Ready to Grow Your Career? Join Our Botanic Gardens Team!

Are you passionate about plants, love working outdoors, and want to make a real impact in your community? An exciting opportunity exists to work with a team of passionate and dedicated horticulturalists to develop and maintain the living collection of plants at Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens.

Applicants must have good communication skills, work well in a team environment, have knowledge of horticultural practices and principles and practical experience in the field of horticulture, landscaping or gardening. This is a Level 3-5 position.

 Why You’ll Love This Role:

• Work with Nature: Help develop and maintain our living collection of plants in one of Mackay’s most beautiful spaces.
• Team Spirit: Collaborate with a passionate crew who share your love for horticulture and the great outdoors.
• Career Growth: Gain hands-on experience in horticulture, landscaping, and gardening, while learning from the best in the field.
• Great Benefits: Enjoy a 9-day fortnight

What We’re Looking For:

Essential Criteria (All Levels unless specified)

• General Construction Induction Training (White Card)
• Current QLD “C” Class Driver’s Licence (must transfer within 3 months if interstate)
• Practical experience in public gardens, landscaping, and/or general labouring
• Experience in the operation and maintenance of small plant, power tools, and equipment for general maintenance
• Sound verbal and non-verbal communication skills (well-developed at Level 4 & 5)
• Client service skills with attention to detail (well-developed at Level 4 & 5)
• Ability to work autonomously and in a team environment
• Ability to maintain accurate records as per Australian Standards (construct written reports at Level 5)
• Knowledge of horticultural practices and integrated pest management (essential at Level 4 & 5)
• Conduct visual inspection of park facilities (Level 4 & 5)
• ACDC (Agricultural Chemicals Distribution Certificate) Commercial Operators Licence (Level 4 & 5)
• Operation and maintenance of holistic park equipment (tractors, mowers, chainsaws, mulchers, brush cutters, chippers, blower vacs, etc.) (Level 4 & 5)
• Experience in asset inspection and investigations, including asset data management systems (Level 4 & 5)
• Trade-level qualification in Parks and Gardens, Arboriculture, Horticulture, or relevant field (Level 5)
• Operate and maintain chainsaws – Level 1 (Level 5)
• Operate a Pole Saw (Level 5)
• Experience working with and showcasing specific plant collections (Level 5)
• Experience in the repair and installation of irrigation equipment (Level 5)
• Experience in the planning and use of herbicides and pesticides (Level 5)
• Thorough knowledge of horticulture principles and practices, including legislative/regulatory responsibilities and Australian Standards (Level 5)
• Knowledge of current natural environment issues as they apply to horticulture (Level 5)

Why Join Us?

• Base annual salary of $64,517 – $67,054 plus allowances as applicable (the level offered will be determined on the successful candidates’ qualifications and experience. This is a Level 3-5 position)
• Up to 18% superannuation (conditions apply).
• Choice of 4- or 5-weeks’ annual leave with 17.5% leave loading.
• 9-day fortnight roster.
• May be eligible for salary sacrificing options.
• Membership to lifestyle benefits program including corporate discounts.
• Study and assistance programs for career development.
• Learning and career development opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Employee health and wellbeing initiatives.
• Active Social Clubs.

Special Requirements:

• Occasional out-of-hours work (including weekends).
• Physical work in a variety of outdoor environments.
• Commitment to safety and emergency response as needed.

Ready to grow something amazing together?

Please submit your cover letter and resume.  Applications close Thursday, 12 February 2026.

***Important information for applicants:

Applicants who progress beyond the interview stage will be required to undergo a pre-employment process, which includes comprehensive Pre-Employment Medical Assessments (inclusive of Drug and Alcohol testing).

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer, where all applicants are treated fairly and respectfully and have equal access to all available opportunities. At Mackay Regional Council, diversity is about creating a respectful and inclusive workplace that recognises our employees' unique contributions and perspectives, working together to deliver extraordinary results.