Lawn Mowing Jobs In Australia With Visa sponsorship

Australia’s demand for lawn mowing and grounds maintenance spans councils, schools and universities, golf clubs, resorts, aged care facilities, stadiums, and facility management contractors.

Overseas applicants can be hired where local supply is insufficient, but sponsorship depends on mapping the job to an eligible ANZSCO occupation, meeting indexed salary thresholds and the local market rate, and satisfying AHPRA-equivalent (not applicable) professional checks where relevant to safety and licensing.

This guide covers real sponsorship pathways, eligibility, tickets and licences, pay and conditions, the application process, and how to avoid pitfalls.

Why Lawn Mowing Jobs Are in Demand in Australia

Australia’s demand for lawn mowing and grounds maintenance keeps rising because green spaces are woven into daily life—suburban blocks, strata estates, schools, hospitals, parks, and world-class sporting turf.

A long growing season in many regions means year-round maintenance, with peak surges in spring and summer (and tropical growth in the north) driving extra crews.

Rapid housing development and new public landscapes add fresh hectares of turf each year, while councils and facility management firms deliver services under performance contracts that require reliable, scheduled mowing.

Demographics amplify demand. An ageing population, busy dual-income households, and expanding commercial precincts outsource garden care for safety, convenience, and presentation.

Seasonal tourism hubs, golf resorts, and event venues also lift staffing during high-profile periods. Compliance pushes work volume too: WHS standards, amenity requirements, and fire mitigation (fuel-load reduction on verges and reserves) all mandate regular mowing cycles.

Technology adds, not replaces jobs. Zero-turn mowers, battery tools, and GPS routing boost productivity, but sites still need skilled operators with White Card, Traffic Control, or ChemCert where applicable.

Persistent regional skills gaps mean experienced gardeners/greenkeepers remain sought after, and some employers pursue visa sponsorship when local hiring falls short. The result is steady, predictable demand across metro and regional Australia.

Visa Sponsorship Options for Lawn Mowing Jobs in Australia

Australia’s grounds and turf sector councils, facility management (FM) firms, golf courses, schools, resorts, and large estates can sponsor experienced lawn and turf workers when they can’t find suitably skilled locals.

Success depends on mapping the job to an eligible ANZSCO occupation, meeting indexed salary thresholds and the market rate, and proving the role is genuine full time.

Which visas actually work

1. Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)

Best for: Large FM contracts, councils, greenkeeping teams, and landscape companies.
How it works: Employer becomes an approved sponsor, nominates you in an eligible occupation such as ANZSCO 362211 Gardener (General), 362213 Landscape Gardener, or 362311 Greenkeeper.
Key tests: Indexed salary thresholds on guaranteed base pay (not overtime) and market rate parity with Australians; duties must match ANZSCO; Labour Market Testing usually required.

2. Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494)

Best for: Roles in a designated regional area (common for councils, resorts, and regional turf venues).
Why choose it: A provisional visa with a pathway to permanent residence via the regional stream when residence and income settings are met.
Same pay rules: Indexed thresholds + market rate, full-time, and correct ANZSCO mapping.

3. Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)

Best for: Experienced hires where the employer is ready to back permanent residence now or after time on 482.
What to know: Must still satisfy occupation fit, salary, and genuine need requirements.

4. DAMA labour agreement (region-specific)

Best for: Regions with a Designated Area Migration Agreement that lists Gardener/Greenkeeper or related grounds roles.
Why it helps: May offer concessions (e.g., English, salary, age) and sponsorship via 482/494 under a labour agreement. Availability is region-dependent.

Eligibility and Registration Requirements

1. Occupation mapping (make or break for sponsorship)

Your day-to-day duties must align to an eligible ANZSCO code:

362211 Gardener (General): mowing, edging/brush-cutting, hedge trimming, planting, mulching, irrigation fixes, routine grounds care.
362213 Landscape Gardener: gardener duties plus soft landscaping, minor hardscapes, site set-out, client liaison.
362311 Greenkeeper: sports turf—cylinder/reel mowing, verti-cutting, aeration, top-dressing, irrigation programming, turf renovation, pest/disease management.

