Purpose-driven work in a truly unique setting. Let’s be honest — some nursery roles are just about keeping plants alive. This isn’t one of them.
We’re looking for a practical, reliable Horticulturalist to join The Secret Garden, a one-of-a-kind site operated by North West Disability Services (NWDS).
The Secret Garden is a working nursery, retail and community space
You’ll keep the nursery thriving, the site running smoothly, and the plants looking their best — while supporting our team to run great on-site activities.
Imagine a role where:
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You’re running day-to-day nursery operations (propagation, potting, watering, pruning, fertilising, weeding — the whole plant-parent package)
- You’re monitoring and adjusting irrigation systems, responding to seasonal conditions and plant needs
- You’re managing stock movement and presentation so the nursery looks great and runs efficiently
- You’re supporting the commercial side:ordering stock, managing suppliers, and contributing to pricing and product range decisions (with the Site Manager’s support)
- You’re confidently engaging with visitors and customers — selling plants, offering advice, and keeping the vibe welcoming
- You’re coordinating volunteers operationally (task allocation, safe work practices, clear instructions)
- You’ll lend a hand with on-site animal care (e.g., fresh water/food, basic enclosure checks/cleanliness as required)
- You’ll support the site’s growth direction, including the move toward fruit & veg growing and a more self-sustaining garden model
Some days are physical. Some are customer-focused. All of them help keep The Secret Garden thriving.
- You’ll provide horticulture guidance to program staff/leads who then instruct participants.
- You’re not rostered in ratio and not responsible for participant supervision, support plans, or program delivery.
- If participants are present on site, program staff remain responsible for supervision and supports.
You’re practical, grounded, and love seeing a space come to life. Ideally you’ll have:
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Experience and/or a qualification in Horticulture or Nursery Operations
- Strong knowledge of plant care, propagation, pests/disease and seasonal growing
- Confidence in a retail setting: customer chats, plant advice, point-of-sale basics
- Strong organisation and reliability — because openings, closings and daily routines matter
- The ability to coordinate volunteers in a safe, positive way
- A role with genuine variety — nursery, retail, garden development, site operations
- A beautiful outdoor environment (with real scope to grow the site)
- A team that values clear roles, good systems, and doing meaningful work well
- The chance to shape a growing “self-sustaining” direction for fruit/veg and the broader garden space
- You’ll be part of NWDS, a registered NDIS provider supporting people with disability to live meaningful, connected lives.
We’re initially looking for 2 days per week — ideally Thursday and Friday.
We’re flexible and happy to discuss days/hours for the right person.
(We’d love to see this role grow over time as the site continues to expand.)
- Qualification or equivalent experience in horticulture/nursery operations
- First Aid & CPR, NDIS Workers Check, Working with Children Check (or willingness to obtain)
- Comfortable with outdoor work and physical tasks
- Current work rights in Australia
Please visit https://www.nwds.org.au for more information
