Job Title: Apprentice Turf Manager
Employment Type: Non-Ongoing (Specified Task)
Classification: Apprentice Parliamentary Service Level 2 (APPSL2)
Closing Date: 11:30pm AEDT, Friday 24 January 2025
Contact: Brock Weston, 0409 662 442, brock.weston@aph.gov.au
The Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS) currently has a unique opportunity for an Apprentice Turf Manager to join our Landscape Services team, working to maintain the landscape of one of the nation’s most iconic buildings – Australian Parliament House.
Landscape Services sits within our Maintenance Services section, and are responsible for the maintenance and care of 23 hectares of gardens, including native and exotic plants, formal and semi formal gardens and large expanses of turf. The team also care for the grounds of The Lodge as well as the courtyards of The Museum of Australian Democracy (MOAD) at Old Parliament House.
Throughout your apprenticeship you will learn all aspects of turf management through formal studies and on job training, as well as planned external placements at sporting venues that offer exposure to different turfgrass situations and a broader variety of equipment and management techniques.
The Apprenticeship Program offers successful candidates the opportunity to build specialist trade skills within a unique and diverse work environment. Apprentices receive ongoing support as they work, train and study to achieve a nationally recognised trade qualification.
We are seeking a reliable and self-motivated individual who is eager to learn new skills, works well in a team environment and is keen to kickstart their career in Turf Management. Our ideal candidate will posses the following skills:
Job Specific Requirements:
• The successful applicant will be required to commence and/or complete a relevant trade qualification.
• The successful applicant will be required to obtain and maintain a Baseline Vetting (Protected/Restricted) security clearance.
At DPS, we acknowledge the value diversity brings. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that ensures all our people can contribute to our shared purpose. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, mature age people, people from diverse backgrounds and people with disability.
Classification: Apprentice Parliamentary Service Level 2 (APPSL2)
Branch: Property Services Branch
Section: Maintenance Services
Immediate supervisor: Gardener-In-Charge, Landscape Services team
Under limited/general direction undertake duties in accordance with the agreed standards for the Parliamentary Services Level 2 classification. The duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Attend designated training courses relevant to the trade:
a) On the job training provided by DPS Landscape Services on equipment, plant and Horticulture/Turf maintenance relating to the relevant trade
b) Technical training provided by CIT
c) Industry training as arranged by DPS Landscape Services
2. Maintain a high standard of safety in operational areas, completing Safe Work Procedures and following WHS and DPS guidelines and legislation.
3. Work as a team member – including a co-operative, willing attitude, initiative and reliability.
4. Work under the close supervision of a qualified tradesperson, completing a range of tasks and duties as directed to strengthen technical skills. On the job training may include, but is not limited to, the following:
a) Undertake general landscape maintenance duties; including turf and horticultural maintenance practices
b) Operation of landscape related machinery and equipment
c) Effectively utilise irrigation systems including the repair and maintenance.
d) Undertake plant management practices including propagation, plant culture and pest and disease identification.
Employees of DPS are required to be able, and to be seen to be able, to provide professional advice and services to all Senators and Members without favour or prejudice.
Please upload a pitch (750 words maximum) describing how your skills and experience would contribute to the role and work of the department.
Your pitch is an opportunity to tell us why you want to work at DPS, why you are interested in the role and what you can offer in the role. Frame your pitch around the duty statement, role description and relevant ILS Profile. Make sure to use relevant examples and accomplishments that demonstrate your ability to perform the role.
We proudly provide innovative, unified, and client-focused services to the Australian Parliament and parliamentarians. We are a values driven department, placing our values at the heart of everything we do; from our service offerings and decision making to our interactions with stakeholders and each other.
Our people are employed in a broad and unique range of professional, customer service and trade-based roles, all joined by a shared purpose: to make an enduring contribution to Australia’s parliamentary democracy. We have an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of the community we serve. While we come from all walks of life, we share a commitment to care for and protect our iconic workplace.
Every year, almost one million people visit Australian Parliament House to experience the parliamentary process, the building’s architecture, nationally significant art collections, events, tours, and food and dining experiences – all made possible by our people, who are active participants in an environment where no two days are the same.
Join our community based on innovative, unified, and client-focused services, where your skills and development will be nurtured. You will also enjoy:
• access to flexible work arrangements
• ongoing opportunities to learn and develop new capabilities
• a competitive remuneration package
• free secure underground parking
• free gym membership and access to recreational facilities
• on-site childcare, banking services, post office, value-for-money dining options and more.
An apprentice salary will be determined by applying the relevant % (dependent on age and progression) against the PSL2 salary level. The % to be applied is specified in clauses 47.1 and 47.7 of the DPS Enterprise Agreement 2024.
Employment opportunities at Department of Parliamentary Services are subject to a range of conditions prescribed in the Parliamentary Service Act 1999 which include:
• Australian citizenship – to be eligible for employment with DPS, applicants must be an Australian Citizen.
• Security clearance and character clearance – the preferred applicant will be required to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the level specified, as well as complete and be deemed suitable through a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.
• Health assessment – a pre-employment health assessment will be required where there are physical or medical requirements for the role.