Nursery Officer

Role overview

Mackay Regional Council is hiring a Nursery Officer to join its Parks and Environment team on a permanent, full-time basis. This role suits someone who enjoys working with plants, values community outcomes, and wants to contribute to native plant production and environmental improvement. The position is based at the Mackay Natural Environment Centre and Botanic Gardens Nursery.

The nursery team supports the region by producing and caring for plants used in parks, gardens, libraries, community spaces, and natural area vegetation projects. The role is open to candidates with either early-career interest or substantial horticultural experience, depending on the banded level offered.

Key duties

• Propagate and cultivate plants for use across council sites such as the Botanic Gardens, Queens Park, Orchid House, libraries, and natural area projects.
• Carry out general nursery upkeep, including ordering and organising supplies and stock, testing soil and irrigation systems, and managing weeds and pests.
• Use and look after small plant equipment and power tools used in nursery operations.
• Gather, classify, and store seeds appropriately.
• Keep detailed records relating to plant production, seed storage, and volunteer involvement.
• Help maintain compliance with Nursery Industry Accreditation Scheme Australia (NIASA) requirements.
• Use digital systems for communication, data entry, and work order tracking.
• Guide, mentor, and support volunteers and community groups such as Friends of the Gardens and SGAP.
• Update and maintain volunteer records.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Assist with promotional material creation.
• Take part in open days, workshops, and community events that showcase nursery work.
• Complete planned tasks and assist with project work as required.
• Help implement and improve nursery procedures and policies.
• Carry out other duties assigned by the supervisor that fall within the role.
• Follow workplace health and safety policies and contribute to a safe environment for staff, volunteers, and the public.

Skills and experience

This is a banded Level 2–4 position, so applicants at different stages of horticultural development are encouraged to apply. The council is looking for people who can bring practical nursery knowledge, a collaborative approach, and a strong commitment to safety and community service.

• Experience in nursery operations, gardening, or landscaping.
• Understanding of plant propagation and seed storage practices.
• Ability to communicate clearly and work well in a team.
• Interest in outdoor work and a strong safety mindset.
• Comfort using technology for communication, record keeping, and work order systems.
• Capability to operate and maintain small plant equipment and power tools.

Essential requirements

• General Construction Induction Training.
• Current Queensland C Class driver licence or interstate equivalent.
• Certificate III in Horticulture, Rural Operations, Production Nursery, Nursery Operations, or a related discipline for Level 3–4 applicants.

Desirable requirements

• Medium Rigid (MR) licence.
• Qualification to operate a pole saw (FWCO23238).
• Chemical Accreditation (AQF3).

Benefits

• Annual salary from $63,403 to $65,644, plus applicable allowances.
• Salary level will depend on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience within the banded Level 2–4 range.
• Employer superannuation contribution of up to 18%, subject to conditions.
• Choice of 4 or 5 weeks of annual leave, plus 17.5% leave loading.
• 9-day fortnight roster.
• Possible salary sacrificing options.
• Access to a lifestyle benefits program with corporate discounts.
• Study support and assistance programs for career growth.
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Health and wellbeing initiatives for employees.
• Active social clubs.

Eligibility and application information

Applicants must hold the legal right to work in Australia, and this will be checked during recruitment. Candidates who advance beyond the interview stage will be required to complete pre-employment checks, including a medical assessment and drug and alcohol testing.

The council is an equal opportunity employer and aims to provide a fair, respectful, and inclusive workplace that values different perspectives and contributions.

Applications may close before the advertised date, so early submission is encouraged. A cover letter and resume are required.