Leading Hand Natural Environment Maintenance

Baw Baw Shire Council; Warragul; Hybrid; AUD 73,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Flexible work options

Learning and development opportunities

Rostered day off every four weeks

Career development opportunities

Study/development assistance

Employee Assistance Programs

Close to Public transport

Ample free parking nearby

Job summary

Baw Baw Shire Council is seeking a Natural Environment Leading Hand to support maintenance across wetlands, waterways and native vegetation. This hands-on role coordinates daily tasks and provides technical guidance while ensuring safety and standard maintenance practices.

The ideal candidate will have horticultural qualifications, experience with plant operations, and a strong safety culture. Hybrid work, strong community focus and local training opportunities are offered.

Qualifications

• Relevant horticultural qualification or proven natural environment maintenance experience.
• Experience with native vegetation, wetlands and waterways.
• Hands-on plant and machinery operation in related settings.
• Knowledge of safety systems and safe work practices.
• Experience guiding and supporting team members daily.
• Strong communication and record-keeping skills.
• Current Victorian Driver Licence and MR truck licence (Desirable).

Responsibilities

• Coordinate day-to-day maintenance across wetlands, waterways and native vegetation.
• Provide on-ground guidance and support to the team.
• Contribute to open space maintenance standards and safety.

Skills

Horticultural qualification

Native vegetation maintenance

Wetlands and waterways

Plant & machinery operation

OHS/safe work practices

Task coordination

Communication skills

Record keeping

Education

Horticultural qualification

Tools

Chainsaw

MR truck licence

Driver Licence (Vic)

Chem Cert

First Aid Level II

ACUP accreditation

Job description

• Band 4: $73,288 - $78,064 + 12% Superannuation + weekly RDO
• Permanent/Full Time (4 days a week)
• Play a key role in protecting and enhancing natural reserves that support biodiversity and improve the community’s experience across Baw Baw Shire.

About Baw Baw Shire Council

A Baw Baw Shire Council career goes beyond business as usual. You'll find exciting development pathways rich in opportunity. Our thriving and engaged culture-first workplace is built on the passion and talent of people who proudly deliver vital services and exciting projects to a community they care about.

Our organisation comprises of a multicultural workplace of around 400 full-time, part-time and casual employees, all benefiting from great flexibility, work/life sway, study support, health and wellbeing initiatives and ongoing learning and development programs.

At Baw Baw Shire Council, we invite our people to tackle projects that keep them inspired. We encourage the exploration of new ideas. We support the enhancement of building on current skills and developing new ones.

Located adjacent to Melbourne, Baw Baw Shire is one of Victoria's fastest growing municipalities with freeway and V/Line access into Melbourne's CBD and suburbs. This allows easy access to training, seminars and conferences in the city, without diminishing the direct impact that comes from working within a close-knit rural community.

To learn more visit www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au

About the Role

Baw Baw Shire Council is seeking a motivated and experienced Natural Environment Leading Hand to support the delivery of natural environment maintenance activities across wetlands, waterways and areas of native vegetation.

This is a hands-on, operational role that works alongside the team, providing day-to-day coordination, guidance and technical support while contributing directly to the on-ground maintenance works for Council’s Natural Environment Reserves. The role does not have formal supervisory accountability but plays a key part in setting daily priorities, supporting safe work practices and maintaining service standards in line with Council’s Open Space Maintenance Standards.

About the Successful Candidate

To be successful in this role, you will bring strong practical skills, a safety-first mindset and the ability to lead by example on the ground.

You will ideally have:

• A relevant horticultural qualification and/or demonstrated experience in natural environment maintenance, including native vegetation, wetlands and waterways.
• Hands-on experience operating plant and machinery within a horticultural, land management or natural environment setting.
• Sound knowledge of OHS systems and safe work practices, with the ability to identify hazards and promote safe behaviours in daily operations.
• Experience providing day-to-day guidance, task coordination and on-the-job support to team members.
• Well-developed communication skills and the ability to engage professionally with colleagues, community members and stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to maintain accurate records and work documentation.

Desirable qualifications and licences include:

• Current Victorian Driver Licence.
• Medium Rigid (MR) truck licence.
• Chainsaw, Chem Cert, First Aid Level II and/or ACUP accreditation.

Personal attributes that will support your success include:

• A proactive and reliable approach to work.
• The ability to work collaboratively and support others as part of a team.
• A practical, solutions-focused mindset.
• Strong attention to safety, quality and environmental outcomes.
• The initiative to take ownership of tasks and contribute positively to team performance.

Why you'll love working at Baw Baw

We believe in fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued. We support diversity and encourage applications from persons of all backgrounds. Here are some reasons why you might love working with us:

• Hybrid work is the norm here at Baw Baw for roles that can support it.
• Flexible work options, Baw Baw is committed to work-life balance.
• Learning and development opportunities through professional development programs.
• Access to rostered day off every four weeks (when working full time.)
• Career development opportunities.
• Study/development assistance.
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP.)
• A thriving Social Club.
• Close to Public transport.
• Ample free parking nearby.

Further Information and How To Apply

To apply, please review the position description and complete your application below including a current copy of your resume and a covering letter.

Applications close 5:00pm Sunday 20 September 2026and must be submitted through the application form below.

Baw Baw Shire Council is an equal opportunity employer and works in the interest of the safety of children and young people. Our recruitment processes reflect this commitment.