Arboriculture Apprentice - Rural Tree Crew

ABOUT THE ROLE

• Full time position with a 3 year apprenticeship
• Hands on training + TAFE studies
• Becomes an ongoing position when qualified

Do you enjoy working outdoors and want to make a real difference to your community? Come join our supportive and close-knit tree crew who focus and take pride in maintaining tree works across Council's key open space assets.

As an Apprentice, you will be work across all facets of the Open Space & Environment team. This is a great opportunity to learn from the best, get paid and work towards an arboriculture qualification. Upon completion you will be a qualified Team Member in the rural tree crew.

This position is based at our Leongatha Depot; however, you may be required to work from our Foster Depot at times to ensure we meet the needs of our communities.

You will learn about:

• Tree maintenance and management of Council's parks gardens and road reserves.
• Preparation works for road re-sheeting, including vegetation uplift along rural roads.
• Responding to requests for tree removal and maintenance in both urban and rural road reserves and, parks and gardens.
• Proactive tree removal and maintenance and general arborist works.
• Safe operation of a variety of plant & equipment currently used in tree maintenance including mowers, brush cutters, spray equipment and chainsaws.
• Pre-operation inspections and routine maintenance to ensure the safe operation of plant and equipment used.
• Adopting safety procedures that ensure the protection of employees and the public.

ABOUT YOU

We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic about starting their career in tree management and is committed to completing a formal qualification.

You will have a keen interest in arboriculture or horticulture and are motivated to learn and take on new challenges.

You are a team player with a positive can-do attitude and most of all, you love the outdoors!

ABOUT US

South Gippsland Shire Council offers a friendly and professional workplace with values based leadership.
We put our customer at the centre of all we do and strive to deliver exceptional projects and services to our community.

Our region provides a perfect blend of coast and country. Enjoy green rolling hills, wind-swept beaches and the world-famous Wilsons Prom, right on your doorstep.

Our values – Accountability, Customer Focus and Excellence – are present in everything we do and how we do it. We seek like-minded colleagues to join our team who are committed to these values and culture.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE WORKING WITH US!

• Work-life balance with flexible working arrangements
• Rostered Days Off offered for full time roles
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
• South Gippsland is an organisation that is committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. We offer flexibility and a welcoming work environment
• Enjoy a variety of changing health and well-being programs and initiatives including flu vaccinations and health checks, discounted gym memberships and Social Club
• Diverse range of exciting career paths in full time, part time or casual positions
• Mentoring, coaching and secondments
• Access to 24/7 Employee Assistance Program
• Opportunity to purchase additional leave
• Annual Enterprise Agreement salary increments
• Family Violence Support and Leave Provisions

POSITION DESCRIPTION

CLOSING DATE

Applications close Midnight Wednesday 6 August 2025.

CONTACT

Enquiries to: Steve Missen, Coordinator Parks and Gardens on 5662 9104

NEXT STEPS

If you would like to become a part of our team at South Gippsland Shire Council, please submit your application.

You will be required to address the application questions and upload your resume. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your potential and set your application apart from the rest!

For further information on our recruitment process please click here.

All correspondence regarding your application status and interview will be sent to you via email.

All preferred candidates will be required to complete relevant background checks (including but not limited to police checks, reference checks, medical checks (drug and alcohol tests) and psychometric testing) prior to the candidate's employment being confirmed. The outcomes of the background checks do not automatically bar candidates; however, will be assessed against the inherent requirements of the job.

Please be advised any representation via an agency will not be considered. Agencies - no need to contact us, we've got this one.

South Gippsland Shire Council is an Equal Opportunity employer and aims to provide all necessary support to ensure that all abilities and backgrounds are not disadvantaged in the recruitment process. If you require an adjustment to the recruitment process, please feel free to identify yourself as a person with different needs in your application and indicate what type of reasonable adjustment you require. Alternatively you can contact a member of the People & Culture team on 03 5662 9233 and identify the position you are applying for and specify your requirements.

All councillors, employees, students, agency staff, contractors and volunteers are required to act in accordance with equal opportunity, anti-discrimination, harassment, vilification and child safety legislation. South Gippsland Shire Council is committed to safeguarding children and young people. We all have a responsibility to ensure our workplaces are respectful, safe and inclusive and free of all forms of unlawful and unacceptable behaviours. By applying for this role you agree to the above.

If you are having any issues applying for this position, please call our People & Culture Team on 03 5662 9233 or email [email protected]