Job Description
The role of a Horticulturist Apprentice at Taronga Western Plains Zoo involves maintaining the presentation of exhibits and general facilities, as well as the maintenance of bushland areas using bush regeneration and revegetation techniques.
About the Job:
This is a hands-on role where you will work on various tasks such as tree health, essential animal food collection service for the exhibited collection, and general grounds and gardens maintenance. You will also be required to attend TAFE training per week as part of the standard working week.
You will work under the general supervision of a Horticulture Supervisor/ Horticulture Manager and be responsible for carrying out horticultural duties including general grounds and gardens maintenance, weed control, administering approved chemicals, and species identification.
Key Responsibilities
* Carry out horticultural duties including general grounds and gardens maintenance and weed control including the administering of approved chemicals and species identification.
* Provide technical expertise and advice to labouring resources in carrying out general grounds maintenance (including remnant bush areas and browse plantation).
* Assist with supervising and training of apprentices.
* Undertake a variety of landscaping projects within grounds and exhibits.
* Undertake bush regeneration and revegetation in and around Taronga premises.
* Work effectively as a member of a high performing team, to assist Taronga in its achievement of strategic outcomes.
* Comply with and suggest sustainability practices in the workplace to help achieve Taronga's sustainability targets and reduce environmental impact.
Requirements
To be eligible for this role, you must have foundational critical thinking and problem-solving skills, demonstrated commitment to safety and compliance with industry standards, and be able to work well within a team environment and take instructions. You must also hold, or be eligible to hold, a current NSW driver licence or ability to have existing licence formally recognised (if over relevant age).
In addition, you must obtain and maintain a current paid NSW Working with Children Check at your own expense (if 18 years +) and pre-employment Q Fever vaccination obtained at your own expense.
Benefits
As a Horticulturist Apprentice at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, you will enjoy a wide range of benefits including complimentary family and friends passes across both Taronga's Sydney & Dubbo Zoos, discounts on our award-winning accommodation across both sites, discounted food and beverage purchases across the sites, and discounted Fitness Passport.
Free onsite zoo car parking and other social activities are also available.
About Applying
Please submit your résumé and a cover letter of one page. You are also required to complete the following target question as part of your application.
* What is it about starting a Horticulturist Apprenticeship at Taronga Western Plains Zoo that motivates you?
* This is a 4-year apprenticeship, aimed at either a school leaver, or adult apprentice. Please give us a brief summary where you are in your career currently.