• Full Time Fixed Term | 9 Day Fortnight | 36 hours
• From $2,427.41 per fortnight excluding applicable allowances + Superannuation
• Position Brief - Apprentice Horticulture

Shape your future with the City of Gold Coast’s Trainee & Apprentice Academy! 

Shape the future of the iconic Gold Coast estate with the City of Gold Coast's Apprentice Academy! This isn't just a gardening job; it's a chance to transform our city into a vibrant tapestry of flourishing greenery, learning from our industry experts, gain hands-on experience on real projects, and contribute to our thriving community. You'll be part of a team that values collaboration and sustainability while building a rewarding career path.

Start your journey with our exclusive 12-month immersive trainee and apprentice program then a further 24-month apprenticeship designed to unlock your potential (total 36 months). This will be your foundation as we continue to support you in achieving your qualification and empower you to reach your full potential. 

This training is proudly funded by the Queensland Government through its Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative.

Be part of the next gen of GC Shapers

Our program provides professional development training and on-the-job experience pathways, designed to help become qualified in your chosen career. As a trainee and apprentice of the City, you will have many opportunities available to you:

• networking opportunities, tours, and exclusive leadership talks promoting collaboration across all areas of the City
• tailored learning including work-based training and an extensive range of personal, professional and career development training designed to set you up for success
• assistance and support on your path to accreditation
• support for your continued development journey with future opportunities at the City after the program
• work-life integration including 9-day fortnight, flexible working arrangements and generous leave entitlements

What's on offer

With a diverse workforce of more than 5000 team members dedicated to servicing the needs and enhancing the lifestyle of 650,000 residents, each team member has an intrinsic ability to impact our community. With a growing population and major events such as the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic games on the horizon, the City is faced with endless opportunities.

In the role of Apprentice Horticulture, you will form part of a team undertaking maintenance and improvements of parks, landscaped and recreation areas within the City’s open space regions and road network across the City of Gold Coast. 

• perform park maintenance and improvement activities such as planting, pruning, mulching, hedging, removing green waste, spraying herbicides/weed removal
• operate equipment such as leaf blowers, chainsaws, whipper snipper and pole saws
• follow designated work practices and perform a high standard of work
• contribute to pest and disease management
• actively participate in toolbox meetings

What are we looking for from you 

The City is committed to developing skilled trainees and apprentices into future City leaders who: 

• Team players who positively contribute and embraces change
• Highly motivated and proactive problem solvers who can manage their time effectively
• A passionate self-starter eager to learn about horticulture equipment, machinery, and processes
• Shows respect for their team, their tools and the community they serve
• Good communicators with basic language, literacy, numeracy and technology skills with the ability to effectively communicate, understand and follow instructions in a high-risk environment
• Successful completion of Year 12
• Drivers licence (C class)(desirable)

Applicants must have full working rights in Australia for the duration of the qualification and be able to work full-time.

Be part of shaping the Gold Coast’s future 

The Gold Coast is inspired by lifestyle and driven by opportunity. We are the second largest Council in Australia.  

We care about being the most flexible government organisation in Australia. We have a range of benefits to help you create the right balance:   

• 9-day fortnight – enjoy a long weekend every fortnight! 
• Access to 350+ fitness facilities through Fitness Passport for you and your family 
• 4 free confidential counselling sessions a year for you or your immediate family 
• A stable working environment with job security   
• A professional, and inclusive work environment working with modern equipment 
• Uniform, tools and PPE provided 
• A work environment committed to safety as our number 1 priority 
• Opportunities to work overtime to increase your take home pay  
• Clear paths for career progression and advancement - whether you are interested in moving into a leadership position or upskilling with specialised training, we have plenty of opportunities for you to reach your personal and professional goals    

We pride ourselves on our shared mission of being a high-performing, customer-focused organisation which delivers value-for-money services to the community.  

How to apply

To submit your application, please click apply now and complete the application form. You will be required to upload your resume and a cover letter (no more than two pages) outlining how your skills, experience and personal attributes will enable you to be successful in this role. Please note that you may also be asked to provide relevant qualifications, where applicable.

Contact Person    Alexandra McNulty   

Contact Email      amcnulty@goldcoast.qld.gov.au   

Closing Date        Sunday, 19 April 2026 at 11:59pm AEDT   

Our selection process may include a one-way video interview via Criteria, a face-to-face or virtual interview via Microsoft Teams, reference checks via Xref and additional checks including police checks, employment history checks, qualification checks, pre-employment medical reviews and drug and alcohol testing.  

We’re committed to creating a diverse workplace and inclusive culture. We take pride in people who align with our high-performance principles. We believe that the diverse makeup of our workforce reflects the community we serve. We consider all qualified candidates for employment, irrespective of race, age, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected characteristics by law.