Job Task Analysis - Tree Planting Officer

• Manage the delivery of a new tree planting project for the City of Kingston and the Suburban Rail Loop Authority
• Part time (0.6 FTE) temporary appointment for three years until 2029
• Access to regular accrued days off (ADO)
• $98,266 - $107,214 per annum (pro-rata) plus superannuation, dependent on experience
• 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 part time appointment will be for a period of three years.

The Tree Planting Project Coordinator will support the Urban Forest Team Leader in delivering a tree planting project agreed between Council and the Suburban Rail Loop Authority, including planting around 1,200 new trees in 2026.

The role involves providing technical advice, developing and implementing project plans, managing contractors, and preparing regular project reports. You’ll also collaborate with the Urban Forest team, particularly with the Tree Planting Coordinator responsible for Council’s broader Tree Planting Program.

Other Responsibilities include:

• Support delivery of Council’s Urban Forest Strategy (2023) and provide advice to protect and grow Kingston’s urban forest and tree canopy.
• Work with team members and other Council units to select suitable tree species and allocate planting sites.
• Manage the ordering and delivery of tree stock within budget.
• Oversee contracts, ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and performance standards.
• Communicate with residents and customers, responding to enquiries about street and park trees and planned plantings

Your Skills and Experience

• A qualification in horticulture or arboriculture and associated experience in the delivery of tree planting and establishment services
• Experience in project management (including developing plans and the delivery of agreed plans)
• 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 and the ability to quickly learn to use new software
• Current Victorian Drivers Licence

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: 

• 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.