Nursery Project Officer

Why work with us?

At Council, we’re proud of our region. We collaborate with community to achieve truly sustainable outcomes, enhance our enviable lifestyle, and create award-winning places and spaces that are uniquely Sunshine Coast. So, if you love it here as much as we do, and you want to shape our region for the future – you’ll want to join our team!

With the vision to be Australia’s most sustainable region -Connected. Liveable. Thriving, our region is a model of sustainability, where caring for our environment, creating vibrant communities and growing our local economy is a way of life.

About the Role

Join a team dedicated to creating vibrant, sustainable landscapes across the Sunshine Coast. Play a key role in coordinating horticultural, landscaping and arboriculture activities across our beautiful Sunshine Coast. You’ll be responsible for the care, management and operation of public open spaces, foreshore reserves and recreational areas – enabling active and passive recreation while preserving our natural landscapes.

Key responsibilities for the role include:

• Develop and maintain relationships with nursery stock growers and suppliers.
• Facilitate inspection and sourcing of high-quality plant stock for the Disaster Ready Fund  Cool Urban Places project.
• Anticipate future requirements, plan ahead and meet priorities, budgets and deadlines.
• Provide monthly reports on procurement and delivery of stock in line with project deliverables.
• Inspect and accept delivery of nursery tree stock in accordance with Australian Standards and best practice.
• Identify plant nutrition requirements and implement programs for optimum growth and health.
• Monitor stock for pests and disease and collaborate with suppliers on management programs.
• Source nursery stock, materials and supplies in line with Council procurement policy.
• Complete timely administration tasks including financial transactions, correspondence and reporting.
• Undertake tree planting, mulching, pruning, watering and other associated works as required
• Support the Project Lead and Technical Officer in engaging with community groups and stakeholders positively and consultatively.

About you

With demonstrated experience and ability in plant selection, propagation and garden layout, complemented with horticultural, nursery and  landscaping operational experience from retail or production background, you will be passionate in developing innovatative and progressive nursery practices.

• Certificate III in Horticulture or relevant trade experience.
• Understanding of AS2303:2018 Tree Stock for Landscape Use and AS4373:2007 Pruning of Amenity Trees.
• Experience in nursery administration, production or retail nursery operations.
• 30215 Qld – General Safety Induction (White Card).
• Current “C” class driver’s licence.
• Ability to organise people, materials and time effectively.
• Strong communication skills and physical fitness for outdoor work.
• Demonstrated understanding of Workplace Health and Safety requirements, SafePlan3 and Safety Management Systems.
• Satisfactory completion of a pre-employment medical assessment.

Our Culture & Employee Benefits

Council is committed to creating an inclusive, culturally diverse, healthy, skilled and dedicated workplace culture. As an employee you will enjoy a range of benefits which include but are not limited to:

• 9-day fortnight - to support your enjoyment of the lifestyle benefits Sunshine Coast has to offer.
• Salary Packaging
• Development opportunities through corporate learning and development programs
• Discounted health related memberships and other wellbeing initiatives
• Corporate Healthcare

How to apply

Your written application should include:

• a 1-page cover letter expressing your interest and summarising your suitability for the role with reference to the Position Profile;
• A current resume or curriculum vitae.

Once you have these two documents ready, click ‘Apply Now’ and follow the prompts to complete your application.

Further Information

Helpful information to assist you in completing your application is available on the Sunshine Coast Council website.

To learn more about Council’s vision and projects, you can view the Corporate Plan 2025-2030.

For specific enquiries contact Nino Giovanni during business hours on 0419 785 279.

We're working hard to create an inclusive workplace that reflects the diverse community we serve. If you require adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please reach out to the Recruitment Team [email protected].

At Sunshine Coast Council, we embrace differences in gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural background including First Nations, disability, religion and sexual orientation. To deliver the best service to our region we want a workforce that reflects the diverse community that we serve. Sunshine Coast Council strongly encourages all suitable applicants to apply for this role.