Apprentice - Horticulturist

Job No: SSC1542
Location: Sutherland Shire

Apprentice - Horticulturist

Are you ready to start a rewarding career in a horticulturist role? Sutherland Shire Council is looking for a motivated apprentice to join our Parks and Natural Areas Team! This is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience whilst completing a Certificate III in Parks and Gardens over four years.

  • Gain hands-on experience in maintaining parks and natural areas.
  • Work towards a nationally recognised qualification in Parks and Gardens.
  • Contribute to the community by ensuring safe and accessible recreational spaces.
  • Collaborate with a dedicated team committed to continuous improvement and customer service.

About Sutherland Shire Council

Sutherland Shire Council is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for our community through the provision of well-maintained parks and natural areas. We prioritise safety, accessibility, and environmental sustainability in all our initiatives.

With a strong commitment to professional development, we offer our employees opportunities to grow and advance their careers while making a positive impact in the community.

Position Overview

The Horticulturist Apprentice role is a four-year apprenticeship designed for individuals eager to develop their skills in horticulture within the Parks and Natural Areas. This position plays a vital role in supporting Council’s mission to maintain safe, accessible, and well-kept parks for the community. While pursuing the Certificate III in Parks and Gardens, apprentices will engage in hands-on maintenance of open spaces, adhere to safety procedures, and utilise equipment appropriately.

Attendance at TAFE and completion of all required learning components is mandatory. The apprentice will work as part of a collaborative team, contribute to customer service initiatives, and actively engage in training and development opportunities. A strong commitment to workplace health and safety, as well as a drive for continuous improvement, is essential for success in this role.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for enthusiastic candidates who are passionate about horticulture and eager to learn in a practical environment.

  • Satisfactory completion of Year 10 Record of School Achievement.
  • Possession of a Class C driver's licence.
  • Able to meet the manual handling and physical requirements of outdoor work.
  • A willingness to work with equipment related to horticulture and landscape maintenance.

Successful candidates will demonstrate a commitment to safe work practices, teamwork, and customer service, while adhering to Council policies and procedures. The ability to identify opportunities for improvement will be highly valued.

Join our Team and Grow with Us!

If you are ready to take on a challenging and rewarding role that makes a real difference in the community, apply now to join our team at Sutherland Shire Council!

  • Apply by responding to our online application questions and submitting your resume outlining why we are a great fit!
  • Get your application in by 11.59pm: Sunday 26 October 2025
  • Package: $43,024.80 gross p.a. plus 12% superannuation. 
  • Interview date: Interviews will be facilitated within two weeks of closing
  • Hours of work: Temporary Full Time, 38 hours per week with a 9-day fortnight. 4-year apprenticeship opportunity. 
  • To benefit your wellbeing you will have access to fitness passport, employee assistance program, annual flu shots, health and wellbeing programme and novated lease options.

**Suitable candidates are subject to employment screening which includes Reference Checks, Work Rights Verification, Identity and Functional/Medical History Checks (including Covid-19 Vaccination), and may also include a Criminal History, Qualification and Working with Children Check. Employment is subject to clearance of all these checks.

Reach out to Aaron Leahy aleahy@ssc.nsw.gov.au Senior Manager Parks and Natural Areas for any job specific enquiries.
Melanie Silburn, msilburn@ssc.nsw.gov.au Talent Acquisition Business Partner, can assist with any recruitment related enquiries.

Click on the link to check out the Position Description

Council is a Child Safe Organisation and is committed to ensuring the NSW Government’s Child Safe Standards are incorporated in our procedures, practices, programs, and events.

Apply Now

Privacy Acknowledgment

Sutherland Shire Council (Council) adheres to The Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 NSW when collecting, using and storing your personal information, and is committed to ensuring the privacy of your personal information. Council is collecting your personal information as part of the recruitment and selection process and advises your application will be hosted by an external service provider under contract by Council. By proceeding with your application, you acknowledge your personal information will be hosted by Councils’ external service provider until such time as you notify otherwise.


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About Sutherland Shire Council

Sutherland Shire is a unique area in greater Sydney. Boasting iconic beaches, stunning coastline, vibrant town centers, and incredible national parks. All just 26 km from the CBD. As one of the largest Councils in NSW, we're home to a growing and connected community of more than 230,000 people.

Watch the video to hear from our people about the wide range of projects we're delivering for our community.

It's a great time to join our team and do work that matters.