Open Space Maintenance Team Member - Horticulture

• An exciting and challenging role, will see the successful applicant undertake a range of tasks to deliver the horticulture maintenance of Council’s Parks, Gardens and Open Spaces.
• Competitive annual salary commencing at $65,796, plus up to 13% superannuation
• Great range of additional benefits, including health & wellness programs, salary sacrifice options, salary packaging arrangements and a fortnightly RDO.

About the Region

Gympie is at the heart of a rapidly expanding region which stretches from rural valleys in our western reaches to the Cooloola Coast.  Bordering Noosa and Fraser Coast Local Government areas, we are uniquely positioned to grow whilst still retaining our country charm.  Our borders with North and South Burnett, and the Somerset Local Government areas link with our rural lifestyle, where you can enjoy our picturesque smaller townships, or our abundant local history.  Our local festivals such as the Gympie Music Muster are renowned both nationally and internationally. 

For someone seeking a high quality of life, with pristine natural areas and spectacular beaches, all within reach of Noosa, the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane, we are offering this unique opportunity.

Open Space Maintenance Team Member - Horticulture

Remuneration: Annual salary commencing at $65,796 plus up to 13% superannuation

Closing Date: Sunday 21st April 2024 at 11.00pm AEST

No late applications will be accepted.  Only applications received via Council's online application system will be considered. Unsolicited applications from agencies will not be considered. 

Role Overview

This position supports Council's direction by undertaking a range of tasks including horticulture maintenance, plant operation and truck driving in accordance with Council’s policies and standards.  These activities make up part of the multi-disciplined team that is responsible for the construction and maintenance of Council's Open Space assets. These assets include parks, reserves, sporting facilities, urban streetscapes, beach, foreshores and cemeteries. The position will be required to assist other Open Space works teams when required.

Essential Knowledge & Skills: 

• Demonstrated good horticultural knowledge and skill from working in the industry.
• Demonstrated horticultural experience with parks and gardens maintenance activities including ornamental plant culture, landscape construction, irrigation systems, pruning, tree maintenance, turf mowing and maintenance.
• Demonstrated ability to work well within a team or independently and maintain good working relationships with all council employees.
• Be comfortable working in cemeteries operations.
• Demonstrated experience in the operation of plant and equipment for the maintenance of parks and gardens.
• Knowledge and skills in communicating including providing good customer service.
• Possess a commitment to undertake their work in a safe manner and promote a culture of safety.
• Queensland ‘C’ Class driver’s licence that is current and maintained.
• Construction Industry White/Blue card. 

Essential Requirements: 

• Undertake a range of horticultural tasks including garden bed maintenance, planting, pruning, mowing and undertake landscape construction projects.
• Provide knowledge of plant identification and cultural requirements, maintaining gardens and design and plant selection. Have knowledge of tree planting & maintenance, fertiliser and chemical applications.
• Undertake turf maintenance including mowing and brushcutting as required.
• Perform tasks in a safe, competent, efficient and timely manner. Comply with all Council’s safety policies and procedures.
• Ensure all work is undertaken to a quality standard which contributes to the overall presentation of Councils’ horticultural service standards to the satisfaction of the community.
• Operate and maintain medium sized plant and horticultural equipment in a safe and efficient manner to maintain Council’s Open Space assets.
• Provide information and guidance to trainees, casual employees and new starters.
• Research and suggest new ways to improve work practices in accordance with council's continuous improvement commitment.
• Undertake inspections and maintenance of playgrounds and other park assets and furniture.

Position Description

For a full position description containing essential and desirable criteria, please click here. 

Who to Contact

For information regarding the requirements of this role, please contact Council's Coordinator Open Space Maintenance, Rick Johnston on 07-5481 0815 or email rick.johnston@gympie.qld.gov.au

For assistance lodging your application using Council's online system, please contact Council's Officer Recruitment, Sue Rossi on 07-5481 0971 or email sue.rossi@gympie.qld.gov.au

 What we offer?

• Nine-day fortnight
• Access to employee health and well-being programs
• Fitness Passport: work out at over 25 local gyms for you and your family at a subsidised rate.
• Long service leave after seven years.
• Generous superannuation scheme of up to 13 per cent
• Access to salary sacrificing and salary packaging arrangements.
• Employee assistance program offering free confidential counselling services for employees and their families.

 Our Values

• Accountability
• Communication
• Customer Service Focused
• Integrity
• Teamwork and Collaboration

For a full explanation of our values please click here.  You will be assessed on your understanding of these values and how you have applied values such as these in your previous employment.

Our Process

Successful applicants will be required to undertake various checks such as skills, qualifications, reference, medical and national police.

 Keen to apply -  Simply follow the instructions below:

1) Download and review the position description above
2) Complete the information below, as requested (please use an individualised email address as using another person's may effect your application, if you do not have one please follow this link to create a Gmail account)
3) Click 'APPLY'
4) Attach your resume, covering letter and a single document containing copies of your qualifications, licences or tickets as applicable.
5) Click 'NEXT' and 'CONFIRM'

Please note before continuing: It is advisable that you prepare your responses in a separate word or text document, saving your work as you go and that you then copy and paste this prepared information in the form before completing the application process. Please keep your responses to a maximum 300 words for each question.

Applications close on Sunday 21st April 2024 at 11.00pm AEST. No late applications will be accepted. Only applications received via Council's online application system will be considered.

Gympie Regional Council is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and our people represent the community which we service. We invite all suitably qualified applicants to apply, including First Nations People, and people from diverse social, cultural and gender backgrounds.