Job Task Analysis - Tree Planting Officer

 Physical Health Assessment - Urban Forest Tree Planting

• Be a key player in delivering the City of Kingston’s annual tree planting program and the management of our trees
• Full time temporary appointment from 16 March 2026 - 20 November 2026
• Access to regular accrued days off (ADO)
• $98,266 - $107,214 per annum (dependent on experience) plus superannuation
• Location: Dingley

About the team

An exciting opportunity exists to join Kingston City Council’s Urban Forest Team within the Open Space Department. This team plays a pivotal role in managing Council’s tree assets in accordance with the Street and Park Tree Operational Management Strategy (2025) and delivering the expansion of our urban forest under our Urban Forest Strategy (2023).

About this opportunity:

This temporary appointment will backfill a staff member taking extended leave. The Tree Planting Coordinator oversees the annual tree planting and establishment program with a goal of delivering 4000 new trees in 2026. In this role, you will provide high level technical advice and oversee the development and implementation of an annual tree planting program across Council-managed land. You will also supervise the Tree Planting Officer and manage Council’s contracts for the delivery of tree planting and establishment operations.

Other Responsibilities include:

• Implementing relevant parts of Council’s Urban Forest Strategy (2023) and provide advocacy and advice to protect and expand the urban forest and tree canopy across Kingston’s public land.
• Collaborate with other team members and staff from other Council business units to identify and allocate appropriate tree species to available tree planting locations
• Oversee the ordering of appropriate tree stock within the available program budget and the coordination of associated deliveries. 
• Establishment, maintenance and management of relevant contracts, including regular quality assurance and contractor monitoring against operational and safety standards and contractual requirements.
• Regular phone and face to face interactions with residents and customers and responding to enquiries regarding street and park trees and proposed tree planting.
• Monitor sustainable water use to ensure sufficient water is available for the delivery of the street and parks tree establishment program.

Your Skills and Experience

• A qualification in horticulture or arboriculture and associated experience in the delivery of tree planting and establishment services
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and problem-solving skills
• Contract management experience and knowledge in planning and management of program budgets
• Proficient in the use of IT systems including work scheduling technology
• Current Victorian Driver's License

The right candidate will be able to demonstrate the City of Kingston’s values of

We make a difference ǀ We show care and respect ǀ We take pride in our work ǀ We are better together

Don’t meet every single requirement for this role? At Kingston Council, we recognise that different experiences make for great community outcomes. If you are excited about this role, but your experience doesn’t perfectly align to the criteria we encourage you to submit your application.

How to Apply

If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your experience and how it relates to the role. To apply, please click the ‘Apply’ button.

All applications must be submitted online through our careers portal.  Please note that we do not accept applications or inquiries from recruitment agencies

We look forward to hearing from you!

For any inquiries about the position, please contact Steve Colquitt, Team Leader Urban Forest at Steve.Colquitt@kingston.vic.gov.au   

To be considered for this role, applicants must have the legal right to work in Australia.

For any reasonable adjustments or access needs during the application or interview process, please contact the Hiring Manager or email us at peopleandculture@kingston.vic.gov.au

About Kingston 

Kingston Council’s collective focus is on delivering exceptional service that achieves our vision and meets community expectations.

We are an inclusive, resilient community with a thriving economy, where we all share a safe, sustainable environment. The City of Kingston is south-east of Melbourne and is approximately 20km from Melbourne's CBD. We employ over 1,600 people in a diverse range of roles including engineering, customer service, administration, finance, family, youth and children's services, sport and recreation, health, parks and gardens, planning, arts and management.

Why Work for Kingston?

At Kingston Council, we believe in fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued. We support diversity and encourage applications from persons of all backgrounds. Here are some reasons why you might love working with us: 

• Access to accrued day off every four weeks (Full time employees only)
• Career development opportunities
• Discounted gym memberships
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
• Social club events

For further information visit our website Join our team - City of Kingston

Kingston City Council is an equal opportunity employer, committed to reconciliation and being a child safe organisation.

We are dedicated to attracting, retaining, and developing people of all genders, ethnicities, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages.

Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community, and we strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community. We support adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, as well as during employment.