Tree Worker / Arborist

About The Opportunity

At PMHC, every employee contributes to delivering positive outcomes for our community. We are seeking a motivated and experienced

Arborist / Tree Worker to join our Vegetation Operations Team. In this hands-on role, you will undertake operational arboricultural work across Council’s public tree network, helping maintain safe and healthy public spaces.

On a Typical Day, You Will

• Work with the Vegetation Operations team to deliver programmed and reactive tree maintenance
• Undertake pruning, dead wooding, inspections, and tree removals in line with Australian Standards
• Carry out site setup including risk assessments, traffic control, and exclusion zones
• Complete operational tasks such as chipping, mulching, planting, stump and site clean-up
• Apply WHS practices and safe systems of work
• Operate and maintain arboriculture plant and equipment
• Support planting programs and contribute to team training and safe work practices

To Succeed In This Role, You Will Have

• Certificate III in Horticulture (Arboriculture) or equivalent, or Certificate II with commitment to obtain Certificate III
• Current MR Driver Licence
• Demonstrated arboriculture experience including pruning and removals
• Strong understanding of WHS and SafeWork NSW Code of Practice – Amenity Tree Industry
• Ability to undertake tree hazard assessments and inspections
• Experience in operational or team-based environments (desirable supervisory experience)
• Strong communication skills and computer literacy

Desirable

• Experience operating EWPs and boom-type plant (National Licence to Perform High Risk Work – WP)
• Experience in climbing, rigging, pruning, removals, chipping, stump grinding, planting, and mulching
• Knowledge of AS4373 Pruning of Amenity Trees
• Experience in programmed and reactive maintenance environments

Remuneration And Benefits

Employment Type: Full Time, permanent (38 hours per week, 9-day fortnight)

Salary (exclusive of 12% super): Starting salary of $1326.45 per week with the opportunity for competency-based progression up to $1484.70 per week.

Benefits

• Fortnightly RDO
• PPE and uniform provided
• Discounted gym membership through membership to Fitness Passport
• Career development opportunities
• Annual salary increase as per the Local Government (State) Award 2023 plus annual salary review
• Long service leave after 5 years
• Generous employee assistance program
• Salary packaging options available through Salary Packaging Australia and Maxxia
• Recognition through our annual awards ceremony celebrating and rewarding staff achievements

Questions?

If you would like to know more about this opportunity or have any questions about the role, please contact Joe Tonkin, Vegetation Operations Coordinator on 0400 081 860.

Interested in Applying?

Please complete the application form below and answer the questions which relate to the essential and desirable criteria within the position description, then upload a copy of your resume and cover letter.

You will find the position description when you apply for the role.

You may find it helpful to write your response to the questions in a word document then copy/paste this into the application form once you are ready to submit your application.

Applications Close: Sunday 19 July 2026 at 11:30pm.

Notes

Suitable candidates may be placed on a talent pool or eligibility list for future identical, or similar positions for a period of 12 months.

Please upload documents in PDF format.

We often ask our preferred applicants to complete pre-employment checks. This may include: Reference Checks; National Criminal Police Check; Medical Assessment; Qualification Verification; Working with Children Check Verification.

PMHC's recruitment notification process is primarily via system generated emails. Please ensure your email is correct before submitting an application to avoid missing crucial updates and outcomes. Email communication notifications are used for but not limited to: application received, interview booking tools, confirmation of interview, request for references/more information, delay notifications, testing/assessments (aptitude/psychometric/industry specific) and application outcomes (unsuccessful before or after interview).

Please regularly check your 'junk mail' or ensure our email address ***email_hidden*** and Pulse email [email protected] is set to 'trustworthy'.

Port Macquarie Hastings Council adheres to the principles of a child safe organisation and is committed to the care and protection of all children and young people.