This is a permanent full-time position commencing Term 2, 2026
At John Forrest Secondary College (SC) education is a shared vision, and commitment, to fostering exceptional learning experiences for students and staff. Dedicated to the growth of our staff, we offer support and resources to develop your skills and aspirations, with a strong emphasis on professional development.
Our college community values education, diversity and the unique strengths of each individual. This foundation of inclusivity creates a culture of achievement and success where every member is supported and encouraged to excel. A broad range of curricula offerings, together with co-curricular activities and clubs, provides staff and students with opportunities to pursue and lead in their areas of passion and interest.
Find out more about our school by visiting johnforrest.wa.edu.au or Schools Online.
The Role
We will consider a job share arrangement if we are unable to fill this position full-time and encourage job seekers looking for part-time work to apply.
John Forrest SC highly values our calm expansive grounds and tree canopy, both as a learning and relaxing space for students and staff and as a refuge for birdlife. As Assistant Gardener/Handyperson you would maintain the college grounds, including turf areas, garden beds, shrubs and trees and ensure grounds and gardens are in a clean and tidy condition. Additional responsibilities include maintaining a suitable growing environment for the soft landscape, including gardens, lawns and broader turf management, maintaining hard landscaping such as courts and paving and marking sports areas as required. The Assistant Gardener Handyperson also performs minor repairs and maintenance according to the Department’s policies and guidelines, maintain gardening facilities, equipment and tools to a neat, clean and serviceable standard and report faults as appropriate.
The successful applicant should ideally be enthusiastic and reliable with an interest in maintaining our school grounds at the current high standard, while improving the efficiency of the reticulation and cutting down on the water usage. A knowledge of soil science, WA plants and turf cricket wicket maintenance is highly desirable.
Working in a team environment with the Head Gardener there is an opportunity to be involved in areas of special interest and to develop new skills as we undertake new landscaping projects and maintenance work.
Full details of the role, selection criteria and training requirements are listed in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Alicia Denman, Manager Corporate Services on (08) 9473 4000 or alicia.denman@education.wa.edu.au
During the school holidays, please contact Alicia Denman on (08) 9473 4016.
Equity and Diversity
We are committed to an inclusive and culturally responsive workforce reflecting the diversity in our schools and the Western Australian community. We welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, young people, people of diverse sexualities and genders, people with disability, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Explore our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Plan 2021-2025 for more details.
Eligibility
To work with us, you will need to:
- obtain a valid Working With Children Check.
- consent to a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and obtain a current Screening Clearance Number issued by the Department of Education’s Screening Unit before you start.
- be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or have a valid visa with relevant work rights for the term of the appointment.
Additional eligibility and training requirements are outlined in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).
Application Instructions
Our aim is to make it easy for you to apply!
Step 1: Prepare your application.
Your application should include the following:
- CV/Resume detailing your work history, experience and any certificates or qualifications relevant to the position.
- A cover letter with one (1) example from your experience that best shows your knowledge, skills, and abilities in maintaining grounds and gardens. Include:
- The steps you take to manage grounds and gardens.
- Equipment or chemicals you used; and
- How you ensure your safety and the safety of others.
Step 2: Submit your application.
Apply Online:
- Click ‘Apply for Job’ and complete the online application.
- Have your documents ready to attach.
It is recommended you have your attachments ready before selecting Apply for Job.
Your application must be received before the closing date and time. Late applications will not be accepted.
For technical support submitting your application, you can call the Department of Education’s Recruitment team on (08) 9264 4127 for assistance.
Advertised Vacancy Number: IPS/SS1035204
Suitable applicants may be considered for similar vacancies arising within the next 12 months following this selection process. This may include circumstances where the successful applicant declines or vacates the position.
The Department applies a four (4) day breach period to this selection process.
Applications close: 4.30pm (AWST) on Tuesday, 5 May 2026
