Parks & Gardens Apprentice (Certificate III)

About the role

Mildura Rural City Council, in partnership with SMGT, is offering a full-time apprenticeship for a Certificate III in Parks and Gardens. The apprentice completes on-the-job training and attends trade school to earn the qualification, receives payment above the apprentice wage and has the opportunity to move into a permanent full-time position after the apprenticeship. The position is based in the Parks & Recreation department of the Healthy Communities branch.

Key responsibilities

• Complete on-the-job training and trade school training, including assignments and practical assessments.
• Provide quality maintenance of parks, gardens and streetscapes according to Council practices and procedures.
• Carry out routine maintenance programs, including mowing, edging and brush cutting.
• Prepare and maintain seedling beds, water, fertilise and cultivate them, and plant and maintain seedlings, trees and shrubs.
• Weed and maintain garden beds and landscaped areas, and carry out weed, pest and plant disease control.
• Operate horticultural and turf machinery such as tractors and mowers once trained and assessed.
• Clean parks and reserves, collect litter and dispose of grass clippings, branches and removed plants.
• Maintain tools and machinery safely, complete daily pre-start checks, logbooks and documentation, and follow workplace health and safety procedures.

Required profile

• Genuine interest in parks, gardens, horticulture and outdoor maintenance.
• Ability and commitment to complete all aspects of the traineeship, including attendance at trade school during designated hours.
• Availability to work shifts according to rostering requirements.
• Current driver's licence and willingness to obtain a satisfactory police check before employment.
• Right to work in Australia; a Working with Children Check may be required.
• Ability to lift, bend, kneel, squat, stand and walk for long periods and to handle equipment such as brush cutters and edgers.

Required skills

• Basic knowledge of garden, turf, tree and plant care and maintenance.
• Basic understanding of occupational health and safety practices.
• Ability to follow instructions, work in a team and follow procedures.

What we offer

• Paid above apprentice wage, paid under the Council's Enterprise Agreement.
• Nine-day fortnight and on-the-job training.
• Opportunity to move into a permanent full-time position after the apprenticeship.