Join Mercando: Where Gardening Meets Social & Environmental Good - Melbourne-Wide

Are you a professional gardener that is also focused on promoting social or environmental causes in your community? At Mercando, we're not just about beautiful gardens; we're about fostering communities and sparking change. Be a part of a network that values your skills and the unique impact you are bringing to the world.

The Role: Gardening Specialist

You will complete community focused gardening for the elderly, people with disability, childcare/schools and socially conscious people and organisations. You'll be part of a diverse network of gardeners passionate about a variety of causes, ranging from community gardens to wildlife conservation and sustainable practices.

You can also join our Disability Employment Initiative, a meaningful opportunity to mentor, support and work alongside gardeners with disability, fostering inclusivity and empowerment. The initiative has already created 13 above minimum wage gardening positions for people with disability around Melbourne.

Flexible Work

You are your own boss, so you decide what days, locations and times you want to garden and we'll find you gardening clients to match this.

Join a community

If you feel like networking, we organise regular social meetups with the other professional gardeners at Mercando, so you can share insights, learn from one another, and build connections that enrich your professional journey. Together, we not only cultivate gardens but also foster a supportive and collaborative community dedicated to making a difference.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver a comprehensive range of gardening maintenance services independently, including lawn mowing, edging, hedging and weed control. Extra skill sets from landscapers, horticulturists, landscape designers and arborists are a plus.
• Operate and maintain your own tools and equipment while adhering to safety standards.
• Work either solo or supporting a gardener with disability in our Mercando disability employment initiative.
• Comply with all health and safety protocols so everyone can stay safe while working.

Requirements

• At least one year full-time experience in a professional garden maintenance role or similar job.
• A valid driver’s license.
• Vehicle or trailer capable of transporting tools safely and ownership of basic gardening equipment (mower, line trimmer, blower, hedger etc.). If you currently do not have tools or a vehicle that can safely transport them, we have temporary casual employment options where you can use Mercando's work vehicle and professional tools.
• ABN and gardening liability insurance (we can help you set this up if you need).
• Openness to undergo background checks: police and working with children.
• Physical robustness for manual and outdoor tasks.
• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills.