Forest Futures Delivery Officer

• Full time, Secondment until 30 April 2026
• Fortnightly RDO
• Work for one of the most dynamic and diverse inner-city Councils
• Salary $84k - $95k + Super
• Ability to transfer or take LSL (Long Service Leave) within Local Government

About Merri-bek City Council

Merri-bek City Council is a progressive council of 175,000 residents: one community, proudly diverse. Our council area sits within the banks of the Merri Creek and the Moonee Ponds Creek, and includes Brunswick, Coburg, Fawkner, Glenroy, Gowanbrae, Hadfield, Oak Park and Pascoe Vale. Our city is vibrant and energetic, known for its active community, cultural diversity, creative industries and the arts. Our long-term vision has ambitious goals for environmental sustainability, social justice, community wellbeing, and creating great places. With the Civic Centre located in Coburg, 8 kilometres north of Melbourne’s CBD, there are excellent public transport options and great food and cafés right at the doorstep.

Merri-bek Council strives to be a contemporary, innovative and collaborative organisation with a deep commitment to engaging and supporting the Merri-bek community. Our organisational vision is to be one team, brave and diverse, making a difference.

We pride ourselves on being an inclusive and welcoming workplace. We offer flexible and hybrid work options and genuinely care about providing our staff work/life balance. With the Civic Centre located in Coburg, 8 kilometres north of Melbourne’s CBD, there are excellent public transport options and great food, cafés, parks and a cinema right at the doorstep. Merri-bek is a great place to live, work and play.

About the role

The Forest Futures Delivery Officer plays a key role in supporting the planning, coordination, and implementation of urban forest tree planting projects across Merri-bek. Working closely with the Team Leader Forest Futures, this position ensures the efficient delivery of tree planting programs in road reserves, parks, and hard-stand areas. The role involves contractor and consultant coordination, procurement support, community engagement, and field-based quality control, contributing to the long-term success and resilience of Merri-bek’s urban forest. This is a delivery-focused role that supports strategic outcomes through operational excellence.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, driven, and innovative individual to add to our team to help us achieve our objectives.

As part of our Forest Futures team, you will play a vital role in expanding Merri-bek’s urban forest. The successful candidate will have relevant experience in delivering tree planting and/or minor civil works programs, strong communication skills, and a commitment to high standards of customer service.

Skills and experience require to perform the role

• Demonstrated experience in delivering tree management programs, including feasibility investigations, planning, and implementation.
• Experience in contractor engagement and supervision, including procurement processes and contract administration.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team to meet deadlines and objectives.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage and provide advice to a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Competency in using IT applications, including Microsoft Office, GIS systems, and asset/project management software (e.g. TreePlotter or similar).
• A current Victorian Driver's Licence.
• A Certificate V (AQF 5) in Horticulture or Arboriculture is highly desirable.

What the role can offer

• Fortnightly RDO
• Extensive opportunities for training & career development
• Salary sacrifice options
• A real sense of work-life balance & flexible work options
• Employer-supported study assistance schemes
• Wellness programs

Further support offered for our staff

• Up to 20 weeks primary & up to 5 weeks secondary parental leave
• Purchase leave
• Ceremonial leave
• Gender affirmation leave
• Family violence leave

For further information about this position please contact Adrian Murone, Team Leader Forest Futures, on (03) 9240 1111 or amurone@merri-bek.vic.gov.au

Before submitting an application please view the Position Description.

Please note that when applying for this role, you may be required to attach your valid Driver's Licence and WWCC. Please have this ready when completing your application.

How to apply

Please fill out an application using our online recruitment system. You will be required to upload your CV, a cover letter outlining your relevant skills and experience. You do not need to respond to the individual Key Selection Criteria. Please also upload any other relevant documents.

• Please note that some documents relating to this position may reference Moreland City Council. We are in the process of updating the councils new name of Merri-bek City Council.

Please note that applications must only be submitted online, applications will not be accepted via email.

Merri-bek City Council is proudly diverse and an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, people with disability, and people from every culture, sexuality and gender identity, age and ethnic background. Merri-bek City Council is a Child Safe organisation.

Merri-bek is focused on diverse representation of the community we serve. With this we value lived experience that could contribute to the shaping of this role and in turn will continue to provide representation and growth of safe and inclusive work culture.

We encourage everyone to apply and discuss opportunities to develop your knowledge and experience. Council is committed to removing barriers and access to employment where possible at any point in the recruitment, onboarding and during your time at Council. For further information regarding access or modifications you may require for a recruitment process please contact Danni Jovanovic, Recruitment Business Partner on recruitment@merri-bek.vic.gov.au

Our Commitment

In May 2021, Merri-bek Council adopted a revised Statement of Commitment to Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung People and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities of the municipality. The statement recognises the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people as the traditional owners of the lands and waterways of our municipality.

Merri-bek City Council is committed to being a Child Safe Organisation and has zero tolerance for child abuse. We believe children and young people have the right to be and feel safe and that their safety and wellbeing is the responsibility of everyone. You can read more about our Child Safety Commitment Statement on our website.