Your new career
In Open Space Operations we work together to deliver open space maintenance programs to keep our community and our environment safe and beautiful. Open Space Operations is spilt into two teams. 

The Open Space Maintenance Team carries out both turf maintenance and parks maintenance and is responsible for the upkeep of Council’s parks and open spaces within the Surf Coast Shire. Officers work in two location-based crews to deliver works that are both programmed and reactive on a day-to-day basis. 

The Vegetation Maintenance Team carries out works in accordance with both the Tree Risk Management Plan and the Road Management Plan.

This role sits in the Vegetation Maintenance Team, under the general supervision of the Supervisor and assists in the implementation of Councils vegetation maintenance programs, to ensure that trees and vegetation are in a condition which benefits both the public and Council.

What you will bring to the role
You are a Vegetation Maintenance Officer who is safety-focused, reliable and takes pride in keeping our community spaces safe, tidy and welcoming. You enjoy working outdoors, operating equipment and supporting your team to deliver great results.

To thrive in this role you will have: 

• Experience in horticulture, arboriculture or vegetation maintenance
• Skills in operating and maintaining plant and equipment
• Knowledge of tree management and pruning techniques
• A strong commitment to safe work practices
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team

Key selection criteria
Mandatory qualifications, experience and requirements

• Certificate 3 in Arboriculture (Qualification Check conducted)
• Several of years of relevant experience in Parks and Open Space / Arboriculture roles.
• Current medium rigid driver’s licence.
• Chainsaw level 2.
• An industry card.
• Experience in a Local Government environment.
• Current Victorian driver’s licence.
• A current Working With Children Check
• You have the permanent right to live and work in Australia
• Police Check results that are suitable for this position (will be arranged by Surf Coast Shire Council). 
  A complete international criminal history check is required if the person has worked or lived overseas for any period of time OR a complete national criminal history check is required if the person has only ever worked in Australia.

What you’ll love working with us
Council embraces diversity and social inclusion and encourages applications from skilled people from all walks of life.

We recognise that our employees play a vital role in creating an innovative, safe, respectful and supportive workplace, living our values and delivering exceptional services to our thriving community. Our shire spans the Traditional Lands of the Wadawurrung People and the Gulidjan and Gadabanud Peoples of the Eastern Maar Nation. Council is committed to providing a workplace culture of equity, inclusion and diversity that eliminates all forms of discrimination, harassment and bullying.

There are numerous social activities throughout the year available as well as the benefits of:

• Fortnightly RDOs
• Employee Assistance Program and award-winning staff wellbeing program
• Career development and learning opportunities, we help our people grow
• Operational use of Council vehicle 
• Purchase of additional annual leave
• Free onsite parking
• Leave loading.

For more information
More information on the role accountabilities and the key selection criteria can be found in the position description here. 

If you believe you have the knowledge, skills and experience to fulfil this role and would like further information, please contact Ella Jackson, Coordinator Open Space Operations on 5261 0600.

How to apply
Applications are to be in Word or PDF format and should include a:

• cover letter including your statement addressing the selection criteria 
• copy of your resume. 

Please note that only applications with a statement addressing the selection criteria will be considered for this position.

Simply complete the application process by clicking the "Apply Now" button and we'll be in touch with you shortly regarding your application. 

Applications close at 11.59pm Sunday 7 September 2025 

Surf Coast Shire Council is an equal opportunity and child safe employer.