FULL TIME POSITION 

 Head Gardener - (Grounds & Maintenance Team Member) 

Applications close: Friday 12th June 2026, 4.30 p.m. (WST)

WHO WE ARE

HillSide Christian College is an evangelical Christian school located in Forrestfield, with an approximate enrolment of 460 students from 4-year-old Kindy to Year 12. 

ABOUT THE ROLE

HillSide Christian College is seeking a full-time Head Gardener.

This person would need to demonstrate good skills in line with the JDF. They should be able to manage all the aspects of maintenance and development of quality grounds. The College has outstanding and aesthetically pleasing landscapes and the Head Gardener would be expected to manage all aspects involved in delivering quality grounds. The grounds are strongly connected with the Christian mission and vision of the College, so the successful candidate would need to meet all religious requirements stipulated in this advert.

This is initially a two-year Fixed Term Contract, with the possibility of conversion to ongoing following a successful probation period. 

Salary is based on the College’s Administration Pay Scale between Level  3.1 - 4.1 , which is above the Award rate. Remuneration is based on experience and expertise.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants should be able to demonstrate their personal faith in Jesus Christ as God and Saviour and be an active member of an evangelical Christian Church. 

1. Provide a cover letter, discussing your experience and ability in relation to roles such as grounds and maintenance. Maximum 3 pages. Please refer to the selection criteria below.
2. Include a brief statement of your Christian Faith, and contact details of a Pastor/Elder who may be contacted for a verbal reference.  Written references are acceptable.
3. Provide a detailed CV including contact details along with full work history and training/qualifications.
4. Attach one document demonstrating Australian citizenship, permanent residency, or unrestricted rights to work in Australia (e.g. Australian Birth Certificate or Passport, or Visa Grant). 

An email will be sent to you confirming the receipt of your application. 

Interviews and referee checks will be integral to the selection of any candidate.

POSITION DESCRIPTION 

Job Title:                      Grounds & Maintenance Team Member, Operational Services (OPS)

Level:                           School Salary Scale Level 3  or 4

Award:                          Educational Services (Schools) General Staff Award [MA000076] - Grade 3

Reports to:                   Business Manager

Job Purpose:               

Develop, maintain and lead the overall presentation of the College’s grounds, gardens and building facilities. Provide a gardening and maintenance service that contributes to the College’s positive atmosphere, enhances the learning environment, and actively promotes an excellent impression to the community. The successful candidate will be an ambassador for Christ, sharing the gospel with the school community through practical service and positive interpersonal skills.

Key Responsibilities 

Award Level 3 - Control and responsibility for the maintenance of gardens, sports grounds and/or facilities which includes the use of accredited trade skills in areas such as horticulture, gardening or in the maintenance of sports grounds

Award Level 4 - Responsibility for planning, scheduling and supervising of all aspects of gardening maintenance

• Lead the development of the grounds - garden beds, lawns, reticulation.
• Manage all aspects of reticulation and water management of gardens and lawns, including development and problem solving.
• Undertake maintenance and improvement of grounds, ovals, lawns and garden beds.
• Collaborate in the development of new areas with other grounds staff and management.
• Undertake routine pressure cleaning and proactive maintenance  (paths, paving, playgrounds and gutters).
• Prepare or oversee sports' line marking and preparation for other College events where the grounds are needed.
• Report and make safe any identified major maintenance or repairs that arise.
• Report and make safe any identified Occupational Health and Safety issues.
• Undertake basic building maintenance, including but not limited to applying and repairing paint and plaster surfaces, repairs to locks, windows, doors, fixing hooks, changing light bulbs, cleaning gutters, beams and poles.
• Assist with repair requests, including basic plumbing and carpentry.
• Order, show safe operation and basic maintenance of power tools and machinery, assist with maintaining service logs.
• Moving furniture and equipment for events (if required)
• Assist with College Events (for example, set up and pack up).
• Perform general ad hoc cleaning tasks in relation to the grounds.
• Promote environmental sustainability through recycling.
• Other duties as required from time to time, as required by the Principal or his delegate.

Selection Criteria 

1. What is your previous experience as a gardener and how would you perform this role successfully?
2. Demonstrated interpersonal skills that build and maintain effective working relationships.
3. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team and an ability to take directions and work independently when required.
4. What is your knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), particularly in respect to the safe use of chemicals and safe storage requirements?
5. Demonstrated ability in use and maintenance of power tools and machinery.
6. Problem-solving skills that demonstrate the ability to readily to refer and consult with your line manager. 

Desirable Criteria

• Heavy Rigid or similar (HR/MR Class) Heavy Vehicle Licence
• Current First Aid Senior Certificate

• Qualifications in horticulture or similar

Eligibility 

Prior to commencement, employees will need to meet the following essential compliance requirements:

• Hold or obtain a current Working with Children Check
• Hold or obtain a satisfactory National Police Clearance
• Hold a current Driver’s Licence (minimum ‘C’ Class)
• Sign the College’s Code of Conduct (including Faith Statement) and the Employment Contract
• Provide original Birth Certificate or Passport, or Visa Grant or VEVO document as relevant, demonstrating Australian citizenship, permanent residency, or unrestricted rights to work in Australia
• Provide a  copy of any qualifications and certificates.
• Provide a Pastoral reference from a Protestant minister/elder, from a Church that subscribes to the Nicence Creed and a traditional Christian worldview.

Further Information 

Please note: The College reserves the right to fill the position at its discretion and timing, and to withdraw the position if required. The position will only be filled by the College when a suitably qualified applicant is secured. The College also reserves the right to contact beyond the referee list provided by the candidate if it deems it necessary in the appointment process to confirm application details and suitability for the role.

Assessment of applicants will commence as applications are received.