North Sydney Council

Apprentice Parks & Gardens

Come join Team NSC! 

Looking to make a positive impact in your community while getting paid to learn? This is your chance!

North Sydney Council administers the North Sydney local government area on Sydney’s picturesque lower North Shore. Our 400 employees look after 77,000 residents spread across 10 square kilometres of land on the foreshores of Sydney Harbour providing spectacular harbour views, beautiful parklands, and a bustling CBD.

Why choose an apprenticeship? 

There are countless reasons and fantastic benefits!

• Gain experience and practical skills while you get paid
• Guidance from experienced mentors
• Valuable on-the job training in the workplace
• Upon completion you graduate as a qualified tradesperson
• Flexible full-time or part-time work and study options
• Access to excellent employee benefits 
• No debt! You don’t pay to study – you GET PAID to work and learn!

Is this the role for you?

• Ability to work outdoors and perform physical tasks such as lifting, bending, and operating gardening equipment.
• Strong focus on maintaining the appearance and health of plants, lawns, and garden features.
• Ability to work effectively with other parks and gardens staff in a collaborative environment.
• Willingness to assist with community events or respond to inquiries from the public.
• Enthusiasm for learning new skills and gaining experience in horticulture and grounds maintenance.
• Ability to identify issues with plant health or garden areas and work with supervisors to find solutions.  

Essential criteria 

• Completion of year 10 schooling education 
• A genuine interest in gardening, horticulture, and landscape maintenance
• A strong work ethic, reliability, and a willingness to learn on the job

Desirable criteria 

• Previous experience or interest in gardening, horticulture, or landscaping
• Basic knowledge of plants, flowers, and turf care
• A valid Driver’s Licence

Why work at NSC? 

We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and positive workplace. Our teams are reflective of the communities in which we operate, and we value the unique contribution each member makes to the North Sydney Council. The work we do makes a real difference to the lives of our residents and contributes to their economic and social wellbeing.

North Sydney Council as an employer offers excellent employee benefits such as:

• Easy accessibility to work with spectacular harbour view work locations
• Access to Fitness Passport 
• Excellent work-life balance with a 35-hour working week for indoor employees or fortnightly RDO’s for outdoor employees
• Flexible working hours with access to flexi-time for indoor employees
• Freedom to direct contributions to any compliant superannuation fund
• A holistic health and well-being program offering exercise classes, flu vaccinations, skin checks
• Access to employee recognition and reward program
• Weekly fruit baskets
• Free access to counselling sessions through our Employee Assistance Program
• Free financial advice by a certified Financial Planner
• Monetary transport allowance
• Invitations to local government events, training and planning sessions
• Access to corporate social events at picturesque harbour locations
• Close locale to transport options including train, bus, metro and bike ways 

Salary details 

Salary from: $24,429 to $62,358 pa + 11.5% superannuation + $1,000 transport allowance pa

Uniform Provided 

76 hours per fortnight with a rostered day off 

How to apply

School Leavers: Applicants are required to submit a cover letter and answer the questions below. 

Currently studying towards a qualification: applicants are required to submit a cover letter, academic transcripts and answer the questions below.

In your cover letter for an apprenticeship or traineeship, you should focus on showcasing your enthusiasm, willingness to learn, and any relevant skills or experiences you've gained through school, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities. Highlight your interest in the field and explain how your academic background has prepared you for the role. Emphasis qualities such as a strong work ethic, adaptability, and teamwork, even if you don't have direct work experience. Make sure to convey your proactive attitude, passion for developing new skills, and genuine desire to contribute to the organisation.

If you have any questions relating to this vacancy, please contact our People & Culture team at email recruitment@northsydney.nsw.gov.au

Closing Date: 05 January 2025 - 11.30pm 

North Sydney Council is committed to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity in order to  provide a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. North Sydney Council  also adheres  to the principles of a child safe organisation and is committed to the care and protection of all children and young people. We strongly encourage candidates from wide-ranging backgrounds, identities and experiences to apply.