Horticulture Apprentice

About the Role

Wagga Wagga City Council is seeking a Horticulture Apprentice to join its Parks team in Mount Austin, New South Wales. This is a full-time, hands-on apprenticeship for someone who enjoys working outdoors, learning a trade, and contributing to the upkeep of local parks and gardens. You will earn while you learn, building practical experience while completing a Certificate III in Parks and Gardens with guidance from a supportive and experienced team.

What’s on Offer

• A starting gross wage of $1,721.00 per fortnight plus superannuation for candidates aged 18 or over, with pay varying by age and experience in line with award provisions
• Mentorship and day-to-day support from a collaborative crew
• A nine-day fortnight together with paid time for study
• Opportunities to build confidence, communication ability, and a long-term career path
• Transferable skills that can lead to lasting work in a growing trade
• Meaningful work that helps keep the city’s green spaces safe, attractive, and well maintained

Training and Additional Qualifications

During the apprenticeship, you may have the chance to obtain further tickets and licences, including traffic control work training, civil equipment licences and tickets such as Bobcat, Loader and Excavator, an MR/HR licence, AQF3 chemical accreditation, and a first aid certificate.

Key Duties

• Support the creation and ongoing care of garden and landscape areas
• Carry out horticultural tasks such as lawn care, planting, pruning, pest management, mowing, weeding and irrigation
• Help with site upkeep, including rubbish removal, traffic and pedestrian control, fencing, concreting, paving, and maintaining site safety and security
• Learn to operate and maintain equipment, tools, plant and personal protective equipment in accordance with Council standards
• Work cooperatively with the team while developing your trade skills and qualification

Who This Role Suits

• People who are comfortable working outdoors in all kinds of weather, including sun, rain, heat, cold and wind
• Reliable individuals who can stay focused and follow direction
• Applicants with strong communication skills who enjoy working with others
• Patient, motivated learners prepared to study while working

Requirements

• Willingness to work and study toward a Certificate III in Parks and Gardens
• A White Card
• A positive attitude and a strong work ethic
• A Class P1, P2 or C driver’s licence is desirable
• Successful completion of pre-employment checks as required for the role
• Evidence of vaccination for Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B, as required under Work Health and Safety legislation

Reality of the Job

This is physically demanding outdoor work carried out in all weather conditions. In return, you will gain a nationally recognised qualification, practical skills that transfer across the industry, and experience in a trade with strong long-term demand.

Application Information

Applications close on Sunday, 19 July 2026 at 11.59pm AEST. For further information, contact Scott Malsem, Team Leader Parks Operations (Open Space), on 0429 180 714.

Equal Opportunity

The Council is committed to inclusion and encourages applications from people of all backgrounds, including women, men, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people with disability, veterans, sexually and gender diverse people, people with lived experience, and candidates of all ages.