Arborist Labourer x 2

About the role

Shellharbour City Council is seeking two Arborist Labourers to join its open spaces team in Shellharbour, New South Wales. This is a permanent full-time position of 38 hours per week, with the option to work a 9-day fortnight. The work is hands-on, outdoors, and focused on keeping parks and streets safe, tidy, and visually appealing.

You will be part of a supportive, collaborative team that values teamwork, community impact, learning, and a healthy work-life balance.

What you will be doing

• Supporting arboriculture and parks and gardens work across the council area.
• Working outdoors on tree, park, and streetscape maintenance tasks.
• Using rigging and lowering equipment, including tying ropes and knots as required.
• Operating or assisting with commercial wood chippers and mulchers.
• Working safely both independently and as part of a team.
• Communicating clearly with colleagues and members of the community.

What we are looking for

• Practical experience in arboriculture and a sound understanding of parks and gardens maintenance.
• Confidence with ropes, knots, rigging, and lowering systems.
• Experience using commercial chippers or mulchers, along with an interest in maintaining green spaces.
• Good communication skills and a team-oriented approach.
• A strong focus on safety, whether working alone or with others.

Licences and accreditations required

• General Construction Induction Card (White Card), or the ability to obtain it before starting.
• Current NSW driver licence class MR.
• Chainsaw Level 1 and Level 2 accreditation.
• Traffic Controller ticket, or the ability to obtain it during probation.
• Implement Traffic Control Plans ticket, or the ability to obtain it during probation.
• Farm Chemical Users certificate, or equivalent, or the ability to obtain it during probation.
• Working Under Overhead Power Lines accreditation, or the ability to obtain it during probation.

Pay and benefits

• Permanent full-time employment at 38 hours per week.
• Opportunity to work a 9-day fortnight.
• Salary range of $60,364 to $66,647 per year, depending on qualifications and experience.
• 12% superannuation.
• Adverse Working Conditions Allowance - Level 1.
• Bi-annual bonus payments.
• A positive, values-led workplace culture focused on collaboration and innovation.
• Access to employee benefits including novated lease options, retail discounts, corporate fitness programs, weekly pay, Employee Assistance Program support, annual award increases, long service leave after five years, three weeks of sick leave per year, and health and wellbeing leave.

Additional information

A pre-placement medical assessment is required.

Shellharbour City Council is an equal opportunity employer. People from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and people with disability are encouraged to apply. The organisation promotes respect at work, aims to maintain a workplace free from discrimination and harassment, and supports the safety of children and young people in its services and spaces.

Council values Collaboration, Accountability, Integrity, Respect, and Sustainability.

Applicants are asked to complete the online application form by explaining how their experience and skills match the role. Incomplete applications will not be considered. A resume and qualifications may be attached on the next page. Candidates may save and return to the application later. Confirmation will be sent by email after submission, so applicants should ensure their email address is correct and check junk folders. The closing date is Wednesday, 22 July 2026 at 11:30pm. For further information, contact Geoff Arthur, Open Spaces Manager, on 0421 044 124.