Tip: Your position description, tools, and roster should clearly match the nominated code.

2. Visa pathways that actually fit mowing/grounds roles

Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482): employer sponsorship nationwide for eligible Gardener/Greenkeeper/Landscape Gardener roles.
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494): for jobs in a designated regional area, with a pathway to permanent residence via the regional stream.
Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186): permanent residence for experienced hires (direct entry or after time on 482).
DAMA labour agreement: region-specific; where listed, may offer concessions (e.g., English, salary, age) and sponsorship via 482/494.

3. Core eligibility checklist (candidate)

Occupation fit: Duties align with 362211/362213/362311; PD reflects real tools (e.g., ride-on/zero-turn mowers, edgers, hedge trimmers, blowers, basic irrigation).
Qualifications: Certificate III in Horticulture, Parks & Gardens, Landscape Construction, or Turf Management; or RPL showing equivalent skills.
Experience: Recent, verifiable multi-site grounds work; for turf roles, evidence of greens/sports field maintenance and renovation cycles.
Licences: Manual driver’s licence (often essential); MR/HR helpful for towing plant and trailers.
English, health, character: Meet visa English level and pass medical and police checks.
Safety record: Proven WHS habits—PPE use, risk assessments, pre-start checks, noise/UV/vibration controls, incident reporting.

4. Registration, licences, and site tickets (role-dependent)

There is no national registration for lawn mowing, but employers commonly require:

White Card (construction induction) for new estates/building sites.
Traffic Control accreditation for roadside/verge mowing.
Chemical handling credentials (e.g., ChemCert or state agricultural chemical user permit) for herbicides/pesticides.
EWP/Working at Heights for hedges, signage, or elevated tasks; High-Risk Work licence only if equipment meets legal thresholds.
Chainsaw ticket for pruning/limb work.
First Aid/CPR, manual handling training.
Site inductions (client/council/FM) and sign-off on SWMS/JSA before starting.

(Your employer should specify exactly which tickets apply to their sites.)

5. Employer obligations (sponsor-side requirements)

Approved sponsor (or DAMA endorsement) with a genuine full-time vacancy.
Salary compliance: Guaranteed base pay meets indexed salary thresholds and the market rate—overtime/bonuses cannot be used to reach the threshold.
Labour Market Testing where required, with proper evidence.
Accurate PD & ANZSCO mapping: Duties, tools, and roster match the nominated occupation.
Equivalent terms and conditions: Same penalties, allowances, and superannuation settings as Australians in the same role; compliant payslips and record-keeping.

6. Pay and conditions (sponsor-aware summary)

Base salary set under the relevant award or enterprise agreement for your classification.
Penalties & overtime: early starts, weekends/public holidays, overtime (instrument-dependent).
Allowances: leading hand, mobile plant, wet weather, uniform/tool, travel/site where applicable.
Superannuation: Employer super paid on top of ordinary time earnings (unless stated as a total package).

7. Evidence pack (what to prepare before lodgement)

Passport, consistent civil documents, and CV tailored to ANZSCO duties.
Qualifications/RPL certificates; tickets/licences (White Card, Traffic Control, ChemCert, EWP/Heights, Chainsaw, First Aid).
Employment references on letterhead detailing sites, tools, duties, and dates.
Driver’s licence scans (manual, MR/HR if held).
Police and any requested medical evidence.
Draft employment contract showing classification, base pay, hours/roster, allowances, and superannuation.

