This is a permanent full-time position commencing August 2026
Our Branch
Statewide Services provides the services and supports required by schools to enable student achievement, with a focus on those students and schools that need it most. While it primarily exists to support schools, it also has an important system-facing role supporting strategy and policy development.
Systems Services and Responses is part of the Service Design and Support directorate which provides the shared functions and support needed to provide better services to schools. System Services and Reponses provide coordination across corporate services and system responses for Statewide Services including supporting facilities planning and management of the Statewide Services Centre based in Padbury.
Visit education.wa.edu.au to find out more information about the Department of Education.
The Role
We are seeking a skilled and motivated Gardener – Handyperson to play a key role in maintain the grounds and gardens at the Statewide Services Centre. The Statewide Services Centre is a multi-service departmental office and specialist school site that accommodates over 400 staff members, provides a venue for parents and students to engage in specialist support services and hosts professional learning and conference events. We are committed to Department's sustainability framework - Caring for Country together and support initiatives like Bush Classrooms that develop native, waterwise ecosystems that reflect local biodiversity and Aboriginal cultural knowledge. Statewide Services is a demonstration site for the Bush Classrooms initiative and has established three areas on site that provide models of good practice to schools – Miyawaki (pocket) forest; Mookaroo (wetlands environment) and Giles Avenue bushland areas.
You will contribute your well-developed gardening experience and commitment to sustainable environmental practices to support the maintenance of our grounds, including turf areas, gardens, shrubs, trees, and paving, to ensure a safe, tidy and functional outdoor environment for students and staff. Duties include turf and garden care, minor repairs and maintenance, and ensuring gardening equipment, tools and machinery are clean, serviceable and regularly maintained.
Through your effective communication you will provide advice and support regarding gardening and grounds management to the System Services and Responses manager and Business Coordinator. You will contribute to positively to the Statewide Service Centre through teamwork, collaboration and clear communication.
In this role you will undertake grounds and maintenance tasks, demonstrating a strong with a commitment to safety and compliance with Department policies, safe work practices and Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) requirements. Key responsibilities include identifying and reporting faults, managing hazardous substances and maintaining Safety Data Sheets (SDS), conducting risk assessments and contributing to the development and implementation of safe work procedures. You will ensure all work is completed efficiently with minimal disruption to site operations.
Additional duties include supporting security procedures such as arming and disarming security systems as required. #LinkedIn
Professional Benefits
We are conveniently located in Padbury and our employees enjoy a range of benefits which include:
- 12% employer contributed superannuation.
- Flexible working arrangements are genuinely considered to create healthy work life balance including flexible working hours and part-time arrangements.
- Generous leave entitlements including annual, personal, long service and parental leave.
- Professional development opportunities and study leave/assistance.
- Access to salary packaging (in accordance with relevant industrial instruments).
Want to know more?
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 Julie Bassett, Manager System Services and Responses on (08) 9402 6280 or emailing julie.bassett2@education.wa.edu.au
We are committed to building the leadership capability of our people (Building Leadership Impact).
Equity and Diversity
We are committed to an inclusive and culturally responsive workforce reflecting the diversity in our workplaces 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 must:
- be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or have a valid visa with relevant work rights for the term of the appointment.
- 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.
- complete introductory School Gardener training within 3 months of commencement in metropolitan areas or as soon as practicable for regional areas.
- obtain or hold a current Working with Children Check.
More information about employment eligibility can be found on our website and in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).
Application Instructions
Apply online in two easy steps:
Step 1: Select Apply for Job
Complete the online application form, including details of two (2) work related referees, preferably one being your current line manager.
Step 2: Attach your documents
Your application should include:
- A CV of up to four (4) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position
- A four (4) page statement addressing the following selection criteria as outlined in the attached JDF:
- Demonstrated experience in maintaining grounds and gardens, including turf management.
- Demonstrated experience in minor servicing of horticultural/gardening equipment and performing minor repairs and maintenance tasks.
- Demonstrated knowledge of gardening methods and procedures, including the safe use and storage of gardening equipment, materials and chemicals.
Shortlisted applicants will have their skills and experiences in relation to the remaining selection criteria assessed in the further stages of the recruitment process.
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: DOE1045796
Applicants assessed as suitable may be considered for similar vacancies that arise in our branch within the next 12 months. This includes circumstances where this position becomes subsequently vacant should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised position.
The Department applies a four (4) day breach period to this selection process.
Applications close: 4.30pm (AWST) on Friday, 17 July 2026
