Apprentice Parks and Gardens - Northern Rivers Rail Trail (Targeted)

Tweed Shire Council is looking for motivated individuals who are committed to completing an apprenticeship and earning a nationally recognised qualification through hands-on training and formal study.

If you have a genuine passion for promoting and encouraging regional tourism; specifically, the Northern Rivers Rail Trail (NRRT), we want to hear from you!

About the Apprenticeship:

Tweed Shire Council is proud to offer an Apprenticeship with our Destination Communication and Customer Experience team.  As an apprentice, you'll gain hands-on experience while completing a Certificate III in Parks & Gardens.

As an Apprentice Parks & Gardens – Northern Rivers Rail Trail, you will assist in maintaining, operating and supporting the Northern Rivers Rail Trail (NRRT) as a world class major regional tourism attraction and must do experience in the Northern Rivers NSW.  Additionally, you'll assist in contributing to trail asset management by providing scheduled maintenance and cleaning services to effectively manage the NRRT vegetation, buildings and assets, bridges, tunnels and surfaces. This is a fantastic opportunity to start your career as a Maintenance Officer in the Parks & Gardens industry.

In order to meet the requirements of the Apprenticeship, successful completion of on-the-job training and studies is required. 

This is a Targeted Position. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply and will be given preference where they possess the required skills and experience.

What you'll do:

• Assist in the development and implementation of proactive maintenance schedules to ensure the safety, functionality, and presentation of the Rail Trail and associated infrastructure. 
• Learn and apply asset and risk assessments, monitor site conditions, and address issues through planned and responsive maintenance.
• Develop understanding of site and building management at the Murwillumbah Railway Station precinct, including commercial tenancies, lease areas, trail infrastructure and public amenities. 
• Actively contribute to vegetation management in line with the Rail Trail Vegetation Management Plan, including weed control, revegetation and contractor engagement.
• Assist with the management of signage and infrastructure across the trail, respond to customer and tenant requests, and ensure a high standard of cleanliness, safety and visitor experience. 
• Receive mentorship from the Destination Communication and Customer Experience team to help you succeed.

Why join us:

This isn’t just an apprenticeship; it’s the start of a rewarding career in the parks and gardens industry with a supportive team that wants to see you succeed. Here’s what we’re offering:

• full-time position for up to 48 months, commencing January 2026
• competitive starting salary from $33,962 to $64,228 per annum, plus 12% superannuation
• salary progression based on successful completion of training and strong on-the-job performance
• course fees covered - we’ll take care of the cost of your Certificate III
• earn while you learn
• enjoy a 9-day fortnight (76 hours per fortnight) for better work/life balance
• ongoing training and professional development to help you grow your skills and career
• supportive environment with coaching, mentoring, and guidance from experienced professionals
• attractive employment conditions - and plenty more perks (click here to find out)!

We are seeking:

We're looking for someone who values the great outdoors, embraces a healthy lifestyle, enjoys community engagement and is dedicated to managing, enriching and preserving our open spaces.

• a genuine interest in parks, gardens and engaging with community
• a strong work ethic and willingness to learn
• finished Year 10 Education, or higher.
• competent numeracy & literacy skills for reading manuals and completing maintenance worksheets
• experience with the operation of equipment associated with vegetation management (eg. chainsaws, mowers, blowers etc desirable)
• ready to commit to completing your apprenticeship - including attending TAFE and getting hands-on experience.
• a team player who can also work independently and is not afraid to get their hands dirty
• a current driver's licence
• a positive attitude and self-motivation
• demonstrated commitment to safety, with a strong focus on personal wellbeing and contributing to a safe team environment.

About us:

• Located on the picturesque far North Coast of NSW, bordering the Gold Coast.
• The Tweed is a vibrant, diverse location offering a lifestyle near the water, in a rainforest or on a farm.  
• Tweed Shire Council is committed to employment equity and diversity and encourages applications from people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds in both traditional and non-traditional roles.  We provide workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options. 
• Join an employer of choice. Professionals Australia (Local Government Engineers’ Association) has named Council the 2021 Employer of Choice for our great employment practices within NSW local government. 

Where it's located:

This position is based in Murwillumbah and can be directed to work from any Council work site.

Position closes: 

Friday 7 November 2025 at 12 noon sharp (NSW time).  Late applications will not be permitted.

TIPS for Addressing the Selection Criteria

Click here for more information on the Recruitment Process

Click here to view our Values

Pre-Employment Screening:

Tweed Shire Council conducts pre-employment assessments as part of its recruitment process. 

Job offers are not made until screening has been completed. Tweed Shire Council uses third-party providers to undertake:

• Pre-employment medical – some roles require a functional (physical) assessment, and all positions are subject to drug and alcohol screening (a positive test result means the recruitment process ends and your application will not be considered).
• Background screening - verifies that the information you have provided throughout the recruitment process is true and correct.  Click here for more information.

Reference Checks are undertaken by the panel. Your 2 referees should ideally be your current and most recent supervisors.  Your referees are not contacted unless you’ve been interviewed and are a preferred candidate.

Immunisations:

This position is identified as at risk of contracting vaccine-preventable/manageable diseases and as a consequence impacted employees are strongly recommended to participate in Council’s workplace vaccination program. 

How To Apply:

You must use your own email address, and not one used previously by another person that has applied for a position with council.

Once you start your online application, you cannot save and return to it later. 

1. Have your Resume document ready to go.
2. Fill out all questions below. Click 'Next'. 
3. You'll then be prompted to attach your resume and other documents (if applicable). Click 'Next'.
4. Review your application to confirm everything is correct. Click 'Confirm' to submit your application.

If you'd like to COPY and PASTE question fields into a separate Word document to work on over time, please find them listed below:

1. What do you enjoy about working outdoors or caring for green spaces? What drew you to a role in parks and gardens?
2. What do you understand about the responsibilities and commitment involved in this apprenticeship? Please describe how you plan to stay motivated and engaged throughout the program. 
3. Are you comfortable using tools and machinery like lawn mowers, trimmers, or shovels? Have you had any previous experience using them, either at home, school, or in a work setting? 
4. Tell us about a time you have worked in a community-facing environment, and are you comfortable engaging with members of the public as part of your day-to-day work?
5. How do you see this apprenticeship helping you achieve your career goals?
6. What is your highest level of schooling completed and list any qualification/s achieved to date, tickets or licences you hold.

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