Step-by-step Application Process

Map the role to ANZSCO
Confirm 362211 Gardener (General), 362213 Landscape Gardener, or 362311 Greenkeeper matches day-to-day duties.
Choose the visa route
482 (nationwide), 494 (regional), 186 (PR) or DAMA where listed. Avoid non-eligible codes for standard mowing roles.
Confirm the sponsor
Employer is an approved sponsor or holds DAMA endorsement. Agree the work locations, sites, and roster.
Set pay correctly
Offer must clear indexed thresholds on guaranteed base and meet the market rate. Include classification, hours, penalties, allowances, and super in writing.
Labour Market Testing
Employer completes LMT where required and retains full evidence.
Build your evidence pack
Passport, CV, references, qualifications/RPL, licence copies (manual, MR/HR), tickets (White Card, ChemCert, Traffic Control, EWP/Heights, First Aid), police and medical as requested.
Lodge nomination and visa
Employer lodges the nomination; you lodge the visa with all supporting documents. Respond to any requests for further information promptly.
Arrival and onboarding
Complete WHS induction, site SWMS/JSA sign-offs, equipment training, and issue of PPE. Verify payroll, payslips, and super setup.
Pathway to PR
Track eligibility for ENS 186 or the regional PR route (if on 494), keeping clean employment, income, and ticket currency records.

Salary Expectations for Lawn Mowing Jobs in Australia with Visa Sponsorship

For overseas workers interested in lawn mowing jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship, understanding the salary expectations is crucial before applying.

The landscaping and gardening industry is growing steadily, and many employers are open to sponsoring skilled and reliable workers to fill labor shortages, especially in regional areas.

Average Pay Rates

Hourly wages: Lawn mowing workers typically earn between AUD 22 – AUD 28 per hour, depending on the employer, region, and level of experience.
Full-time annual salary: On a full-time basis, this translates to approximately AUD 45,000 – AUD 60,000 per year.
Overtime and penalty rates: Extra pay may apply for evening work, weekends, or public holidays, in line with the Gardening and Landscaping Services Award.

Factors Affecting Salary

Experience and Skills – Workers with professional landscaping, equipment handling, or garden maintenance experience may command higher wages.
Location – Jobs in metropolitan cities like Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane may offer slightly higher hourly rates due to higher demand, while regional jobs may come with added visa sponsorship benefits.
Type of Employer – Working for a landscaping company, council, or private contractor can affect salary structures and conditions.
Visa Sponsorship Agreement – Some employers may provide additional benefits such as accommodation support, transport allowance, or relocation assistance as part of the sponsorship package.
Workload and Season – Lawn mowing demand is higher during warmer months, which can lead to more hours and increased earnings.

Additional Benefits

Access to superannuation contributions (employer retirement savings).
Protective equipment and tools often supplied by the employer.
Opportunities for career growth into broader landscaping or groundskeeping roles.
Equal pay and workplace protections under the Fair Work Act.

How to estimate your real-world earnings (no numbers needed)

Base: Classification rate × ordinary hours.
Penalties: Add early, night, weekend, and public holiday loadings based on your roster.
Allowances: Add mobile plant, leading hand, wet-weather, tool/uniform, travel/site (only those you’ll actually receive).
Weather factor: Grounds work is weather-sensitive; include a small contingency for wash-outs or site shutdowns.
Superannuation: Add employer super to see total employment cost; remember this is separate from take-home unless your offer is a total package.
Deductions: Subtract any lawful, agreed deductions (e.g., uniforms or accommodation) to view your likely net.

How to Find Legitimate Sponsors and Avoid Pitfalls

1. Know the real pathways

Skills in Demand 482 — nationwide employer sponsorship.
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional 494 — for designated regional areas, with a PR pathway later.
Employer Nomination Scheme 186 — permanent residence where eligible.
DAMA labour agreement — region-specific concessions; only valid where Gardener/Greenkeeper/Landscape Gardener is listed.
If a business promises “sponsorship” for mowing but cannot name 482/494/186 or a DAMA, treat it as a red flag.

