Job opportunity

We have a unique and exciting opportunity for an experienced and passionate Gardener to join the team at Government House.  Nestled in the heart of the city, the Government House gardens consist of 3.2 hectares of land that features a mix of native and introduced plant and tree species, a magnificent rose garden, a wide array of trees planted by members of the Royal Family as well as new areas that are actively being regenerated to incorporate more native species throughout the grounds. It is a secluded slice of garden paradise.

• Central city location
• Three extra days of leave each year (Repealed Public Service Holidays)
• Extra week of personal leave (3 weeks instead of the usual 2)
• Beautiful and prestigious work environment

Governor’s Establishment is committed to building a thriving workforce that reflects the diversity of our community and to increasing the representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the workforce and we strongly encourage you to apply if you meet the selection criteria for the role.

Working with a small garden team, you will undertake landscape maintenance of all aspect of the gardens. including tree and shrub planting, cultivation, pruning, weeding, mulching, ride-on mowing, operating and maintaining minor plant equipment.

Integral to the success of this role is a demonstrated enthusiasm and commitment whilst remaining discreet in an environment driven by protocol.

The normal full-time hours are 6.30 am to 3.00 pm Monday to Friday but the successful candidate must have the flexibility and willingness to occasionally assist with events that occur outside of their ordinary working hours (such as Open Day weekends and evening garden parties - TOIL & overtime penalty rates applicable

This role is a unique and exciting opportunity for an individual who is passionate about horticulture to join our friendly and dedicated garden team.

What do you do?

Under the direction of the Garden Manager, you will be responsible for:

• General garden maintenance using a range of tools, plant and equipment including ride-on mowers, chainsaws, whipper-snippers, leave blowers, trimmers and sprayers.
• Soil preparation, planting, pruning, weeding, hedging and mulching.
• Turf management, irrigation and maintenance of specialised areas such as filtration ponds, lake and swimming pool.
• Safe use and storage of gardening equipment, materials, and chemicals.
• Assist with events and functions held in Government House and the Gardens including caretaking and access control where required.

Essential

• Experience in Horticulture and/or a Horticulture qualification such as Cert III in Horticulture.
• Experience in, or willingness to learn, the use and operation of horticultural equipment.
• Comfortable working in a physical outdoor environment in all weather conditions.
• Confident use of garden machinery and hand tools.
• Sound awareness of manual handling and safe work practices.
• Good communication skills and ability to work effectively within a team and be courteous with members of the public, guests and VIPs.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• It is a prerequisite for employment that you provide consent for an integrity and criminal record check and that you provide evidence of your eligibility to work in Australia.  Further information on this will be provided at interview. 
• Only Australian citizens or Australian Permanent Residents with unrestricted eligibility to work in Australia will be considered for appointment.

Please submit a resume and cover letter that clearly shows your experience relevant to this role and lodge your application online.

Emailed or late applications will not be accepted.

Applications close on Wednesday 13th May 11.59pm