National Trust of Australia (NSW)
Location: Old Government House, Parramatta and Experiment Farm Cottage, Harris Park
Job Type: Permanent Part-time
Hours of Work: 21 hours (3 days) per week
Reports to: Property Manager Old Government House/Experiment Farm Cottage
Portfolio: Properties South
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.
This role covers both Old Government House (OGH), a World Heritage listed Convict site situated within Parramatta Park and home to 10 of the first Governors of Australia, and Experiment Farm Cottage (EFC) in Harris Park, one of the oldest surviving buildings in Australia and the site of the first land grant, run by James Ruse in 1793 as an experimental farm to see if self-sufficiency for the colony could be achieved.
About the role
While the Gardener/Maintenance Officer reports to the Property Manager and is responsible for general maintenance of the grounds and buildings, a key part of this role is the leadership, management, and supervision of the volunteer team. Practical duties include, but are not limited to mowing, weeding and general gardening tasks, maintenance of minor house repairs, set up and bump out of events, exhibition and venue hire activities, cleaning of amenities, rubbish removal and general handyperson work to ensure the smooth running and overall presentation of the properties.
This is a permanent part-time position for 21 hours per week and the days of working will generally be Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Some flexibility is required for events, exhibition set-up and venue hire.
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 12 October 2025
- While the closing date is 12 October 2025, suitable applicants will be interviewed as they apply, and all interviews will take place at Old Government House in Parramatta
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