Careers

National Trust of Australia (NSW)

Location: Bowral, NSW
Job Type: Part time Permanent, 30 hrs week
Category: Horticulture
Sectors: Horticulture, Landscape Gardening
Reports to: Visitor Experience Manager

Overview
The National Trust is the largest community based, not-for-profit conservation organisation in Australia, operating for more than 70 years. Our vision is to bring the heritage of New South Wales to life for future generations. We achieve this by advocating for the conservation and protection of our built, cultural and natural heritage and by educating and engaging the community through the sharing and interpretation of all Australian heritage stories in ways that awaken a sense of place and belonging.

Located in Bowral, Retford Park features an elegant Victorian Italianate residence surrounded by over thirty hectares of formal gardens and grounds.

You will be an integral part of the small Gardening team at Retford Park, with responsibility for undertaking and managing the maintenance, restoration and conservation of the grounds and garden according to the Conservation Plan and ensuring a high level of presentation and public safety.

About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and passionate horticulturist who has an excellent working knowledge of Cool Climate gardens and is familiar with the operation of a complex large scale garden. Presentation of the garden and grounds to a high standard is also essential to ensure optimum usage and visitation.

About you

To be successful in this role you will need to have:

• Excellent horticultural knowledge, an aptitude for maintaining mechanical equipment, an eye for detail, able to manage your time efficiently and effectively and a practical ‘can-do’ approach to your work.
• You must be organised and able to perform all tasks in a timely manner and to the standards set by the Head Gardener and/or Property Manager.
• You are punctual and reliable and can work both independently and as part of a team.
• You will also be largely responsible for overseeing a small team of grounds and maintenance volunteers, so excellent organisational, training and people skills are essential.
• As the gardens and grounds are selling points to both properties, you will have a commitment to ensuring the gardens are beautifully presented to the visitor.
• You have at least 3 years’ experience as a gardener and can turn your hand to anything.
  

Essential Qualifications and Skills

• Certificate 3 or Above, in Horticulture
•  Current AQF 3 Chemical Application certification
• Current Level 1 Chainsaw certification
• Experience in maintaining large scale gardens
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Current NSW Drivers licence

Desirable Qualifications and Skills

• An understanding of management principles of Historic Gardens, especially Cool Climate gardens
• A basic understanding of budgets and financial management skills
• Computer literacy and willingness to learn new applications
• Current NSW Working with Children Check number (WWCC)
• An understanding of and commitment to the National Trust’s aims, objectives and workplace values.

You must have the right to live and work in Australia to apply for this job.

• For a full position description or any enquiries call: 02 9258 0159 or email hr@nationaltrust.com.au
• To apply, submit your CV together with a covering letter addressing the key accountabilities to hr@nationaltrust.com.au
• Closing date: Sunday 20 July 2025

Download job description

National Trust of Australia (NSW)

Location: Dundullimal Homestead, Dubbo NSW
Job Type: Casual, up to 15 hours per week
Reports to: Visitor Experience Manager
Portfolio: Properties North

The National Trust (NSW) is the state’s largest community-based conservation organisation. It operates a number of important museums and leased historic properties while also looking after a large collection of objects and archaeological artefacts. The Trust is committed to providing educational and cultural services that enhance public knowledge and protect our State’s special places.

Located in Dubbo NSW, Dundullimal Homestead is believed to be be the oldest surviving sophisticated slab house in Australia. Set in park-like grounds with sandstone stables, timber church and a blacksmith’s forge, it provides a unique connection to Australia’s rural past.

About the role
The Gardener/Maintenance Officer is responsible for general maintenance of the grounds and house which includes, but is not limited to, mowing and general gardening duties, maintenance of minor house repairs, cleaning of amenities, removal of rubbish from site and general handyperson work to ensure the smooth running of the property and overall appearance of the house and grounds.

They will also work closely with the Visitor Experience Manager and gardening volunteers, and assist with set up and bump out of weekend activities as required. This is a casual position for approx. 15 hours per week which may include some weekend hours from time to time. The days of working will depend on property activities and a high degree of flexibility is essential.

About you
We’re looking for someone with a sunny and positive disposition who is physically fit and able to undertake a range of manual tasks. As you will be working closely with our wonderful volunteers, an ability to train or share your knowledge with them is also essential.

As this is a multifaceted role that touches upon all aspects of the Property, you need to be organised with a desire to achieve your goals and an ability to turn your hand to a number of practical tasks.

Technically you need:

• Relevant qualifications in building maintenance or landscaping or extensive experience within these industries
• Accredited herbicide users training (Chemical Certification AQF3) or willingness to be trained
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to use and maintain tools such as a brush cutter or backpack sprayers
• Excellent time management skills and an ability to constantly re-prioritise tasks to ensure completion within required timeframes Current First Aid Certificate (or willingness to gain)
• Class C driver’s license
• An understanding of and commitment to the National Trust’s aims, objectives and workplace values.

You will be involved in the day-to-day business of maintaining a historic house with a large garden and a number of buildings and can expect to be busy. There is a manual handling component to this role so whilst we welcome mature candidates, you must have a degree of fitness to be able to undertake your expected duties to the standard required.

If you love working outdoors and have a passion for the environment or the protection of heritage, this is the role for you.

You must have the right to live and work in Australia to apply for this job.

