Arborist
Love working outdoors and making a visible impact in your community? Join Mackay Regional Council’s Parks & Open Spaces team as an Arborist.
Whether you’re a qualified arborist or looking to start your arboriculture career, we offer training, development opportunities, and the chance to earn qualifications while you work.
In this role, you’ll help maintain and care for Council’s trees and public open spaces, undertaking pruning, removals, tree maintenance, equipment operation, and project work as part of a supportive team.
Key Responsibilities
Depending on your level of qualifications and experience:
- Perform tree pruning and removal tasks, ranging from basic to specialised arboriculture maintenance.
- Assess tree health, risk, and maintenance needs, providing input or making recommendations as required.
- Install and remove decorations and banners, including working at heights when necessary.
- Operate and maintain small plant, power tools, and equipment relevant to the position.
- Assist or facilitate maintenance of trucks and other major machinery used by the work team.
- Utilise technological devices for communication, data collection, and work orders.
- Complete scheduled works and contribute to the successful delivery of specific projects.
- Meet customer and stakeholder requirements while maintaining Council’s image and reputation.
- Support and mentor less experienced staff within the crew (where applicable).
- Carry out additional responsibilities as directed by your immediate supervisor within the scope of this position.
View the Position Description (PD) for this role in the attachments on the Mackay Regional Council careers portal.
Essential Qualifications, Experience & Skills
Essential
- General Construction Induction Training.
- QLD “C” Class Drivers Licence or interstate equivalent. Note: interstate licences must be transferred to QLD within three (3) months of commencement.
Desirable
- Agricultural Chemicals Distribution Control (ACDC) Licence (Level 4-5).
- Medium Rigid (MR) Licence. (Level 4-5).
- Elevating Work Platform (EWP) high-risk work (HRW) Licence (Level 4-5).
- Working at Heights ticket (Level 4-5).
- Chainsaw Level 1, 2, & Pole Saw ticket (Level 4-5).
- Certificate III in Arboriculture (Level 4) or Diploma in Arboriculture (Level 5).
- Operate a vehicle loading crane training (Level 4-5).
- Conduct ground-based rigging (Arboriculture) training (Level 4).
- Undertake aerial rescue training (Level 5).
Why Join Us?
- Salary from $68,187 – $70,814 + allowances as applicable (the level offered will be determined on the successful candidates’ qualifications and experience. This is a banded Level 3-5 position).
- Up to 18% superannuation
- 9-day fortnight roster
- 4 or 5 weeks annual leave plus leave loading
- Paid training and career development opportunities
- Health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits
Whether you’re experienced or ready to grow your skills, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today!
How to Apply
Submit your application via the Mackay Regional Council careers portal.
Prepare and submit your cover letter and resume, outlining your relevant experience for this role, via the Mackay Regional Council Careers (eRecruit) website.
After submitting, you will receive an automated confirmation email. Should you not receive this, please ensure you have submitted your application and your email address on your account is correct.
Applications Close: Thursday, 24 September 2026
Having troubles submitting your application?
Reach out to one of our friendly Talent and Onboarding Team by phoning 1300 MACKAY (1300 622 529).
*** Important information for applicants:
To be considered for this position, all candidates must have the appropriate working rights for Australia. Your Australian work rights will be verified during the recruitment process.
Applicants who progress beyond the interview stage will be required to undergo a pre-employment process, which includes comprehensive Pre-Employment Medical Assessments (inclusive of Drug and Alcohol testing).
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer, where all applicants are treated fairly and respectfully and have equal access to all available opportunities. At Mackay Regional Council, diversity is about creating a respectful and inclusive workplace that recognises our employees’ unique contributions and perspectives, working together to deliver extraordinary results.
