Leading Hand (Arboriculture)

City of Ipswich; Ipswich City; On-site; AUD 69,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

9 day fortnight: Every second weekend

Positive workplace culture

Work/Life balance

Diversity and inclusion

Learning and development

Health and well‑being

Leave options

Salary packaging

Job summary

Ipswich City Council’s Arboricultural Team is seeking a motivated leading hand to care for trees, parks and natural spaces across the region. In this hands-on role you will lead a small crew, perform pruning, tree surgery and removal, and operate specialist equipment to maintain public spaces for residents and visitors.

You will hold a Certificate III in Horticulture with Arboricultural competencies, a Chainsaw ticket and a current HR licence, with climbing qualifications and a commitment to

Qualifications

• Certificate III in Horticulture with Arboricultural competencies or equivalent experience.
• Chainsaw Operator’s ticket.
• Current HR Class driver’s licence.
• Climbing qualifications.
• Belief in safety and wellbeing, communication, collaboration, integrity, efficiency and leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the Arboricultural Team.
• Undertake tree pruning, tree surgery, tree removal and general arboricultural maintenance activities.
• Safely operate specialised arboricultural equipment, including chainsaws, woodchippers and elevated work platforms (EWPs).
• Perform advanced tree maintenance activities, including tree climbing and aerial arboriculture works.

Skills

Lead Arboricultural Team

Tree pruning

Tree surgery

Tree removal

Education

Certificate III in Horticulture with Arboricultural competencies

Tools

Chainsaw Operator’s ticket

HR Class driver’s licence

Climbing qualifications

Job description

About the role

If you are a motivated and experienced leading hand with a passion for trees, parks and natural spaces, come and join our dedicated Arboricultural Team. In this role, you will have the opportunity to make a visible difference to the community every day.

From caring for the region’s trees and green spaces to enhancing the safety, appearance and sustainability of public areas, your work will directly contribute to creating attractive and welcoming spaces for residents and visitors. This is a rewarding role for someone who enjoys working outdoors, thrives in a hands‑on environment and takes pride in delivering high‑quality outcomes. You’ll see the impact of your work firsthand while helping to maintain and enhance the community’s valued public spaces for future generations.

• Lead and support the Arboricultural Team
• Undertake tree pruning, tree surgery, tree removal and general arboricultural maintenance activities
• Safely operate specialised arboricultural equipment, including chainsaws, woodchippers and elevated work platforms (EWPs)
• Perform advanced tree maintenance activities, including tree climbing and aerial arboriculture works

About you

To be successful in this role you will have:

• Certificate III in Horticulture with Arboricultural competencies, or equivalent experience
• Chainsaw Operator’s ticket
• Current HR Class driver’s licence
• Climbing qualifications
• Belief in our values of safety and wellbeing, communication, collaboration, integrity, efficiency and leadership

About the benefits

This is a permanent full‑time position with a salary commencing at $76,889 plus 12.5% superannuation.

• 9 day fortnight: Every second weekend is a long weekend
• Positive workplace culture: Be part of a team that values positivity, inclusivity and a supportive environment where everyone can thrive
• Work/Life balance: A supportive approach to work/life balance to maintain your well‑being while fulfilling your work ambitions
• Diversity and inclusion: Work with a diverse workforce where different ideas and perspectives lead to innovation and better decision making
• Learning and development: Experience ongoing learning, development and career opportunities to enhance your skills, expertise and knowledge of industry trends
• Health and well‑being: Access to discounted gym memberships, employee assistance program and special events supporting your physical and mental health
• Leave options: Annual leave with 17.5% leave loading, cultural leave and other leave options
• Salary packaging: Tailor a variety of salary packaging options to your needs such as financial advice, income protection insurance, professional memberships, novated leases and more

About us

Ipswich is a dynamic blend of rich heritage, proud communities, diverse landscapes, and a lively energy all contributing to a region full of liveability and opportunity. It is the state’s fastest growing city and one of the oldest provincial cities.

Ipswich City Council contributes to our vibrant and growing region with teams operating across various industries delivering services to the community and creating our vision: ‘Ipswich, a city of opportunity for all. Join us.’

We have a workplace culture built on our values of safety and wellbeing, communication, collaboration, integrity, efficiency, and leadership. Come and join us in shaping the future of the city and its people.

Closing date: 22 October 2026

Please direct any related questions to Insert contact person name and email/phone or [e-mail]

Pre Employment Screening: Successful applicants must agree to provide information for pre‑employment screening including referee checks, validation of eligibility to work in Australia, criminal history check and may include health assessments, validation of qualifications and licences and other screening checks.

Ipswich City Council is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer: We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace by supporting equal opportunities regardless of gender, culture, generation, sexual orientation, or disability.

We promote a respectful workplace culture that is free from all forms of harassment, workplace bullying, discrimination, and violence.