Gardener (Palmetum Botanical Gardens)

Permanent Full Time opportunity available (9 day fortnight, 38 hours/week) Certificate III in Arboriculture and/or Certificate III in Horticulture (Mandatory) LGE 4 ($66,475 per annum + superannuation) Why Choose Us Townsville City Council is the largest local government authority in Northern Australia. We are committed to creating value by growing Townsville through driving economic diversity and generating an enriching lifestyle. Our organisation provides and maintains close to $9 billion worth of community assets including water and wastewater network and treatment plants, bridges, drainage, roads, waste management, community facilities, sporting venues and more. We contribute to an active lifestyle for our residents and visitors through events, providing recreational facilities, protecting the natural environment and heritage, while creating a mentally and physically healthy city. We are driving economic diversity and cultivating an enriching lifestyle, growing a city for this and future generations by building a vibrant, sustainable and innovative city. Council’s vision is for Townsville to be a connected, lifestyle driven and innovation focused city while continuing to deliver service excellence and to be led by our community to create an exciting today and future. Our Vision: A globally connected community driven by lifestyle and nature. Our Purpose: Grow Townsville Our Values: Safety, Excellence, Respect, Value, Enjoyment About The Role The Construction Maintenance and Operations Section provides delivery of maintenance activities related to Townsville’s existing public infrastructure within roads and transport, stormwater and drainage, coastal, open spaces, community and culture (cemeteries). These areas provide a range of services including recreational activities for both residents and visitors across the Townsville Region. This role works specifically in the Palmetum Botanical Gardens, so the role requires an extensive knowledge of plant species and a working knowledge of working in a botanical garden. You will need to be vaccinated for working around flying foxes (lyssavirus vaccine) or willing to obtain as this will be a requirement to work in Palmetum Gardens. About You Sound knowledge of landscaping practices applicable to parks and gardens and a botanical gardens environment Sound knowledge of (but not limited to): pruning, tree and shrub removal, use of pesticides, treatment of plant pests, diseases, disorders and nutritional problems, shrubs, turf, trees species and irrigation systems Undertake activities in relation to garden and botanical environments including pruning, mowing, litter collection, etc Knowledge of Cacti and Succulent plants Working well within a small work group Undertake necessary plantings within garden environments as directed Liaise with Horticulture/Arboriculture Officers and Nursery Team in relation to activities in the parks and gardens environments as necessary Assist with training horticulture trainees/apprentices Qualifications You Require Are As Follows Certificate III in Arboriculture and/or Certificate III in Horticulture (Mandatory) Accredited Chainsaw Ticket (Level 2) Agricultural Chemical Distribution Certificate (ACDC) Current "C" class manual driver’s licence (essential) How To Apply Your application can be submitted through the 'Apply' button. Please include a cover letter (maximum 2 pages), outlining how your skills, qualifications and experience would allow you to achieve success in this role. We also will require your resume and attached copies of any licences and qualifications as per the key requirements of the role. If you wish to discuss this position further, please contact Chris (Senior Team Leader) on For Further Information Review The Position Description. Closing Date 11.45pm, Tuesday 27 January 2026 What We Offer 17.5% annual leave loading Up to 5 weeks annual leave Up to 3 weeks Personal/Carers Leave 14 weeks paid Parental Leave Domestic and Family Violence Leave Natural Disaster Leave Up to 13.5% Superannuation employer contribution for contributing members Salary Sacrifice opportunities Learning & Development opportunities Fitness Passport program offering discounted membership to selected gym, pool, and yoga facilities Employee Loyalty Program offering discounts at selected local businesses Employee Assistance Program The Council contribution to employees' superannuation for contributing employees shall be 13.5% of the employees' ordinary time earnings subject to the employee contributing a minimum of 6% of their ordinary time earnings. We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive workplace where diverse styles, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, encouraged, and respected. People from diverse backgrounds (including but not limited to, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, people with diverse gender identities and sexualities, people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people with disability, and veterans) are encouraged to apply All successful candidates are required to undergo drug and alcohol testing as part of the recruitment process. Please be aware Townsville City Council has a ‘zero tolerance’ policy to drugs and alcohol in the workplace. If you need any adjustments to be made to the recruitment process or if you would like to discuss any accessibility requirements, please contact or phone for a confidential discussion. Attachments Gardener_PD.pdf #J-18808-Ljbffr