Apprentice Greenkeeper x2

Own your future with an Apprenticeship at Port Stephens Council (PSC) – ready for commencement in January 2026!

The opportunity 

Our Apprentice Parks & Gardens position is the perfect opportunity for an enthusiastic candidate, looking to combine their love of the outdoors with their career. 

Not only will you gain invaluable on the job work experience from your experienced team mates, you will also undertake a Certificate III in Turf Management, working toward becoming a specialist in the Horticulture field! 

Your Apprenticeship will see you gain experience with general maintenance duties, including mowing operations, turf/garden maintenance and renovations, landscaping and horticulture, and asset inspections.

What does a career at PSC look like for me post-Apprenticeship? 

Whilst we can’t guarantee a permanent position post-apprenticeship, this is what a career path could look like with a Certificate III behind you: 

• Assistant Trades Gardener
• A Trades Gardener
• A leadership position such as a Parks Team Leader
• Or a Parks Supervisor

This is a contract opportunity – working full-time 38 hours / week over 4 days + access to study leave to attend courses at your formal training provider during work hours.

Base Hourly Range: $24.59 - $31.47 (T4 – T7) + 12% superannuation + $2,464 retention allowance

Under 18 year old's: $18.28 - $21.60 (T2 - T3) + 12% superannuation + $2,464 retention allowance

You will be working from Nelson Bay, Medowie and Mallabula Depot

Some of the key responsibilities within this role are listed below however you can view the full list here – view the position description.

• Undertake grounds maintenance and improvement activities within work schedules including vegetation management, landscaping and horticulture, etc.
• Operate horticulture equipment including ride-on mowers, brush-cutters and edgers
• Work in alignment with Council’s safety policies and procedures

What does it mean to be an Apprentice at PSC?

Throughout your Apprenticeship, you’ll receive;

• Financial support in a paid role, including full payment for your studies
• Time in your work week to attend your formal training
• You will also have the opportunity to participate in our internal networking events, where you can meet and socialise with other Apprentices, Cadets and Trainees at PSC
• Opportunities to develop your own professional and social networks through collaborating with other teams across PSC

We’re all about putting the right people, in the right role! Here’s what we’re looking for:

• Demonstrated commitment to the completion of a Certificate III in Turf Management
• An understanding of Work Health and Safety (WHS)
• Access to reliable transport for attendance at both work and external training providers
• Ability to work in a team environment

This is life at PSC!

• Work/Life balance with generous leave entitlements, flexible work options and leave in lieu 
• Long service leave when you’ve been with us for just over 5 years
• Health & Wellbeing leave to recharge when you need it 
• Industry leading Paid Parental Leave accessible for all employees – regardless of how you became a parent, we offer 14 weeks that can be taken within 2 years from the birth, adoption, or long-term foster care of your child.
• PSCare Day available to all employees to take in addition to your regular leave entitlements
• Confidential support (including mental health) through our employee assistance program
• Award winning health and wellbeing program PSCare, Workers Health Initiative with access to a broad range of gyms in the area, and discounted health insurance
• And lots more…

 Enough about us, we want to hear about you! So tell us about…

• Why you want a career in Horticulture?

Ready to Apply? Here’s what you need to know

To complete your online application, you will be asked to upload;

• a copy of your resume 
• provide responses to questions outlined above

Applications Close: Midnight, Sunday, 21 September 2025

For position related enquiries, contact: Mitchell Morgan, Parks Team Leader Central, on 0427 149 098, or Ryan Wensemius, Parks Team Leader Nelson Bay, on 0499 796 368

For Application enquiries, contact: Tarryn Whyte, Talent Acquisition Advisor on 0499 796 365

For information on the Apprenticeship and study requirements, contact: Tiahna Sanderson, Learning and Development Officer on 0408 767 254

For information on our recruitment process, and what we look for in an application, please visit our Careers page on our website for ‘How to Apply’

We’re a 2024 Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant

We’ve partnered with the Veterans Employment Program to support veterans finding suitable, sustainable and meaningful employment

Port Stephens Council adheres to the principles of a child safe organisation and supports children and young people having safe and welcoming experience in our community, accessing our facilities and in our care

We acknowledge the Worimi as the original Custodians and inhabitants of Port Stephens. May we walk the road to tomorrow with mutual respect and admiration as we care for the beautiful land and waterways together