Arboriculture Trainee

Overview

Join to apply for the Arboriculture Trainee role at Shellharbour City Council

Love the outdoors? Learn to care for trees and shape green spaces and become our next Arboriculture Trainee

Learn the trade of Arboriculture (Tree Surgery) in a team of skilled tree professionals conducting pruning, rigging, tree removals including tree felling and tree planting projects to green our city, keeping it well presented and maintained.

Based at our Oak Flats Services Depot, you will support the Open Spaces team and gain practical skills across our three tree crews, you will gain experience in rigging, knot tying and the safe use of operating small plant such as commercial woodchipper/mulcher, chainsaw and other tools and equipment.

This three (3) year traineeship will cover theoretical and practical requirements with on-the-job training while you complete a Certificate III in Arboriculture course at Yallah TAFE to gain and develop practical knowledge and skills associated with working as an Arborist.

This opportunity is open to school leavers, mature age applicants, second year apprentices and/or those who have already commenced their Certificate III in Arboriculture.

Responsibilities

• Participate in a three-year traineeship that combines theoretical and practical training with on-the-job learning.
• Support the Open Spaces team and gain practical skills across three tree crews.
• Learn rigging, knot tying, and the safe use of equipment including a chainsaw, woodchipper/mulcher and other tools.
• Contribute to pruning, rigging, tree removals, felling and tree planting projects to maintain and enhance city green spaces.

Qualifications and Eligibility

• Open to school leavers, mature age applicants, second year apprentices, and those who have already commenced a Certificate III in Arboriculture.
• Pursuing a Certificate III in Arboriculture with on-the-job training and support.
• Willingness to complete a Certificate III in Arboriculture at Yallah TAFE.

Program Details

• Temporary Full time up to 3 years (or for the duration of the traineeship).
• 38 hours per week with access to a 9 Day-fortnight.
• On-the-job training; compulsory course costs paid by Council; approved leave to attend TAFE.
• Competitive benefits including Novated lease options, retailer discounts, corporate fitness programs, EAP, Provident Fund activities, and weekly pay.
• Access to local government and employee benefits such as long service leave after five years and annual leave provisions.

Important Information

• You may need to complete a Pre-placement Medical examination.
• You will need to obtain a General Construction Induction Card (White Card) prior to commencement.

How to Apply

For further information about the position, click here for the position description.

Contact: Joshua Perry, Team Coordinator - Tree Management on 0417 569 769.

Interview Schedule: Group interviews are scheduled for Tuesday, 14 October 2025. Second-round interviews during the week commencing 27 October 2025.

About Shellharbour City Council

Shellharbour City, located in the Illawarra region, is just 80 minutes south of Sydney and is home to over 82,000 people in a city that spans 154 square kilometres. It is an area of great natural beauty with a commitment to core values and a supportive workplace culture.

We offer a high performing and sustainable organisation with flexible working arrangements to support a healthy work/life balance. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourage applicants from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and people with a disability.

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