Gardener - Handyperson

About the Role

This permanent full-time position, commencing November 2026, is based at the Statewide Services Centre in Padbury, Western Australia, supporting the Department of Education's mission to provide services that enhance student achievement through well-maintained facilities and sustainable grounds.

The Statewide Services Centre is a busy multi-service office and specialist school site hosting over 400 staff, families, students, and frequent professional events. The grounds help foster a safe, welcoming, and inspiring atmosphere for all visitors. Commitment to sustainability is integral, embracing initiatives like the Bush Classrooms project, which promotes native, waterwise ecosystems reflective of local biodiversity and Aboriginal knowledge. The site itself features demonstration areas such as a Miyawaki forest pocket, wetlands environment, and bushland spaces.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and enhance outdoor sites ensuring safety, attractiveness, and functionality for all users.
• Care for turf, gardens, trees, shrubs, and landscaped zones.
• Perform minor repairs and general maintenance tasks around the grounds.
• Operate, clean, and maintain gardening tools, machinery, and equipment.
• Contribute to the development of sustainable and water-efficient landscaping practices.
• Identify and report maintenance issues and possible hazards promptly.
• Assist in developing and implementing safe work procedures.
• Potentially support security duties, including arming and disarming security systems in line with planned schedules.

Candidate Profile and Eligibility

Ideal applicants have practical skills and initiative in outdoor environment upkeep, whether from schools, local government, commercial landscaping, horticulture, or facilities management. Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively are valued.

Applicants must:

• Be Australian or New Zealand citizens, permanent residents, or hold a valid work visa covering the appointment term.
• Consent to a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and obtain screening clearance from the Department’s Screening Unit prior to commencement.
• Hold or obtain a current Working with Children Check.
• Complete introductory School Gardener training within three months (metropolitan) or as soon as feasible (regional).

Application Details

Applicants should submit a CV limited to four pages and a four-page statement addressing specified selection criteria, particularly:

• Experience maintaining grounds, including turf management.
• Experience with minor servicing of horticultural equipment and performing repairs.
• Knowledge of gardening procedures, including safe use and storage of tools, materials, and chemicals.

Late applications will not be accepted. The selection process includes further assessment stages for shortlisted candidates. The role is open to equity and diversity candidates, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, people with diverse sexualities, gender identities, disabilities, and diverse cultural backgrounds.

Professional Benefits

• Employer contribution to superannuation of 12%.
• Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance, including part-time and flexible hours.
• Generous leave entitlements such as annual, personal, long service, and parental leave.
• Professional development offerings including study leave and assistance.
• Access to salary packaging according to applicable industrial instruments.
• Onsite parking availability at the Padbury centre.

Additional Information

For queries, applicants can contact the Business Coordinator at the Statewide Services Centre. Public sector agencies referring surplus employees may contact recruitment during the advertisement period. The department applies a four-day breach period during selection. Suitable applicants may be considered for related vacancies emerging within 12 months.

Closing date for applications is 4.30pm AWST, Friday, 16 October 2026.