Apprentice Parks & Gardens Dunedoo

Department: Planning and Regulation

Reports to: Manager Planning and Regulation

Salary Range: $1,075 - $1,227 per 38 hour week + superannuation

Are you passionate about the outdoors and interested in making a real difference in your local environment?

We’re offering an exciting opportunity to kick-start your career in horticulture through a hands-on Apprenticeship in Parks and Gardens. As part of our dedicated Urban Services team, you’ll gain valuable experience maintaining and enhancing public spaces — from parks and playgrounds to ovals, streetscapes, cemeteries and urban gardens. While working under the guidance of experienced professionals, you’ll also complete a nationally recognised Certificate III in Parks and Gardens or Horticulture.

As an Apprentice, your days will be active and varied. You’ll assist in tasks like mowing lawns, pruning shrubs, planting trees, and maintaining irrigation systems. You’ll also support the upkeep of park amenities, playgrounds, and street furniture, and help ensure public spaces are clean, safe, and welcoming for the whole community. From learning to operate tools and equipment safely, to supporting landscaping and revegetation projects, you’ll be part of a team that takes great pride in their town and in creating green, vibrant spaces that people enjoy every day.

This role is perfect for someone who enjoys physical, outdoor work and is keen to learn. Whether you have previous experience in gardening or are starting fresh, we’re looking for someone with a strong work ethic, an eye for detail, and a willingness to grow — both professionally and personally. You’ll receive on-the-job training, mentorship, and the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills in horticulture, landscaping, and environmental maintenance. In return, we ask for your commitment to learning, teamwork, and safety on the job.

If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves, contribute to your community, and build a meaningful career in horticulture, we want to hear from you. A White Card and valid driver’s licence (P plates minimum) are required, and you'll need to be physically fit to meet the demands of outdoor work. This is more than just an apprenticeship — it’s your chance to be part of a team that helps shape the green spaces your community depends on. Apply now and start your journey toward a rewarding career in parks and gardens!

Please click here to view the position description.

Please click here to view the information package.

This position is located in Dunedoo - a charming rural town nestled in the heart of the Warrumbungle region, offering a welcoming community, affordable living, and a relaxed country lifestyle. Surrounded by picturesque farmland and rich in natural beauty, Dunedoo is an ideal place for those seeking a peaceful environment with a strong sense of community. With essential services, quality schools, local sporting clubs, and close proximity to larger centres like Dubbo and Mudgee, Dunedoo combines the best of small-town living with convenient access to regional hubs, making it a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

Selection criteria include:

• Commitment to completing Certificate III in Parks and Gardens.
• Genuine interest in horticulture, gardening and maintaining public spaces.
• Physical fitness and willingness to undertake outdoor work in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to follow instructions and work safely.
• White Card (or willingness to obtain prior to commencement).
• Class C driver’s licence (P plates minimum).

It is a bonus if you have previous experience (paid or volunteer) in gardening, landscaping, or outdoor maintenance, keen to obtain MR licence, Traffic Control tickets, chainsaw and chemical handling accreditation during the apprenticeship and are willing to participate in weekend public toilet cleaning rosters (an essential service undertaken by our team).

Benefits of working for Council

Council are committed to creating a positive working environment and offer a range of benefits for staff, including

• Above award wages
• Support for training and professional development, with study time available during work hours
• Great leave opportunities 
  o    1 RDO every 2 weeks
  o    Carer’s leave
  o    3 weeks sick leave per year including up to 2 days health and wellbeing leave each year subject to eligibility
• Weekly pay cycle
• Salary Packaging options to maximise your take-home pay
• Wellness – we want you to be at your best self so you and your immediate family members have access to our employee assistance program with TELUS Health One to help support you through all life's challenges
• PPE provided
• Free annual flu vaccinations and bi-annual skin cancer checks available

About Warrumbungle Shire Council

Warrumbungle Shire is strategically positioned on the Newell Highway, a short drive from Tamworth, Mudgee and Dubbo, and just over 3 hours from Newcastle, making Warrumbungle Shire a great place to live and work. Covering an area of more than 12,000km², and with a population of nearly 10,000, Warrumbungle Shire Council is one of the larger Local Government Areas in Central West NSW, home to the townships of Coonabarabran, Coolah, Dunedoo, Binnaway, Baradine and Mendooran. 

With a rich history and stunning landscapes including spectacular mountain ranges, waterfalls, ancient sandstone caves, gorges, and beautiful plains, our scenic location amongst friendly country communities provides an ideal setting for those looking to balance a country lifestyle and career.

At Warrumbungle Shire Council we offer a broad variety of jobs with a range of benefits and career development opportunities within Local Government. The guiding principles of honesty, integrity, fairness and compassion form the spirit of the team along with respect, transparency, passion, trust and opportunity is how Warrumbungle Shire Council strengthens its working environment to deliver on the aspirations of our community. Council is proud to be an equal opportunity and child safe employer with a commitment to our staff and our vision is Excellence in Local Government. 

How to apply

Please provide sufficient detail in your answers to the questions as this information is used to assess your suitability for interview.

1. Scroll down and complete the fields below. Note: Fields marked with a red asterisk* are mandatory.
2. Click ‘Next’
3. Attach your resume, covering letter and copies of your qualifications
4. Click ‘Next’
5. Review your application and click ‘Confirm’ to submit your completed application

You will receive an email acknowledgement to confirm receipt of your application. You will receive email notifications regarding the status of your application. It is important that you regularly check your email to ensure you do not miss any notifications from Council. It is also recommended that you check your spam or junk folder and consider adding careers@warrumbungle.nsw.gov.au to your email address book to ensure you do not miss any correspondence in regard to your application.

Applications close at 11.00 pm Sunday 5 October 2025.

For enquiries, please contact Human Resources on 6849 2000.

Applicants should note that Criminal History Checks, as well as alcohol and drug testing, are conditions of employment.