape maintenance or municipal parks operations
• Physical fitness for manual handling, lifting and bending on uneven roadside terrain

Required skills

• Use of power tools, precision light mechanical plant and commercial mowers
• Highly regarded: Traffic Management or ACUP (chemical) certificates

What we offer

• Pay of $38 per hour plus superannuation, with consistent weekly pay
• A 38-hour week with a steady start and afternoons free
• Public sector experience that can lead to long-term or permanent council crew positions

To apply, candidates submit their resume through the recruiter's online application; interested candidates can also contact the recruiter's public sector team for confidential advice on similar municipal opportunities.