Arborist

Mackay Regional Council; Mackay Regional; On-site; AUD 68,000 - 71,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 18% superannuation (conditions)

Flexible 9-day fortnight roster

Study and career development programs

Employee health and wellbeing programs

Leave entitlements with 4 or 5 weeks

Job summary

Mackay Regional Council is seeking a skilled Arborist to join the Parks & Open Spaces team. You will provide expert tree care, support arboriculture activities, and contribute to community safety and beauty. Learn and complete arbour qualifications on the job with development opportunities.

The role covers pruning, risk assessment, equipment operation, and mentoring junior staff within a banded Level 3-5 position. A flexible 9-day fortnight and career development options are available.

Qualifications

• General Construction Induction Training.
• QLD C Class Drivers Licence or interstate equivalent with transfer within three months of commencement.
• ACDC Licence (Level 4-5).
• MR Licence (Level 4-5).
• EWP high-risk work (HRW) Licence (Level 4-5).
• Working at Heights ticket (Level 4-5).
• Chainsaw Level 1, 2, & Pole Saw ticket (Level 4-5).
• Certificate III in Arboriculture (Level 4) or Diploma in Arboriculture (Level 5).
• Vehicle loading crane training (Level 4-5).
• Ground-based rigging (Arboriculture) training (Level 4).
• Aerial rescue training (Level 5).

Responsibilities

• Perform tree pruning and removal tasks, ranging from basic to specialised arboriculture maintenance.
• Assess tree health, risk, and maintenance needs, providing input or making recommendations as required.
• Install and remove decorations and banners, including working at heights when necessary.
• Operate and maintain small plant, power tools, and equipment relevant to the position.
• Assist or facilitate maintenance of trucks and other major machinery used by the work team.
• Utilise technological devices for communication, data collection, and work orders.
• Complete scheduled works and contribute to the successful delivery of specific projects.
• Meet customer and stakeholder requirements while maintaining Council’s image and reputation.
• Support and mentor less experienced staff within the crew (where applicable).
• Carry out additional responsibilities as directed by your immediate supervisor within the scope of this position.

Education

General Construction Induction Training

QLD C Class Drivers Licence or interstate equivalent

ACDC Licence (Level 4-5)

MR Licence (Level 4-5)

Elevating Work Platform (EWP) high-risk work (HRW) Licence (Level 4-5)

Working at Heights ticket (Level 4-5)

Chainsaw Level 1, 2, & Pole Saw ticket (Level 4-5)

Certificate III in Arboriculture (Level 4) or Diploma in Arboriculture (Level 5)

Operate a vehicle loading crane training (Level 4-5)

Ground-based rigging (Arboriculture) training (Level 4)

Undertake aerial rescue training (Level 5)

Job description

Love working outdoors? Passionate about trees, teamwork, and making a visible impact in your community? Mackay Regional Council is seeking a skilled arborist to join our Parks & Open Spaces team.

About This Opportunity

As an Arborist, you will support arboriculture activities within Council’s public open space network, providing expert tree care and maintenance, and contributing to the safety and beauty of our community. You’ll work under the direction of the Supervisor or Team Leader, collaborating with a dedicated crew.

Not a qualified arborist? Not a problem. Mackay Regional Council offers successful candidates learning and career development opportunities so you’re able to learn as you work and complete your arbour qualifications and other essential training for the role through Mackay regional Council.

This is a banded Level 3-5 position.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform tree pruning and removal tasks, ranging from basic to specialised arboriculture maintenance.
• Assess tree health, risk, and maintenance needs, providing input or making recommendations as required.
• Install and remove decorations and banners, including working at heights when necessary.
• Operate and maintain small plant, power tools, and equipment relevant to the position.
• Assist or facilitate maintenance of trucks and other major machinery used by the work team.
• Utilise technological devices for communication, data collection, and work orders.
• Complete scheduled works and contribute to the successful delivery of specific projects.
• Meet customer and stakeholder requirements while maintaining Council’s image and reputation.
• Support and mentor less experienced staff within the crew (where applicable).
• Carry out additional responsibilities as directed by your immediate supervisor within the scope of this position.

Essential Qualifications, Experience & Skills

Essential

• General Construction Induction Training.
• QLD "C" Class Drivers Licence or interstate equivalent. Note: interstate licences must be transferred to QLD within three (3) months of commencement.

Desirable

• Agricultural Chemicals Distribution Control (ACDC) Licence (Level 4-5).
• Medium Rigid (MR) Licence. (Level 4-5).
• Elevating Work Platform (EWP) high-risk work (HRW) Licence (Level 4-5).
• Working at Heights ticket (Level 4-5).
• Chainsaw Level 1, 2, & Pole Saw ticket (Level 4-5).
• Certificate III in Arboriculture (Level 4) or Diploma in Arboriculture (Level 5).
• Operate a vehicle loading crane training (Level 4-5).
• Conduct ground-based rigging (Arboriculture) training (Level 4).
• Undertake aerial rescue training (Level 5).

We Offer The Following Benefits

• Base annual salary of $68,187.87 - $70,813.93 plus allowances as applicable (the level offered will be determined on the successful candidates’ qualifications and experience. This is a banded Level 3-5 position).
• Up to 18% superannuation (conditions apply).
• Choice of 4 or 5 weeks’ annual leave with 17.5% leave loading.
• Flexible work arrangements with a 9-day fortnight roster.
• May be eligible for salary sacrificing options.
• Membership to lifestyle benefits program including corporate discounts.
• Study and assistance programs for career development.
• Learning and career development opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Employee health and wellbeing initiatives.
• Active Social Clubs.

Want to know more about this role?

View the Position Description (PD) for this role in the document attachments.

Applications Close

Thursday, 24 September 2026

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer, where all applicants are treated fairly and respectfully and have equal access to all available opportunities. At Mackay Regional Council, diversity is about creating a respectful and inclusive workplace that recognises our employees' unique contributions and perspectives, working together to deliver extraordinary results.