Field Worker / Leading Hand Positions - Ipswich City Council

Overview

Ipswich City Council invites applications for various full-time Field Worker and Leading Hand roles across their Field Services team. These positions are centered on maintaining and enhancing public parks, gardens, sports facilities, nurseries, streetscapes, and more, ensuring these spaces remain safe, appealing, and inviting for the community.

Available Roles

• Field Worker A (Open Space): Operate machinery and perform detailed maintenance of garden and turf areas in parks and reserves, using tools like brush cutters, blowers, and mowers, while applying chemicals responsibly.
• Field Worker A (Sports Maintenance): Conduct general maintenance at sports grounds, establish and care for sports turf and gardens, and assist with minor landscaping constructions.
• Field Worker (Nursery): Participate in nursery operations including plant propagation, maintenance, production, and customer service tasks.
• Field Worker (Streetscape): Handle planting and upkeep of city streetscapes and operate relevant machinery.
• Field Worker (Arboriculture): Carry out skilled arboricultural duties such as pruning, tree surgery, removals, and manage equipment including woodchippers, elevated platforms, and chainsaws.
• Field Worker B (Tractor Operator): Operate tractors to perform general maintenance within parklands and ensure equipment upkeep.
• Leading Hand (Arboriculture): Supervise teams in safe, timely tree maintenance activities, including advanced arboricultural tasks and machinery operation.

Candidate Requirements

• Proven experience in horticulture.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a team to complete tasks punctually.
• Possession of at least a C Class Driver's Licence.
• A valid Construction Induction card.
• Successful fit testing for respirator use, requiring appropriate facial hair management.
• Some roles may require immunisation against Q Fever.

Benefits and Work Culture

• Generous superannuation contribution of 12.5%.
• A nine-day fortnight schedule offering extended weekends every alternate week.
• Leave options include annual leave loaded at 17.5%, cultural leave, among others.
• Flexible salary packaging options covering financial advice, income protection, professional memberships, novated leases, and more.
• A supportive and inclusive workplace environment that encourages positivity, diversity, and collaboration.
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth through continuous learning.
• Well-being support such as gym memberships, employee assistance programs, and health-related events.

Additional Information

Ipswich is a vibrant regional city blending heritage, diverse communities and natural beauty. The council embraces values based on communication, collaboration, integrity, efficiency, and leadership. Applicants must comply with pre-employment checks including reference verification, work eligibility, criminal record scrutiny, health assessments, and validation of qualifications.

To apply, submit a cover letter (max two pages) detailing your interest and relevant skills for the selected role(s), alongside a resume (max four pages) with licenses, tickets, certificates, and visa documents. Applications close on 19 August 2026.