Apprentice Arborist

Wagga Wagga City Council; Wagga Wagga; On-site; AUD 35,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Above award rates

Nine-day fortnight with study time

Mentoring crew

Job summary

Wagga Wagga City Council is seeking an Apprentice Arborist to learn on the job while completing a Certificate III in Arboriculture. The role starts early at 6am at the Parks Depot, with hands-on work pruning, planting and keeping trees healthy.

We offer above award rates, mentoring, a nine-day fortnight and paid study time each week, helping you grow your skills and start a trade with long‑term job opportunities in arboriculture.

Qualifications

• Apprentice position requires willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Class P1, P2 or C Driver’s Licence and White Card are required.
• Hepatitis B vaccination evidence may be requested.

Responsibilities

• Learn and assist with tree planting, pruning, inspections, dismantling and removals.
• Operate and maintain equipment such as chipper, chainsaws, loaders, EWP.
• Attend toolbox talks and safety checks; complete required documentation.
• Deliver quality customer service and represent Council in the community.

Skills

Teamwork

Outdoor work

Safety-first mindset

Communication

Education

Certificate III in Arboriculture

Job description

Love the idea of working outside, learning a trade, and being part of a great crew? As an Apprentice Arborist with Wagga Wagga City Council, you’ll earn while you learn, gaining hands‑on skills and experience while completing a Certificate III in Arboriculture.

Every day starts bright and early at 6am from the Parks Depot. You’ll check in at a toolbox talk, then head out with your team to tackle the day’s priority jobs; anything from pruning and planting to maintaining equipment and keeping our city’s trees maintained and healthy.

What we will offer:

Above award rates! Commencing salary of $1,721.00 gross per fortnight plus superannuation (at 18 years of age or older), varying rates subject to age and experience as per award provisions

A supportive crew who will mentor you and help you grow

A nine-day fortnight PLUS three (3) hours paid study time each week

Develop confidence, communication skills, and career pathways in arboriculture and beyond

Gain transferable skills with long-term job opportunities in a growing trade

Work that matters keeping our city green, safe and looking great

Your new role:

Learn and assist with tree planting, pruning, inspections, dismantling and removals

Operate and maintain a variety of plant and equipment (e.g. chipper, chainsaws, loaders, EWP)

Participate in toolbox talks, safety checks and complete required documentation

Deliver quality customer service and represent Council in the community

Work as part of a supportive team, building your skills, confidence and trade qualification

This role is best suited to someone who:

Likes (or at least has a positive attitude towards) working outdoors in all weather conditions (sun, rain, heat, cold, wind.. you get the gist)

Has an interest in trees and preserving the natural environment

Is reliable, focused and able to follow instructions in safety-first environment

Brings good communication skills and enjoys being part of a team

Is patient, willing to learn, and will put in the study required while working

What you will need to succeed:

Willingness to work and study, undertaking a Certificate III in Arboriculture

Class P1, P2 or C Driver’s Licence and White Card

A positive attitude and strong work ethic

In accordance with Work Health and Safety legislation, the successful applicant is required to be vaccinated for Hepatitis B and will be asked to provide evidence of this.

The Reality Check

The work is sometimes tough. It’s outdoors. It can get noisy and dusty and physically demanding. You’ll need to stay switched on to keep yourself and your team safe. But if you’re up for the challenge, you’ll come away with a nationally recognised qualification, loads of transferable skills, a trade that’s always in demand and offers plenty of career opportunities.

What is next?

Applications close Sunday, 15 November 2026 at 11.59pm AEST.

As part of the recruitment process, pre-employment checks will be conducted in line with the requirements of the position.

Council is an inclusive employer. We strive to reflect the community in which we work, as a result we welcome and encourage applications from skilled people from all walks of life. This includes women, men, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people with a disability, veterans, sexually and gender diverse people, people with lived experience and people of all ages.