Field Operator (Trees)

Clarence Valley Council; Grafton; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

9-day fortnight

Fitness Passport

Leadership programs

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Long service leave after 5 years

Job summary

Clarence Valley Council is seeking passionate applicants to maintain and improve the urban forest across road corridors, parks and reserves within the Clarence Valley. The role involves operating equipment, adhering to WHS standards and delivering high-quality municipal services to the community.

Applicants should hold a Certificate III in a relevant field (or equivalent experience), a White Card, a Class C Licence, and Chainsaw Certificates 1 and 2, with a demonstrated safety-first approach.

Qualifications

• Certificate III in relevant field or equivalent experience.
• Experience operating and maintaining equipment used in urban tree management.
• A current Class C Driver’s Licence and a General Construction Induction (White Card).
• Chainsaw Certificate Level 1 and Chainsaw Certificate Level 2 (Basic) with required endorsements.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and manage the urban forest across road corridors, parks and reserves.
• Follow WHS standards and safety procedures in daily tasks.

Skills

Equipment operation

WH&S compliance

Education

Certificate III in relevant field

White Card (Construction Induction)

Tools

Class C Driver’s Licence

Chainsaw Certificate Level 1

Chainsaw Certificate Level 2

Job description

Our goal is simple. We want Clarence Valley to be a community full of opportunity. We know that starts with our people.

Located in the heart of the Northern Rivers, the Clarence Valley is a special place to call home. With over 100km of stunning beaches, national parks and 60 unique towns and villages to enjoy, we’ve got a massive backyard to look after.

As one of the region’s largest employers, we provide the job security and career opportunities of a large organisation, with the warmth and connection of a local team.

We’re currently working on some big plans to make the Valley even better by 2036, and we need people who are ready to roll up their sleeves and be a part of something truly important.

Your opportunity

\"A society grows great when people plant trees in whose shade they know they shall never sit\"

Are you passionate about trees, share a desire to provide well maintained road corridors, community parks and reserves now and for future generations, and are looking for an opportunity to plan and deliver services valued by the community?

Our urban forest is made-up of a diverse range of species, planted over a number of historic periods, being interwoven with remnant locally-indigenous trees to create a mosaic of invaluable living assets for our communities. The management of this urban forest over the Clarence Valley local government area is a huge, physically demanding but very rewarding task.

We are seeking passionate applicants who have a strong desire to contribute to the improvement and general maintenance of Council’s urban forest across our road corridors, community parks and reserves.

We offer a great work life balance and STRIVE to make the Clarence Valley a community full of opportunity.

What you’ll bring

To thrive in this role, you’ll bring:

• Certificate III in relevant field; or equivalent relevant industry experience
• Experience operating and maintaining equipment used in urban tree management
• A current Class C Driver’s Licence and a General Construction Induction (White Card)
• Chainsaw Certificate Level 1 (trim and cross cut felled trees (must hold certification FPICOT2239A or equivalent) and Chainsaw Certificate Level 2 (Basic) (must hold Certification FPICOT2236 or equivalent, e.g.FPIFGM2208A)
• A safety-first approach, with a strong commitment to following WHS standards.

Applications close at 11:30pm 17 November 2026

To discuss this opportunity further, you can contact the hiring manager for a confidential chat:

Contact Josh Dunning, Team Leader Open Spaces on 02 6645 0***

Other important information

All successful candidates will be required to undertake a drug and alcohol screening and a pre-employment medical check may be required.

This position is located at Council's Rushforth Road Works Depot, however, this may change should business needs identify other work locations to be more appropriate to deliver our services in the future.

At Clarence Valley Council, we believe our diversity is our strength. We strongly encourage applications from First Nations people, veterans, and individuals of all backgrounds and abilities.

Why our team chooses Clarence Valley Council

• See the tangible results of your efforts in the streets, parks and infrastructure used by you and your loved ones every day.
• We invest in your potential through leadership programs, internal secondments and specialised training to keep your career moving forward.
• We empower you to lead a fulfilling life where family comes first - backed by a culture that genuinely respects your time.

We believe you shouldn’t have to choose between an impactful career and a relaxed, coastal lifestyle. That’s why we provide plenty of rewarding benefits so you can enjoy work and play in equal measure.

You’ll also be rewarded with a range of benefits

• Our popular 9-day fortnight offering gives you more time to spend with the people who matter most.
• Our Fitness Passport program provides discounted gym and pool access, not just for you, but for your entire household.
• Leadership programs, study assistance, internal secondments and on-the-job training to invest in your potential.
• Your wellbeing is always a priority - we have a zero-harm commitment, and you can access 24/7 confidential support through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Long service leave after 5 years employment.