2. Target employers with genuine demand

Prioritise councils, facility management (FM) contractors, golf/turf venues, universities, schools, aged-care providers, resorts, and large estates.

These organisations run multi-site contracts that require year-round crews and are most likely to be or become approved sponsors.

3. Verify the sponsor — quick due diligence

Ask for proof in writing:

Business identity: legal name, ABN/ACN, worksite addresses, and a company email domain.
Sponsor status: Are you an approved sponsor or using a DAMA/labour agreement Which visa subclass will be lodged
Occupation mapping: Which ANZSCO code (362211/362213/362311) and which daily duties/tools justify it
Labour Market Testing: If required, have they completed compliant advertising and retained evidence

4. Insist on a sponsor-ready contract

Your draft contract should clearly state:

Classification/grade, base salary, ordinary hours/roster (full-time), location(s).
Penalties, overtime rules, and allowances (e.g., mobile plant, leading hand, wet-weather, uniform/tool, travel/site).
Superannuation on top of ordinary time earnings (unless a total-package offer is stated).
No unlawful deductions. Any accommodation or vehicle charges must be reasonable, agreed in writing, and must not undercut minimum pay.

Two pay tests (both must be met):

Indexed salary thresholds on guaranteed base pay (don’t rely on overtime/bonuses).
Market rate parity with Australians in the same role, grade, and location.

5. Check safety, sites, and ticket requirements

Legitimate sponsors outline onboarding and safety:

WHS induction, PPE, and site SWMS/JSA sign-offs.
Tickets that fit the job: White Card (construction sites), Traffic Control (roadside), ChemCert/chemical user permit (herbicides), EWP/Working at Heights, Chainsaw, First Aid/CPR.
Equipment list: ride-on/zero-turn mowers, cylinder/reel mowers for turf, edgers/brush-cutters, hedge trimmers, blowers, and basic irrigation tools.

6. Interview questions that reveal legitimacy

Which visa subclass will you nominate me for, and why does my role fit that ANZSCO
How does the base salary meet the indexed threshold and the market rate
What penalties, allowances, and superannuation apply to my roster
Have you completed Labour Market Testing (if required)
What tickets must I hold before starting (e.g., White Card, Traffic Control, ChemCert)
What does the WHS induction cover and who is my site supervisor

7. Red flags — walk away if you see these

Requests to pay sponsorship fees, “job purchase” payments, or cash to secure interviews.
Pressure to start on a visitor visa, cash-in-hand, or ABN for what is clearly a full-time employee role.
Base pay that only reaches the visa income threshold after counting overtime or discretionary bonuses.
No written contract, refusal to share ABN/ACN, or a contract with missing classification, superannuation, or allowance details.
Duties that don’t match the nominated ANZSCO (e.g., mostly construction landscaping under a Gardener code).

8. Simple verification email you can copy

Hello [Name],
Please confirm your sponsor status (approved sponsor or DAMA), the visa subclass you will use, and the ANZSCO code for my role.

Kindly share a draft employment contract showing base salary, hours/roster, allowances, penalties, and superannuation, plus any ticket requirements (White Card, Traffic Control, ChemCert). If Labour Market Testing applies, please confirm it has been completed. Thank you.

Conclusion

Securing visa sponsorship for lawn mowing and turf roles in Australia is realistic when three pillars align: a correct ANZSCO match (362211 Gardener, 362213 Landscape Gardener, 362311 Greenkeeper), a compliant approved sponsor, and a contract that clears indexed salary thresholds and meets the market rate for a genuine full-time job.

Before you commit, insist on a detailed position description, written contract (classification, base pay, penalties, allowances, superannuation), and confirmation of any Labour Market Testing.

Walk away from requests to pay sponsorship fees, vague offers, or pay that only clears thresholds after overtime. With the right evidence pack and a transparent employer, lawn and turf roles can take you from offer to onboarding and, where eligible, toward permanent residence confidently and compliantly.