Love working outdoors? Passionate about trees, teamwork, and making a visible impact in your community?

Arborist - Grow Your Career

Love working outdoors? Passionate about trees, teamwork, and making a visible impact in your community? Mackay Regional Council is seeking a skilled arborist to join our Parks & Open Spaces team.

As an Arborist, you will support arboriculture activities within Council’s public open space network, providing expert tree care and maintenance, and contributing to the safety and beauty of our community. You’ll work under the direction of the Supervisor or Team Leader, collaborating with a dedicated crew.

Not a qualified arborist? Not a problem. Mackay Regional Council offers successful candidates learning and career development opportunities so you’re able to learn as you work and complete your arbour qualifications and other essential training for the role through Mackay regional Council.

This is a banded Level 3-5 position.

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.

Qualifications

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.
• 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).
• Agricultural Chemicals Distribution Control (ACDC) Licence (Level 4-5).
• Chainsaw Level 1, 2, & Pole Saw ticket (Level 4-5).

Desirable

• 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?

• Base annual salary of $64,517 - $67,054 plus 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 (conditions apply).
• Choice of 4 or 5 weeks’ annual leave with 17.5% leave loading.
• 9-day fortnight roster.
• May be eligible for salary sacrificing options.
• Membership to lifestyle benefits program including corporate discounts.
• Study and assistance programs for career development.
• Learning and career development opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Employee health and wellbeing initiatives.
• Active Social Clubs.

Ready to Branch Out?

If you’re ready to take your arboriculture career to new heights, or looking to embark on a career in arboriculture, we want to hear from you. Whether you’re a seasoned pro, building your expertise, or wanting to kickstart your career, apply today with your cover letter and resume! Applications close Thursday, 25 Jun 2026.

*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.