About the opportunity Are you motivated, keen to learn and want to work outdoors? Are you a recent school leaver that enjoys hands on work and working as part of a team? We are seeking a committed and hard working Apprentice Parks and Gardens to join our team. In this position, you will build and develop a broad range of horticultural skills to assist in the efficient operation of the recreation and open space maintenance and construction teams while completing a Certificate III in Parks and Gardens. About you To succeed in this role, you will have: Basic knowledge of landscaping techniques and horticulture and ability to complete a Certificate III in Parks and Gardens; Demonstrated effective verbal and written communication skills and sound literacy and numeracy skills; Demonstrated ability to effectively work in a team environment, participate in group situations, and encourage teamwork and cooperation; Demonstrated willingness to undertake training, learn new skills and trial and develop new work practices; Holder of or willingness to obtain within 3 months of commencement a Work Health and Safety General Construction Induction (White Card); and Highly Desirable: Current Provisional or Class C Drivers Licence. To find out more about your next career opportunity: Position Description Remuneration: Salary as per the Local Government (State) Award plus superannuation Benefits: Council has a wide range of fabulous benefits available for staff including; 4-Year Temporary Apprenticeship Opportunity Full-time 38 hours per week 12% superannuation 19 day month (RDO scheme) Supportive and engaging learning environment Picturesque Hunter Valley location! What's next? Applications for the 2026 LAUNCH program are now open! Please ensure you complete the online application and submit detailed responses to the selection criteria, demonstrating your interest and commitment in the apprenticeship. Your candidate suitability is determined by your responses to the selection criteria questions, for more information on how to address the selection criteria please visit our How to apply page. Pre-Employment Screening: Please note, prior to an offer of employment being made, recommended candidates will be required to undertake a medical assessment (including drug and alcohol testing) and other pre-employment checks, such as references, employment history checks, working with children checks or a criminal record check. About Us: At Cessnock City Council our success is built by our people and core values. We offer you a direct connection to the community, providing opportunities to both inspire growth and sustainability in our diverse region. We're committed to building a passionate and inclusive workforce. We are committed to the value of respect, and we strive to have an inclusive workforce that is reflective of the diverse populations we serve. We welcome applications from qualified individuals of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, the LGBTQIA community, veterans and people with disabilities. We partner with the Veterans Employment Program and the NSW Government to implement recruitment practices dedicated to supporting veterans to pursue a career in local government. Our aim is to support veterans finding suitable, sustainable and meaningful employment. There are options available to request adjustments. If you need any adjustments to be made to the recruitment process or if you would like to discuss any accessibility requirements, please contact recruitment@cessnock.nsw.gov.au for a confidential discussion. Applications Close: Thursday 31 July 2025 at 11:30pm Who to Contact: Jason Mackenzie, Parks and Reserves Coordinator on (02) 4993 4306. You must have the right to live and work in Australia to apply for this position. Guided by staff values of integrity, respect, teamwork, accountability and excellence, Cessnock City Council is indeed an attractive, thriving Council and employer of choice.