Love working outdoors and getting your hands dirty? Whether you’re a professional
horticulturist or just starting out with a passion for plants, there’s plenty of gardening
work going around in Sydney.
From trimming hedges in suburban backyards to maintaining lush parks and fancy
courtyards, gardeners are in steady demand all over the Harbour City.
But if you’re wondering where to actually find these jobs, you’re not alone. With so many
places to look, it can feel a bit overwhelming knowing where to start.
That’s why we’ve put together this easy guide to help you find gardening jobs in
Sydney. Whether you’re trying to grow your business or looking for some weekend side
gigs to make extra cash, there’s something here for everyone, no matter your current
skill level.
Why Gardening Jobs Are in Demand in Sydney
Sydney is blessed with a mild climate, which means plants grow pretty much all year
round. Therefore, it is a safe bet to assume that from the north shore and the Inner
West to South Sydney and the CBD, there’s always someone needing a helping hand to
keep their garden in shape.
With more people working from home, interest in outdoor living spaces has skyrocketed.
However, as many of them are time-poor or simply not green-thumbed themselves,
many homeowners have taken to hiring professionals to design, build, and maintain
their gardens.
On top of this, plenty of local councils, schools, body corporates, aged care homes and
commercial businesses all need grounds maintenance. So, if you know where to look,
the demand for gardeners is pretty steady across the board.
Where to Find Gardening Work
If you are looking to find gardening work in Sydney, below are some of the best places
to look.
- Job Boards and Websites
One of the easiest ways to kick off your search for gardening jobs in Sydney is by
jumping onto online job boards.
Sites like Seek, Indeed, and Jora regularly list opportunities for gardeners, landscapers,
and horticultural labourers, which include everything from casual gigs to full-time roles.
These websites might seem a bit generic, but they’re still a go-to for many landscaping
companies and garden centres looking to hire quickly. So, it is a good idea not to
discount them, initially at least.
- Facebook Groups and Community Pages
A lot of people skip the formal job ads and go straight to Facebook groups and local
community pages when they need a hand with garden maintenance, lawn mowing, or
landscaping..
You’ll find plenty of groups like “Sydney Gardeners & Landscapers – Job Listings” or
suburb-specific pages such as “Inner West Sydney Jobs & Services” full of casual job
posts.
These gigs can be anything from a quick weekend job to ongoing work if you build a
good rapport. It’s a smart move to introduce yourself in the group with a short post
about your skills and availability.
Try to show some personality, because people often reach out directly when they know
someone’s keen, ready to work, and they feel connected to them. - Gumtree and Airtasker
If you’re chasing quick cash jobs or looking to build up regular clients, Gumtree and
Airtasker are top spots to check out. Both platforms are popular with Sydney locals who
need help with one-off gardening tasks like mowing, weeding, or tidying up outdoor
spaces.
On Gumtree, you’ll find listings in the “Jobs” and “Services” sections, and while some
might be casual or cash-in-hand, they’re a good way to get your foot in the door.
Airtasker, on the other hand, lets people post specific tasks with a budget, and you can
pitch yourself for the job. If you do quality work and get good reviews, you’ll start
standing out, and it’s not uncommon for a one-time gig to turn into regular work. - Landscape and Gardening Companies
For those wanting more stable, ongoing work, it’s worth looking into established
landscape and gardening companies across Sydney. These businesses often hire
gardeners for maintenance roles or labourers to assist with larger landscaping projects.
Companies like Green Options, The Gardenmakers, Landart Landscapes, and Good
Manors are known to take on both experienced gardeners and newcomers with a good
attitude.
Even if they’re not actively advertising, it’s a good idea to reach out directly with your
resume and a short message expressing your interest. Many jobs in this space pop up
suddenly. So, being on their radar can give you a head start when they’re looking to
expand their team.
- TAFE and Apprenticeship Networks
If you’re looking to get into gardening as a career (not just odd jobs), you might want to
enrol in a horticulture course at TAFE NSW..
Campuses like Ryde, Richmond, and Padstow offer horticulture courses, which can
open up a ton of opportunities for you.
Aside from learning all about the trade, they are also well connected with local
employers who are often on the lookout for apprentices or in need of part-time help.
You can also find apprenticeship opportunities through networks like MEGT, Skillsroad,
and Apprenticeship Support Australia. These provide a great way to learn on the job,
gain recognised qualifications, and increase your chances of landing consistent, well-
paid work. - Nurseries and Garden Centres
Don’t overlook your local nursery or garden centre when hunting for gardening jobs in
Sydney because places like Flower Power, Eden Gardens, and even Bunnings Garden
Centres often need extra hands, especially during the busier spring and summer
months.
These roles aren’t just about selling plants, and they can involve potting, watering,
helping customers with plant care advice, and keeping the nursery looking great.
Smaller, independent garden centres are also worth checking out, and often, you can
secure work just by handing in your resume to them in person, if your timing is right.
The great thing about working in a nursery is that it enables you to deepen your plant
knowledge while earning a steady income doing something you enjoy.
- Word of Mouth and Flyers
In the gardening world, word of mouth can be your most powerful marketing tool, and
many gardeners in Sydney find regular work just by doing a great job and having happy
clients pass their names around.
If you’re just starting out or freelancing, it’s worth printing some simple flyers and
dropping them in local letterboxes or pinning them up at cafes and community centres.
Offering a discount for first-time clients or referrals can also help get the ball rolling.
Don’t be shy about chatting to neighbours while working on a job. It is amazing how a
quick conversation can often lead to more work nearby.
Admittedly, word of mouth can be a slow burner at first. However, building trust and a
good reputation locally can quickly snowball into a solid list of loyal clients. - Councils, Schools and Government Contracts
Councils, schools, and government organisations around Sydney are always in need of
reliable gardeners and groundskeepers to maintain public parks, schoolyards, and
community spaces.
These roles often come with steady hours, good conditions, and the chance to work as
part of a team. So, you might even get to make some new mates while doing something
you love!
You’ll find job listings on council websites like the City of Sydney, Inner West Council,
Northern Beaches Council, and Parramatta Council, usually under their careers
sections.
It’s also worth checking out statewide job platforms like I Work for NSW or the Local
Government NSW Jobs Directory. These positions can be a great fit if you’re after long-
term, stable employment in the gardening and landscaping field.
What Skills Do You Need to Land Gardening Jobs in Sydney?
The good news is you don’t always need formal qualifications to do gardening work in
Sydney. For many roles, a great attitude, some basic plant knowledge, and physical
fitness will get you through the door.
That said, having the following definitely helps:
● White Card (for construction-related garden work)
● Horticulture certificate (e.g. from TAFE)
● Manual driver’s licence
● ABN if you’re freelancing
● Reliable equipment (mower, whipper snipper, etc.)
It is also true that soft skills matter, which is why it is essential to always be punctual,
polite, and take pride in your work, as this will help you build a solid reputation.