Careers

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

The National Trust (NSW), 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, City 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
• Cert II or III in Conservation and Ecosystems 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.

Please note: All applications are reviewed by NTA Bush Regenerators who are interested in seeing your
genuine ability to express your interest and passion for the industry. Using generative AI to write your
application, cover letter or CV will be looked upon less favourably.

Download position description

• Job Type: Full time Permanent, 38 hrs week
• Category: Horticulture
• Sectors: Horticulture, Landscape Gardening
• Reports to: Property Manager, Retford Park

Head Gardener, Retford Park
An exciting opportunity has arisen to be Head Gardener at one of Australia’s most beautiful heritage properties – Retford Park.

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 now and into the future through advocating for the conservation and protection of our built, cultural and natural heritage.

Retford Park is a property of the National Trust of Australia (NSW) with great heritage significance. Set on 80 acres behind Bowral, Retford Park features a grand Victorian Italianate homestead with extensive formal gardens.

About the Role – What you’ll be doing
We are seeking an experienced and passionate head gardener to manage the maintenance, restoration and conservation of the grounds and gardens with support from a small crew of dedicated staff and a team of enthusiastic volunteers.

Ideally this role will suit someone who has experience with cool climate gardens, large-scale gardens and delivering a high level of presentation and safety in a publicly accessible space.

About you – Who we’re looking for
It’s a key role at a significant heritage site and we need someone who can take on a challenge. To deliver this role successfully you’ll need to have:

• excellent horticultural knowledge
• working knowledge of Cool Climate gardens
• experience with the management and operation of a complex large-scale garden
• an aptitude for maintaining mechanical equipment
• be familiar with working within the framework of a Conservation Management Plan
• a commitment to using sustainable practices wherever possible
• worked in a similar position for at least 4 years
• excellent organisational, communication and people skills
• an understanding of the aims and ethos of the National Trust
• an eye for detail
• ability to manage your time efficiently and effectively
• a practical ‘can-do’ approach to your work

This is a big job and we’re looking for someone who is innovative and knows how to help bring a property to life in ways that engage the community while still honouring our conservation ideals. We offer a flexible work environment and value the highest levels of professionalism.

• 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 resume together with a cover letter that details your capabilities and experience in relation to this role to: hr@nationaltrust.com.au

Applications close Tuesday 20 October 2026
While Applications close in 2 weeks, don’t delay! We review applications when we get them, and if we discover the ideal candidate, we may close the role earlier than the advertised closing date.

Download position description

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.

We are seeking a Site Supervisor within the Sydney region for a permanent full-time role.

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.

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.

This is a rare opportunity to become part of the National Trust Bush Regeneration Team on a permanent basis.

What you’ve got: the essentials

• 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

Also good to have – the desirables

• 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 has 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. For enquiries and a full job description email hr@nationaltrust.com.au or call 02 9258 0159.

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

Download position 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.