Leading Hand Parks and Open Spaces

Coleambally; Lismore; On-site; AUD 71,000 - 81,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work options

Permanent position

Training and development opportunities

Employee Assistance and Health & Well‑

Wellbeing Programs

Gym and pool discounts

Job summary

Lismore City Council in NSW is seeking a Leading Hand Parks and Open Spaces to lead day-to-day maintenance of parks, gardens, sport fields, and public spaces, ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently and to a high standard.

The role offers a permanent position with meaningful community impact, flexible work options within operational needs, and development opportunities. Applicants should have a relevant trade qualification; White Card; and a current C class license.

Qualifications

• A relevant trade qualification (Certificate III) in Horticulture, Landscape Construction, Sports Turf Management, Arboriculture, or an equivalent field is highly desirable, or significant proven work experience will be considered.
• WorkCover Construction Induction Card (White Card).
• Current Class C Driver’s Licence.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily tasks by organising resources, guiding team members and checking that work meets required standards.
• Operate and maintain the machinery, tools and equipment used in open space and horticultural maintenance.
• Carry out landscaping, garden upgrades, turf care and tree-related work using sound horticultural practices.
• Provide practical horticultural advice and assist other teams when specialist support is needed.
• Manage plant and turf health by identifying and treating weeds, pests and diseases, and report any asset damage or safety concerns.
• Contribute to planning and delivering maintenance programs, while following safe work practices and completing required documentation.
• Engage positively with customers and team members, participating in toolbox talks and supporting continuous improvement in service delivery.

Education

Certificate III in Horticulture or related field

Job description

About Us

Our vision is powered by a deep commitment to enhancing the quality of services we offer to our community. Today, Lismore is flourishing, and it's the perfect time for those who live, work, and play here to embrace and celebrate everything that makes Lismore so special.

We warmly welcome individuals who bring fresh perspectives and unique skills, helping to enrich our collective vision for a vibrant and thriving community.

Shape your future. Serve your Community. Belong to something bigger.

About this Position:

The Leading Hand Parks and Open Spaces plays a key role in the delivery of high-quality maintenance and presentation of Council's parks, gardens, sports fields, reserves, playgrounds and public open spaces. Working alongside the team, this position provides day-to-day leadership, coordination and technical support to ensure work programs are completed efficiently, safely and to a high standard.

What We can offer you:

• Attractive salary.
• A permanent position with meaningful community impact.
• Flexible work options working within operational requirements.
• Employee Assistance and Health & Wellbeing Programs.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Discounted membership to a range of gym and pool facilities.

What we trust you to deliver:

• Coordinate daily tasks by organising resources, guiding team members and checking that work meets required standards.
• Operate and maintain the machinery, tools and equipment used in open space and horticultural maintenance.
• Carry out landscaping, garden upgrades, turf care and tree‑related work using sound horticultural practices.
• Provide practical horticultural advice and assist other teams when specialist support is needed.
• Manage plant and turf health by identifying and treating weeds, pests and diseases, and report any asset damage or safety concerns.
• Contribute to planning and delivering maintenance programs, while following safe work practices and completing required documentation.
• Engage positively with customers and team members, participating in toolbox talks and supporting continuous improvement in service delivery.

What you will need to be successful:

• A relevant trade qualification (Certificate III) in Horticulture, Landscape Construction, Sports Turf Management, Arboriculture, or an equivalent field is highly desirable, or significant proven work experience will be considered.
• WorkCover Construction Induction Card (White Card).
• Current Class C Driver’s Licence.

Desirable:

• Current Class MC Driver’s Licence (desirable).
• Chainsaw Operations Level 1 – Operate and maintain Chainsaws. (or willing to obtain upon starting).
• Chemicals Users Accreditation (or willing to obtain upon starting).
• Implement Traffic Management Plans certificate (or willing to obtain upon starting).

Full Time: 76 hours per fortnight.

Salary: From $70,658 to $81,257 per annum + superannuation.

Closing date: Wednesday 4 November 2026 at 4:00pm.

Contact: If you want to know more about this opportunity, please contact Matt Clark, Manager Open Spaces Delivery on 0461 452 117 .

Considering relocating for this opportunity?

Relocation support is available through The Welcome Experience, a NSW Government initiative assisting individuals and families moving to regional areas.

Conditions of Employment are in the Local Government (State) Award and relevant Council policy, procedures and agreements.

Pre-employment Screening: Prior to employment, there will be a series of pre-employment checks that may include health assessments (such as functional fitness, audio, chest x-ray, spirometry, drug testing), validation of right to work in Australia, validation of qualifications and licences, criminal history checks, psychometric assessments and referee checks.

We care about people as individuals and are committed to diversity, inclusion, and new ways of working. We encourage applications from people of any age, gender, ethnicity, cultural background, faith, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.