Apprentice Arborist (Arboriculture) Copy

City of Wagga Wagga; Wagga Wagga; On-site; AUD 40,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Nine-day fortnight

Three hours paid study time per week

Mentorship by qualified crew

Career pathways in arboriculture

Job summary

City of Wagga Wagga is offering an Apprenticeship Arborist role designed to train you while you work. You will gain hands-on skills and begin a Certificate III in Arboriculture, supported by an experienced crew.

You’ll learn planting, pruning, inspections and removals, operate equipment, attend safety briefings, and provide customer service as part of a team that keeps the city green and safe.

Qualifications

• Willingness to learn and gain hands-on arboriculture skills.
• Ability to follow safety protocols on worksites.
• Open to completing Certificate III in Arboriculture during apprenticeship.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Arboriculture basics

Safety awareness

Customer service

Teamwork

Education

Certificate III in Arboriculture

Tools

Chipper

Chainsaws

Loader

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.

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 a 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.

If you are interested in this role and would like more information, please contact Roland Ridley, Team Leader Parks Operations (Tree Maintenance) on 02 6926 9610.

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.