About this role
We’re proud to announce a major milestone for Downer.
Downer has been awarded the Property and Asset Services (PAS) contract to deliver base and estate services across their two largest regions NSW/ACT and QLD. This is a significant milestone for our business and our enduring 80+ year relationship with the Australian Defence Force.
We’re inviting applications to join our permanent workforce at RAAF Base Williamtown as a Leading Hand – Grounds & Gardens. We’re committed to building a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to contribute.
Commencing February 2026, we’re looking for people from all backgrounds – whether you bring Defence experience, industry knowledge, or transferable skills from other sectors.
If you’re passionate about contributing to Defence capability and want to be part of a high-performing, inclusive team – express your interest today.
What You’ll Do
This role offers a broad scope, with key responsibilities including:
Providing basic supervision of grounds and garden maintenance teams ensuring upkeep of estates
Supervise inspection, maintenance and upkeep of site grounds & gardens
Ensure work delivered aligns with Gardens and Grounds requirements
Use of Grounds and Gardens delivery and inspection plans
What You’ll Bring
Certificate III/IV in Horticulture. (desirable)
Diploma in Landscape Management. (desirable)
Grounds maintenance experience
Horticulture expertise
Ability to obtain and maintain a Defence Security Clearance (Australian citizenship is mandatory).
Current open driver’s licence.
More than anything, you’ll bring a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes for our clients.
Why Downer?
At Downer, we plan, create, and sustain essential public services across Australia and New Zealand. From hospitals to data centres and defence partnerships, we manage critical infrastructure that keeps communities thriving.
Downer is a sovereign-owned, ASX-listed Australian company and proud recipient of the Estate & Infrastructure Business of the Year (2025) and Prime Contractor of the Year for two consecutive years (2024, 2025). With over 80 years of support to the Australian Defence Force (ADF), our Base and Estate Management team delivers innovative solutions and integrated services to both the ADF and New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF).
What It Means to Belong at Downer
We’re proud of our high-performance culture and commitment to diversity, offering:
Training and development to support and diversify your career.
With 30% of vacancies filled internally you’ll find real opportunities to advance your career.
Perks@Downer: healthcare discounts, great savings on retail purchases, car purchases and much more.
Employee Assistance Program: professional support for you and your family when you need it most.
You want your work to matter and so do we. With over 26,000 people across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, our team is made up of individuals with unique perspectives, backgrounds, and ideas.
We know that diversity makes us stronger and we actively celebrate it through our commitment to inclusion and belonging.
We’re committed to building a team that reflects the diverse communities we serve and we welcome people of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, cultures, abilities, and lived experiences. We especially encourage applications from those whose voices have traditionally been underrepresented in our industry, including women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Māori and Pasifika Peoples, veterans, people with disability, and neurodivergent individuals. Even if your experience doesn’t align perfectly with this role, we’d still like to hear from you. If it feels like the right fit, apply - potential counts, and so do you.
As a WORK180 Endorsed Employer, we support flexibility that works for your life, inclusive leadership that values your voice, and equitable access to opportunity so you can do your best work and bring your whole self to it.
If you need support or adjustments through the recruitment process, just let us know, we’re here to help you put your best foot forward.
What You'll Need to Apply
Please submit your application by following the link at the Apply Now button along with your CV and any applicable certificates and licenses.
Other facts
About Downer
Enabling communities to thrive.
It’s what we’ve done for more than 150 years. Solving problems. Making the extraordinary run smoothly every day. We’re keeping the lights on and the water flowing. Running the hospitals that take care of us. Delivering the transport that takes us from A to B. Maintaining communication networks that keep people connected. Helping our Government and Defence customers keep them protected. Delivering train fleets. Building bridges, roads and streets. Now we’re building momentum too. Moving forward even faster.
Across Australia and New Zealand, we’re transforming the way we work. Unlocking our potential to lead by example. Using our passion and expertise to deliver complex projects and turn fresh ideas into solutions that make society a better place. Creating opportunities for our people, growth and value for our shareholders, and world-class solutions for our customers. Imagining. Innovating. Engineering. Enabling.
What you'll do
- The Leading Hand – Grounds & Gardens will supervise grounds and garden maintenance teams, ensuring the upkeep of estates. Responsibilities include inspecting and maintaining site grounds and gardens in alignment with delivery and inspection plans.
Ready to join Downer?
Take the next step in your career journey