Team Leader-Tree Planting and Maintenance

Sutherland Shire Council; Sydney; On-site; AUD 82,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fitness passport

Employee assistance program

Annual flu shots

Wellbeing program

Novated lease

Job summary

Sutherland Shire Council is seeking a Team Leader - Tree Planting and Maintenance to lead the Tree Canopy Management Unit. You will oversee tree planting and public tree maintenance programs across parks, streetscapes and open spaces, while fostering a culture of safety, quality and continuous improvement.

You will lead from the front, develop a high-performing team, coordinate resources, and collaborate with contractors and the community to deliver sustainable urban canopy outcomes for the

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience leading operational teams in arboriculture, tree maintenance, parks or open space environments.
• Experience delivering tree planting and public tree maintenance programs.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to develop and motivate high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage an operational team within the Tree Canopy Management Unit.
• Oversee delivery of tree planting and public tree maintenance programs across parks, streetscapes and public spaces.
• Ensure safe, efficient and high‑quality service delivery with a focus on safety, quality and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate resources and day‑to‑day operations to achieve service outcomes for the community.

Skills

Operational Leadership

Tree maintenance knowledge

Team development

Planning and scheduling

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Safety focus

Job description

The Team Leader - Tree Planting and Maintenance

The Team Leader - Tree Planting and Maintenance is responsible for leading a dedicated operational team within Council's Tree Canopy Management Unit. This role oversees the delivery of Council's tree planting and public tree maintenance programs, ensuring services are delivered safely, efficiently and to a high standard across parks, streetscapes and public open spaces throughout the Shire. The position plays a key role in establishing and maintaining Council's urban tree canopy while fostering a positive workplace culture focused on safety, quality and continuous improvement. The Team Leader is responsible for coordinating resources, managing day-to-day operations and supporting the development of a high-performing team committed to delivering quality outcomes for the community. Working closely with internal stakeholders, the role contributes to the achievement of Council's environmental, operational and community objectives through the sustainable management and enhancement of public tree assets.

Who We're Looking For: The successful candidate will bring a combination of operational leadership experience, technical knowledge and a commitment to delivering quality community outcomes. You will enjoy leading from the front, supporting team development and driving a culture of safety, accountability and continuous improvement. Your ability to plan, coordinate and oversee operational programs will be supported by strong communication skills and a collaborative approach to working with colleagues, contractors and the community. To be successful you will have:

• Demonstrated experience leading operational teams in arboriculture, tree maintenance, parks or open space environments.
• Experience delivering tree planting and public tree maintenance programs.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to develop and motivate high-performing teams.
• Proven ability to plan works, allocate resources and achieve service delivery outcomes.
• Well-developed communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Commitment to workplace health and safety, quality service delivery and continuous improvement.

Join our Team and Grow with Us! If you are ready to take on a challenging and rewarding role that makes a real difference in the community,

• Get your application in by 11.59pm: Monday 16th 2026.
• Interview date: Interviews will be facilitated week starting 23rd November.
• Package: $81,866 to $86,777 p.a. plus 12% superannuation.
• Hours of work: Full Time: Working 38 hours per week on a 9-day fortnight.
• To benefit your wellbeing, you will have access to fitness passport, employee assistance program, annual flu shots, health and wellbeing programme and novated lease options.

Suitable candidates are subject to pre-employment screening which includes Reference Checks, Work Rights Verification, Identity and Functional/Medical History Checks, and will also include a Criminal History, Qualification and Working with Children Check. Employment is subject to clearance of all these checks.

Reach out to Sebastien Le Coustumer, (Tree Canopy Manager) [e-mail] for any job specific enquiries. Claire Murphy, Talent Acquisition Business Partner [e-mail] can assist with any recruitment related enquiries.

Council is a Child Safe Organisation and is committed to ensuring the NSW Government’s Child Safe Standards are incorporated in our procedures, practices, programs, and events.

Sutherland Shire Council values the skills and attributes Veterans can bring to our Council. We understand that transitioning to roles outside of Defence can feel challenging. If you're unsure where to begin or would appreciate guidance throughout the application process, please don't hesitate to contact us.