Leading Hand Parks and Open Spaces

About the role

Lismore Council is looking for a Leading Hand Parks and Open Spaces to help deliver high-quality maintenance and presentation of its parks, gardens, sports fields, reserves, playgrounds and public open spaces. The role works alongside the team, providing day-to-day leadership, coordination and technical support so that work programs are completed efficiently, safely and to a high standard. It is a full-time position of 76 hours per fortnight.

Key responsibilities

• Coordinate daily tasks by organising resources, guiding team members and checking that work meets required standards.
• Operate and maintain the machinery, tools and equipment used in open space and horticultural maintenance.
• Carry out landscaping, garden upgrades, turf care and tree-related work using sound horticultural practices.
• Provide practical horticultural advice and assist other teams when specialist support is needed.
• Manage plant and turf health by identifying and treating weeds, pests and diseases, and report asset damage or safety concerns.
• Contribute to planning and delivering maintenance programs, following safe work practices and completing required documentation.
• Engage positively with customers and team members, participate in toolbox talks and support continuous improvement in service delivery.

Required profile

• A relevant trade qualification (Certificate III) in Horticulture, Landscape Construction, Sports Turf Management, Arboriculture or an equivalent field is highly desirable; significant proven work experience will also be considered.
• WorkCover Construction Induction Card (White Card).
• Current Class C driver's licence; Class MC licence is desirable.

Required skills

• Desirable: Chainsaw Operations Level 1, Chemicals Users Accreditation, Traffic Management Plans certificate (willingness to obtain these on starting is acceptable).

What we offer

• Permanent position with an attractive salary of $70,658 to $81,257 per year plus superannuation.
• Flexible work options within operational requirements.
• Employee assistance and health and wellbeing programs, training and development opportunities.
• Discounted membership to a range of gym and pool facilities.
• Relocation support available through the NSW Government's Welcome Experience for applicants moving to regional areas.

The closing date is Wednesday 4 November 2026 at 4:00 pm. Applications are made through the council's recruitment process, and conditions of employment are set out in the Local Government (State) Award and relevant council policies.