Gardener Level 1

Role overview

This is a temporary full-time opportunity running until September 2027 at John Hunter Hospital in Lambton, New South Wales. The role is classified as Gardener with Certification and offers a salary of $63,567.06 per year plus superannuation and salary packaging. The job involves 38 hours each week and reports to the Maintenance Supervisor.

About the team

You will join a maintenance group that works closely together to keep a healthcare site safe, tidy and welcoming. The team is known for being approachable, supportive and cooperative, with a strong focus on shared responsibility and practical help across tasks.

The environment values no-fuss teamwork and a commitment to maintaining clean gardens and well-kept facilities that contribute to quality patient care.

What the role involves

This position combines garden care with general maintenance support. You will help keep the hospital grounds, buildings, plant and equipment in good order while minimising disruption to the facility.

Key duties

• Caretaking of gardens and grounds, including mowing, pruning, weeding and watering.
• Carrying out irrigation maintenance and basic repairs.
• Handling general handyman work and small maintenance jobs.
• Working at heights when needed and staying compliant with safety requirements.
• Supporting other maintenance trades across the site.
• Helping maintain a clean, safe and attractive setting for patients, visitors and staff.

About you

You should enjoy practical outdoor work, be comfortable contributing to a team, and take pride in doing quality work. The ideal candidate brings experience in horticulture, gardening or grounds maintenance, along with a proactive attitude, strong communication skills and the ability to work both independently and with others.

A solid commitment to workplace safety and customer service is important. A horticulture qualification and experience working at heights would be looked upon favourably. You must also be eligible to drive in NSW.

Eligibility and targeted recruitment

This position is open to all applicants, but it is specifically targeted to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people under section 21 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants are encouraged to apply and will be considered to help improve access and representation. Such applicants must provide evidence of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander status in addition to meeting the selection criteria.

This is also a targeted recruitment under Rule 26 of the Government Sector Employment (General) Rules 2014, meaning only Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to be considered for this role.

Employment conditions

The position is a Category B role. Successful candidates will be reviewed for compliance with NSW Health policy directive PD2024_015 covering occupational assessment, screening and vaccination against specified infectious diseases before an offer is made. All new employees must agree to meet the requirements of that policy.

To be eligible for permanent employment in this position, you must be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen holding a current New Zealand passport. Temporary visa holders may only be engaged where no suitable local candidate is found, and any employment would be limited to the conditions and expiry date of the visa. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

Support and benefits

From the first day, you will receive support through a structured buddy system, access to My Health Learning and ongoing education, site safety induction and training, and a friendly team environment where colleagues support one another.

Additional benefits mentioned include salary packaging, fitness passport access for you and your family, allocated days off for full-time employees, long service leave, paid maternity leave, and salary packaging options that may include meal expenses.

Salary packaging note

Salary packaging may help increase take-home pay and can be used for items such as novated motor vehicle leases, relocation expenses and HECS/HELP debt. Further information is available through SalaryPackagingPLUS.

Recruitment and support information

Applicants will be assessed against the essential requirements and selection criteria in the position description. Support is available for addressing selection criteria, and the organisation also provides confidential assistance for applicants who need adjustments or accommodations during recruitment.

For questions about the role, contact Karen Egan.

About the employer

The organisation describes itself as an inclusive employer committed to building a diverse, welcoming workforce that reflects the community it serves. It encourages people with varied lived experiences to apply and aims to provide a barrier-free application process.

Additional details

Requisition ID: REQ667492. Closing date: Sunday 05 July 2027.

Connect with the organisation on social channels.