Apprentice Arborist (Arboriculture)

Wagga Wagga City Council; Wagga Wagga; On-site; AUD 39,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Above award rates

Mentorship

Nine-day fortnight with study time

Career progression in arboriculture

Community‑focused role

Job summary

Wagga Wagga City Council invites applications for an Apprentice Arborist. You will learn on the job from a supportive crew, while earning a starting salary and working toward a Certificate III in Arboriculture.

Daily duties include planting, pruning, and tree maintenance, plus operating equipment such as chippers and chainsaws. It’s a safety‑first role with paid study time each week and clear pathways into the trade.

Qualifications

• Willingness to undertake a Certificate III in Arboriculture
• Valid Driver’s Licence (P1, P2 or C) and White Card
• Commitment to safety and learning on the job

Responsibilities

• 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 required documentation
• Deliver quality customer service and represent Council in the community
• Work with a team to develop trade skills and confidence

Skills

Willingness to learn

Safety minded

Team player

Education

Certificate III Arboriculture (in progress)

Tools

Chipper

Chainsaws

Loaders

EWP

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.

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.