About the Opportunity

Parkes Shire Council is offering traineeship opportunities for highly motivated and enthusiastic people looking to gain on-the-job experience and practical knowledge whilst working towards a nationally accredited qualification. This will definitely kick start your career in your chosen profession.

Embark on an exciting journey as a Horticulture Trainee and explore the secrets of plant propagations, learn the best practices for garden maintenance and master the techniques of landscaping and design.  You will develop skills and knowledge in general parks and gardens, amenity horticulture, turf culture, arboriculture and landscape construction whilst assisting in the maintenance and construction of Council’s parks, gardens, reserves and sporting grounds 

This traineeship will run for a period of two (2) years, and will include on-the-job training, coaching and mentoring from experienced professionals. At the end of the traineeship program you will attain a nationally recognised vocational qualification.  

More information about the role can be found in Trainee Horticulture Position Description.

About You

Parkes Shire Council are looking for these skills and qualities

• Motivated and willing to learn
• Reliable, trustworthy and punctual
• Flexible team player with good communication skills
• Ability to problem solve and use self-initiative
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Good communication, organisational and time management skills
• Have a genuine interest in the role for which you are applying

Benefits

Council currently offers the following benefits to our Cadets, Apprentices and Trainees:

• 100% of training and study costs paid for by Council
• Dedicated support and mentoring from experienced professionals
• 38 hour working week an a fortnightly rostered day off (RDO)
• Four weeks Annual Leave per year
• Access to salary packaging options through Salary Packaging Australia (SPA)
• Wellness Programs and Health and Wellbeing initiatives
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Superannuation (currently at 12%)
• Relaxed regional lifestyle
• Work/Life balance
• And more!

About our Cadet, Apprentice and Trainee (CAT) Program 2026

Parkes Shire Council is offering cadetship, apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities for highly motivated and enthusiastic people looking to gain on-the-job experience and practical knowledge whilst working towards a nationally accredited qualification through a Registered Training Organisation. 

The CAT Program provides you with the opportunity to gain on-the-job training, coaching and mentoring from experienced professionals, with all training and study costs paid for by Council. 

About Parkes Shire Council

Since its establishment in January 1981, Parkes Shire Council has earned a reputation as an innovative, progressive organisation with a proven ability to deliver outstanding outcomes for our community.  As a two-time winner of the AR Bluett Memorial Award - the state's oldest and most prestigious local government award - we take pride in our culture of continuous improvement and excellence.

Embracing a LEAN philosophy across our organisation and operations, we're constantly looking at how we can do things better in order to maximise the value we deliver.  We are committed to developing and retaining a skilled, energetic and professional workforce to ensure that we continue to provide the best possible services, facilities and infrastructure to our community. 

We strive to provide a flexible, safe and inclusive work environment for our people, and are proud to have achieved formal accreditation under ISO 45001, the internationally recognised standard in Occupational Health and Safety.

If you're seeking a challenging and rewarding career, a range of lifestyle benefits, and an opportunity to contribute to a high-performing organisation, then we're the right place for you.

For more information, please visit our website: www.parkes.nsw.gov.au

Ready to Apply?

If you're ready to make a meaningful impact and join a team that values safety, innovation, and community, we'd love to hear from you. Apply Now!