Field Officer

You could move into higher roles such as Horticulturist/Gardener, Arborist, Field Supervisor, and Manager of Field Services.

Great for people who enjoy

• Being outdoors
• Doing hands-on work
• Being physically active
• Growing plants
• Making places for people to meet and play
• Seeing the results of their work
• Having a different day every day
• Using – not leaning on! – a shovel

Pathways to work

So, you know you want to be a Field Officer. How do you get started? And what’s next?

Qualifications and experience

Some roles are open to people without formal qualifications. Others require civil plant operation tickets or a tertiary qualification in landscape, parks, recreation, heritage or horticulture.

You may be able to learn on the job through an apprenticeship.

Study options:

• Certificate II in Landscaping
• Certificate II or III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management
• Certificate II, III or IV in Parks and Gardens
• Certificate II, III or Diploma of Sports Turf Management
• Certificate III in Civil Construction
• Certificate III in Landscape Construction
• Certificate III in Protected Horticulture
• Certificate III, IV or Diploma of Horticulture
• Certificate III or Diploma of Arboriculture
• Certificate IV or Diploma of Landscape Construction Management
• Diploma of Landscape Design
• Diploma of Horticulture Management

Training and apprenticeships

You can earn a certificate or diploma through an apprenticeship. Some training may be subsidised, which means the government would pay part or all of the course cost.

Next steps:

• Visit TAFE SA for more information.
• Search My Training (Skills SA) for subsidised courses.
• Use our job search to find councils offering apprenticeships.

Still at school?

Check Student Pathways for school-based opportunities or talk to your VET Coordinator.