Cook Shire Council
Cook Shire Council

Horticulturist

Job No: CSCO98
Location: Cooktown, QLD

Horticulturist - Cooktown Botanic Gardens

Step into a role where your green thumb shapes one of Queensland’s most stunning landscapes!
Cooktown Botanic Gardens is looking for a passionate Horticulturist to join our team. If you have a keen eye for plant care, a love for landscaping, and a drive to keep our gardens thriving, we want to hear from you!

Why choose Cook Shire Council?

Cook Shire Council offers more than just a job; it provides a stable work environment with fantastic working hours and a friendly, supportive team. The role comes with a competitive salary package which includes:
  • 9-day fortnight – every 2nd Friday off!
  • 5 weeks of annual leave, allowing you plenty of time to relax and enjoy the local surroundings
  • 3 weeks of personal leave to support a healthier work/life balance
  • Salary sacrificing options
  • A supportive and friendly work environment that encourages personal and professional growth

What you'll be doing

  • Caring for and maintaining living plant collections, nursery stock, and the Botanic Gardens landscape
  • Managing plant health, including soil care, pruning, irrigation, weed control, and pest management
  • Assisting with garden development projects and keeping accurate plant records
  • Working with a fantastic team to enhance the beauty and biodiversity of our gardens
  • Providing helpful horticultural advice to visitors and contributing to a top-notch visitor experience 

What we're looking for

  • Certificate III in Horticulture (or equivalent experience in a related field)
  • Experience in public gardens, nurseries, or similar landscapes
  • Knowledge of plant nutrition, irrigation systems, and pest/disease management
  • Ability to operate horticultural equipment (mowers, whipper snippers, chainsaws, etc.)
  • A team player with a strong work ethic and customer service skills
  • A valid QLD driver’s licence

How to apply

To apply, please review the Candidate Information Pack for this position. To be considered for selection you will need to submit: 

  • a Cover Letter outlining why you are interested in this role; and
  • a detailed and up to date Resume/CV.

Applications should be submitted online. Click on the "Apply Now" tab below to apply.

Applications will close 11pm Sunday 6 April 2025.
Don't miss your chance to apply!

SUMMARY & CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Job reference

CSC098

Position:

Horticulturist

Location:

Cooktown Botanic Gardens

Tenure:

Full time

76 hours per fortnight

9-day fortnight (every 2nd Friday off)

Remuneration:

Queensland Local Government Industry (Stream B: Division 2, Section 5) Award – State 2017 – Level 3 to 5, dependent on qualifications and experience

Between $65,576 and $67,940 per annum + applicable allowances

Leave Entitlements

5 weeks annual leave

15 days personal leave

Superannuation

11.5% Superannuation contributions
Apply Now

Privacy Acknowledgment

Cook Shire Council's recruitment applications are hosted by external service providers who also recognise the importance of privacy. By proceeding with your application, you acknowledge that your personal information will be hosted by these external service providers until such time as you elect not to have your information stored on these external hosted sites. The information you provide will only be used for the purposes of processing your application and will not be given to any other person or agency unless you have given permission, or if required by law.


Personal Details * Required field

  1. Digits only or add + for international numbers

  1. (Please click on your profile and copy the URL from your profile page.)

Questions

Documents upload


Maximum file size: 50MB

Resume *

Cover Letter

Licences and Tickets

Join the Team

Cooktown provides a lifestyle that blends with the beauty of Far North Queensland’s natural surroundings. Its pristine beaches, lush rainforests and national parks offer endless opportunities for outdoor activities, from fishing and boating to hiking and exploring cultural sites. Cooktown features great schools, healthcare facilities and a close-knit community atmosphere, making it a fantastic place to raise a family. With abundant natural beauty and a relaxed pace of life, Cooktown is ideal for those looking for a balance between their professional and personal lives.