Leading Hand Arboriculture

This position will contribute to the delivery of key actions associated with Council's (draft) Tree Strategy. You will lead the new multipurpose Arboriculture Vegetation Management Team dedicated to implementing new or improved arboriculture and vegetation management services. This role will directly deliver various works including tree pruning, tree removal, material processing, vegetation maintenance within Council reserves and fire tracks, mechanical clearance and reduction pruning of encroaching roadside vegetation. Tree renewal actions including seasonal new tree planting requirements.

You will undertake field-based duties in a variety of work environments across the Council district, including but not limited to machinery operation, aerial and ground-based Arboriculture works. The position will directly report to the Work Group Leader Arboriculture. This hands-on field-based position is required to both works alongside and supervise employees who hold a range of skills and experience. You will be required to maintain constant oversite of the teams WHS and worksite management matters. The position is directly responsible for their team's daily functions and will actively engage with the community to aid the implementation work actions. You will be responsible for the daily maintenance and safe operation of specialised plant.

About Adelaide Hills Council

The Adelaide Hills Council is a magnificent place to live, work and visit. The environmental, residential, primary production and natural qualities of the district are renowned and contribute to the Adelaide Hills being "a special place", and one of Australia's most loved areas. Adelaide Hills Council is committed to building the community through leadership, community involvement and commitment to service.

We offer a diverse and supportive working environment, opportunities for professional development, flexible work practices, income protection insurance and a genuine desire for you to enjoy your work.

Leading Hand Arboriculture (Vegetation Management Team)

• Ability to assess safety, manage time, set priorities and plan workload.
• Supervise both experienced and new employees to implement works.
• Comply with Council's WHS, Injury Management (IM) and Risk Management requirements.
• Maintain Council's property, infrastructure and assets by implementing Arboriculture and Vegetation annual maintenance programs. Undertake other duties as required/directed.
• Respond to reactive works and mitigate high risk defects or high priority issues as they arise. Complete works within timeframes prescribed by agreed service standards.
• Ensure teams works are completed in compliance with relevant legislation and standards.
• Contribute to workplace continuous improvement processes and team progression.
• Operate and maintain plant safely, including trucks, excavators, front end loaders, vegetation chippers, elevated work platforms (EWP), chainsaws and specialised plant.
• Ensure the upkeep of tools and machinery in a clean, safe and operational condition.
• Support other field services tasks as required to meet seasonal and operational demands.

About You

To be successful in this role you will have:

• Certificate III in Arboriculture (or willingness to undertake) and/or equivalent experience in the fields.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise operational staff.
• Up to date of current industry knowledge and practices.
• Ability to manage time, set priorities and plan workload.
• Experience using asset management systems such as Confirm and or other asset management systems
• Effective analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to implement maintenance programs and plans according to Council's quality standards.
• Experience implementing and complying with WHS and risk management policies and procedures.
• Actively contribute to a supportive team environment.
• Sound communication and interpersonal skills.

A valid National Police Certificate and Medical Clearance which is satisfactory to the Council's requirements will be required before the successful applicant can commence in this position.

About our Benefits

Experience the benefits of a career in council:

• Fortnightly rostered day off (RDO).
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Free income protection insurance for personal illnesses or injuries.
• A health and wellbeing program offering flu vaccinations, skin checks, health seminars and more.
• Free access to three counselling sessions for you or your immediate family through our Employee Assistance Program.
• Corporate Uniform Allowance.
• Uniform and PPE supplied.
• Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave.
• Study Assistance.

How to Apply

Applications must directly respond to the essential position criteria in the position description and state the reference number 574. Please visit Employment at Council for a copy of the position description.

Apply by 5:00pm Sunday 21st September 2025 via SEEK. Confidential enquiries are welcome to Damian Brennan

The advert information can be provided in other formats if requested.

Should your application be successful and move to the next stage, you will be contacted by the Hiring Manager. If you do not receive any communication regarding your application within 20 business days of the advertisement close date your application has been unsuccessful.