Assistant Team Leader - Tree Services

Careers at Council; Cessnock City Council; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government council in Cessnock is seeking a motivated Assistant Team Leader. This full-time role involves delivering tree maintenance and planting programs. The ideal candidate will support the Lead Arborist, supervise staff, and ensure tasks are completed safely. A strong commitment to work safety, teamwork, and relevant qualifications are essential. This position offers a salary ranging from $65,871 to $76,272 plus superannuation.

Benefits

Monthly RDO

13% superannuation

Generous leave entitlements

Ongoing training opportunities

Corporate fitness program

Free flu vaccination program

Free parking on-site

Qualifications

• Must hold a Certificate III in Arboriculture or have the ability to obtain it within 12 months.
• Experience in tree removal and shrub maintenance is essential.
• Ability to demonstrate strong commitment to safe work practices.

Responsibilities

• Assist with tree removal, branch trimming, and maintenance.
• Support the Lead Arborist and supervise ground staff during aerial tree works.
• Operate and maintain equipment like chainsaws and woodchippers.

Skills

Hands-on teamwork

Tree maintenance

Positive attitude

Safe work practices

Education

Certificate III in Arboriculture

White Card

Current Chainsaw Operator Certificate

MR Licence

Tools

Chainsaws

Woodchippers

Hand tools

Job description

Cessnock, New South Wales

Full-time

About the Opportunity

We’re looking for a motivated, hands‑on Assistant Team Leader to help deliver our tree maintenance and planting programs across the Cessnock Local Government Area. If you thrive outdoors and enjoy working in a team that creates a real, visible impact in the community, this role brings variety, purpose, and the chance to see the results of your work every day.

In this role, you’ll assist with tree removal, branch trimming, planting and general tree and shrub maintenance. You’ll support the Lead Arborist on‑site and supervise ground staff during aerial tree works, ensuring tasks are completed safely, efficiently and to a high standard. You’ll also operate and maintain equipment such as chainsaws, woodchippers and hand tools.

To be considered, you must hold a Certificate III in Arboriculture (or have willingness and ability to obtain Cert III within 12 months of employment), a White Card, a current Chainsaw Operator Certificate, and an MR licence. We’re looking for someone who brings a positive attitude, works well within a team, and demonstrates a strong commitment to safe work practices.

Remuneration

$65,871 - $ 76,272 per annum plus superannuation

The Benefits

• Full‑time 38 hours per week
• Monthly RDO
• 13% superannuation
• Salary packaging option of novated leasing available for permanent staff
• Generous leave entitlements including Long Service Leave after 5 years
• Paid Parental Leave
• Ongoing training and development opportunities including access to Council’s Study Assistance program
• Generous corporate fitness program for you and your immediate family members
• Weekly Health and Wellbeing programs held on site
• Free flu vaccination program
• Free parking on‑site
• Beautiful location in the picturesque Hunter Valley!

What’s Next?

We encourage you to apply by completing the application form below and uploading a copy of your resume. Your candidate suitability is determined by your responses to the selection criteria questions. For more information on how to address the selection criteria please visit our How to apply page.

Pre‑Employment Screening

Please note, prior to an offer of employment being made, recommended candidates will be required to undertake a medical assessment (including drug and alcohol testing) and other pre‑employment checks, such as references, employment history checks, working with children checks or a criminal record check.

About Us

At Cessnock City Council our success is built by our people and core values. We offer you a direct connection to the community, providing opportunities to both inspire growth and sustainability in our diverse region. We’re committed to building a passionate and inclusive workforce.

We are committed to the value of respect, and we strive to have an inclusive workforce that is reflective of the diverse populations we serve. We welcome applications from qualified individuals of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans and people with disabilities.

We partner with the Veterans Employment Program and the NSW Government to implement recruitment practices dedicated to supporting veterans to pursue a career in local government. Our aim is to support veterans finding suitable, sustainable and meaningful employment.

There are options available to request adjustments. If you need any adjustments to be made to the recruitment process or if you would like to discuss any accessibility requirements, please contact [e-mail] for a confidential discussion.

Applications Close: Thursday 27 November 2025 at 11:30pm

Who to Contact: Lyall Green, Vegetation and Civic Spaces Coordinator on [phone]

You must have the right to live and work in Australia to apply for this position.

Guided by staff values of integrity, respect, teamwork, accountability and excellence, Cessnock City Council is indeed an attractive, thriving Council and employer of choice.

Apply for this role

Visit site

Share