Gardener
Heatherlie Homes
Warrnambool

Gardening & Maintenance
Full time hours (8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday)

Heatherlie Homes is a well-established, respected retirement village with an emphasis on professional, high quality service with a commitment to best practice and continuous improvement.
We are a successful not-for-profit retirement village run by the Uniting Church, offering independent non-denominational retirement living, currently over 2 sites in the heart of Warrnambool.
Heatherlie Homes has an opportunity for a gardener and maintenance person on a 12-month full-time contract (pending a successful 3-month probation period), to join our team based on the beautiful southwest Victoria coastline.

Primarily the role provides the delivery of gardening services with some minor maintenance tasks required from time to time.

Responsibilities:
• Delivery of services identified within the gardening position description (see attached).
• Monitoring, maintenance and servicing of equipment to ensure safe and efficient working conditions.
• Purchasing and accounting for cost (e.g. purchase orders) relevant to the performance of works in line with Heatherlie Homes policies and procedures.
• Record keeping and documentation relevant to the performance of works.

To be successful in these roles you will need:
• Specific trade certificates (e.g. Certificate III in Horticulture with 3-5 years’ experience) and/or equivalent relevant experience sufficient to support the achievement of the role’s responsibilities e.g. gardening and horticulture.
• A reliable, punctual, honest, well presented team player who takes pride in their work.
• Police Check prior to appointment.
• Current Drivers Licence.
• Working with Childrens Check.
• Vehicle with tow bar.
If this role aligns to your skills, knowledge, experience and passion we would like to hear from you.
Written application should be emailed to the attention of Jackie & Leonie [email protected] including a current resume and cover letter addressing your suitability against the job description. Closing date for applications is Friday 11th April 2025
Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• The Gardener will undertake the following duties:

All general gardening, maintenance and renovation tasks as directed, including:

Specification of duties:

The maintenance of the gardens at –

• Heatherlie, 103 – 111 Koroit St, Warrnambool, and
• Christ Church Close, 66 Henna St, Warrnambool.
• Other areas as reasonably requested.

1. The gardens are to be maintained in a tidy and healthy state, weeded regularly, kept clear of rubbish and cultivated as necessary. Garden waste is to be placed in the trailer provided and disposed of at an approved waste facility. Liaison with the Executive Officers may be necessary for this purpose.
2. Garden cyclical maintenance shall include watering, fertilizing, sowing, planting, pruning, spraying and harvesting as seasonally required.
3. Plants that require sprays to prevent mould, fungus or virus, and lawns to prevent weeds, are to be treated as often as required to prevent their occurrence. Any spraying must only be done on calm days to limit spray drift. The gardener is required to advise the Heatherlie Office prior to commencing any use of sprays.
4. Paths and paved areas are to be kept clear of weeds and overgrowth.
5. Ivy is to be kept off the buildings, fences and other plants.
6. Drains and gutters are to be kept clear of leaves, grass and any overgrowth at all times.
7. Watering systems are to be maintained in a state of good order and repair. All watering systems are to be checked and serviced in September – October. It may be necessary for the gardener to install or remove watering systems replacing misters and sprays with drippers and soakers where possible and appropriate. Any replacement parts necessary can be requested.
8. The gardener is responsible for all watering throughout the year and this must be done so as to maintain growth and keep all of the plants in good condition.
9. All gardening tasks shall conform to the OH&S policy requirements of Heatherlie Homes, using safe, sensible, contemporary best practice, with a view to common sense, reasonable economy and timelines. Standards espoused by the relevant statutory authorities, particularly with respect to the use of equipment, machinery, sprays, poisons and chemicals must be followed. Appropriate protective clothing should be worn, the gardener being responsible for the provision of same. Emptying and cleaning of garbage bays and bins, gardening shed and areas.
10. Minor maintenance duties when requested, eg changing residents light bulbs
11. Ensure all tools and equipment are serviced and maintained to a safe standard and are in good working condition.
12. Assist with assembling bins for collection and once empty clean/sanitize before returning them to their original location. Bin cupboards/areas: Check bins for over filling and tidy if required. Pull out bins and sweep area if needed.

Organizational Management and Teamwork

• Participate in staff meetings, staff training and development workshops.
• Participate in production of relative reports as required by the Board and sub-committees of the Board, as directed by the Chairman, Committee Convenors or Executive Officers.
• Abide by privacy laws especially in regard to residents and other staff.