• For a full position description or any enquiries call: 02 9258 0159 or email hr@nationaltrust.com.au
• To apply, submit your CV together with a covering letter addressing the key accountabilities to: hr@nationaltrust.com.au
• Closing date: Sunday 20 July 2025

Download job description

National Trust of Australia (NSW)

Primary location: National Trust Centre (NTC) Observatory Hill, Millers Point, Sydney
Job Type: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week
Department: Bush Regeneration
Reports to: Regional Manager
Direct Reports: Bush Management Field Staff

The National Trust of Australia (NSW) is Australia’s pioneering Natural Area Restoration NGO and its Bushland Management Services (BMS) Division has been in continuous operation for over 38 years.

BMS provides a range of services to public and private landowners who require quality expertise in managing conservation of bushland and biodiversity in the Greater Sydney region. The goal of the National Trust’s Bushland Management team is to advocate and implement best practice methods for natural area restoration and management of our natural areas.

BMS is currently in a growth period and this is a rare opportunity to become part of the National Trust Bush Regeneration Team on a permanent basis.

About the Role – What you’ll be doing

This position is responsible for the supervision and training of Field Staff on bushland sites, fulfilment of contractual obligations in relation to sites under their control, and delivery of a suite of online reporting to facilitate site management, resourcing and client engagement.

The National Trust values motivated staff and rewards them by:

• Offering professional opportunities for growth
• Offering interesting and challenging projects in a supportive team environment
• Actively encouraging employee feedback, initiative and ownership of projects
• Offering great remuneration packages.

About you – Who we’re looking for

Applicants must have a passion for bush regeneration and natural area restoration and have the experience and capacity to lead and develop their team to reach their full potential. You need to be competent in the use of technology, have a qualification in regeneration techniques and a desire to be the best in the business.

Essential:

• At least 2 years’ experience in a similar role
• Cert III or Diploma in Conservation and Land Management
• Thorough knowledge of indigenous and introduced plant species
• Excellent organisational, planning and time management skills
• Logical thinking and creative problem-solving ability
• Great attention to detail
• Demonstrated knowledge of WHS requirements and EEO principles
• Great communication, client relationship and negotiation skills
• The ability to motivate and inspire a team
• Strong work ethic and a desire to succeed
• Physically fit for the inherent requirements of the role
• Current NSW Drivers Licence (manual vehicle)
• Current Chemical Certificate AQF3
• OHS Green/White Card
• Tech savvy and ability to apply this knowledge to an android platform
• Fully vaccinated
• Full work rights in Australia

Desirable:

• Current First Aid Certificate (or willingness to be trained)
• Positive attitude to work and ability to actively promote the services of the National Trust of Australia (NSW) to clients
• Mechanically inclined.

We are looking for a highly motivated individual who have a passion for natural area restoration and conservation, likes to lead by example and wants to share their knowledge with their team to build a great crew. If this sounds like the environment you’ve been looking for, send your resume and a covering letter addressing the job essentials to hr@nationaltrust.com.au

Immediate start available if required.

Applications close 31 January 2025. For enquiries and a full job description email hr@nationaltrust.com.au or call 0434 975 830.

You must have the right to live and work in Australia to apply for this role.

Download job description.

Do you have experience in Bush Regeneration or are looking to get into this industry?

The National Trust, Australia’s pioneering Natural Area Restoration NGO is looking for casual bush regenerators. We’re happy to train if you’re new to the industry, but ideally you’ll have started your Cert III in Conservation and Land Management and want to work at least 3-5 days a week for above Award wages.

Applicants must be passionate, hard-working, motivated and keen to learn, and share our passion for conservation work. Vacancies are available working with crews on projects located in the West, North and South of Sydney.

Projects will include, bush regeneration, revegetation, noxious weed control, environmental construction, burn prep and asset protection.

The National Trust values motivated staff and rewards employees by

• Offering professional opportunities for growth and flexibility
• Offering interesting and challenging projects in a supportive team environment
• Actively encouraging employee feedback and ownership of projects

 Ideally you’ll have:

• Cert II or III in Conservation and Land Management or current enrolment
• Current Chemical Certificate AQF3 or willingness to acquire
• Knowledge of local native and exotic plant species and invasive weeds
• Current Drivers Licence and own vehicle
• OHS Green/White Card
• Physically fit for the inherent requirements of the role
• Ability to work as part of a team and under direct supervision
• Strong work ethic

It would be great if you also had:

• Current First Aid Certificate
• Certificate in Chainsaw Operations (level 1) and demonstrated experience using chainsaws

• Demonstrated experience using brushcutters and augers
• Demonstrated experience in herbicide spraying using backpacks and high-volume units
• Previous bush regeneration experience highly regarded
• Field ID skills for relevant flora and fauna highly regarded
• Other relevant training and/or experience (e.g. Horticulture) will be considered

If this sounds like the opportunity you have been looking for and you would like to work with a highly respected organisation with a rich history in natural area conservation and restoration, please send your resume to bms@nationaltrust.com.au. Immediate start available

Download Job Description

Do you have a passion for history or are you a great communicator?

Do you enjoy hands-on work in interesting places, or are you passionate about our natural environment?

We have a variety of roles available including:

• Tour guides
• Customer service
• Event support
• Hospitality
• Gardening
• Maintenance
• Bush care

Register your interest now. Click here.