Arborist

City of Greater Geelong; Geelong; On-site; AUD 69,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Greater Geelong is seeking an Arborist to support sustainable management of trees across parks, streetscapes, reserves and recreational areas. You will join a dedicated arboricultural team to ensure trees are healthy, well-maintained and safe for the community, while gaining practical on-the-job experience.

This permanent full-time position requires a Certificate III in Arboriculture or commitment to undertake funded off-site training, with on-site work and safety as priorities.

Qualifications

• Certificate III in Arboriculture or equivalent, with willingness to undertake funded training.
• Desirable practical experience in tree maintenance and removal.
• Sound arboricultural knowledge and experience in pruning, maintenance and removal.
• Ability to assess health and hazards in trees and identify defects.

Responsibilities

• Undertake tree maintenance activities in line with best practice and standards.
• Assess tree health and identify hazards or defects.
• Operate, maintain and repair arboricultural equipment and tools.
• Record and manage tree data and administrative tasks.
• Follow safety requirements and manage site controls in public areas.
• Collaborate with colleagues, contractors and community members.
• Assist with emergency response and post-storm/tree incidents.
• Contribute to urban forest protection and maintenance.

Skills

Safety compliance

Teamwork

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Certificate III in Arboriculture

Tools

Chainsaws

Woodchippers

Arboricultural equipment

Job description

About The Role

As an Arborist, you will play an important role in the sustainable management and maintenance of trees across the City’s parks, streetscapes, reserves and recreational areas. Working as part of a dedicated Arboricultural team, you will help ensure our trees are healthy, well-maintained and managed safely for the benefit of the community. This is an excellent opportunity for an aspiring Arborist to gain valuable practical, on-the-job experience while working towards a recognised industry qualification.

Work type: Permanent full-time

Classification: Band 2 – $68,630 per annum plus superannuation (unqualified)

Classification: Band 3 – $70,838 per annum plus superannuation (qualified)

Key responsibilities

• Undertake tree maintenance activities in accordance with current industry best practice, relevant legislation and Australian Standards, including pruning, deadwooding, crown management and other arboricultural works.
• Assess the condition of council trees to identify structural defects, hazards, disease and other health issues.
• Operate, maintain and undertake minor repairs to arboricultural plant and equipment, including chainsaws, woodchippers and associated equipment.
• Undertake routine equipment maintenance, including chainsaw sharpening, chain replacement, air filter cleaning etc.
• Accurately collect, record and enter tree information into the City’s tree management database.
• Complete administrative and operational tasks associated with arboricultural activities.
• Ensure occupational health and safety requirements are followed at all times and proactively identify, manage and report hazards.
• Establish and maintain appropriate worksite, traffic and pedestrian controls when undertaking works in public areas.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, contractors, stakeholders and members of the community.
• Assist with emergency response and make safe trees and vegetation following storms, fires and other incidents.
• Contribute to the protection, maintenance and enhancement of the City’s urban forest and green spaces.

About You

• A Certificate III in Arboriculture or equivalent, or a genuine interest in developing a career in arboriculture and a commitment to undertake funded, off-site training to obtain your qualification, with training offered as part of ongoing employment.
• Practical experience in tree maintenance and tree removal is desirable, with qualified applicants expected to demonstrate sound arboricultural knowledge and experience.
• A sound working knowledge of arboricultural practices, including tree pruning, maintenance and removal.
• The ability to assess the health, condition and structure of trees and identify potential hazards.
• Knowledge of the Energy Safe Victoria Line Clearance Regulations and relevant line‑clearing procedures.
• The ability to safely operate and maintain arboricultural plant, machinery and equipment.
• A strong commitment to occupational health and safety and safe work practices.
• Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact courteously and professionally with ratepayers, stakeholders, contractors and community members.
• The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Current Victorian Drivers licence
• A current Working with Children Check (Employee).
• Preferred candidates will be required to undergo a National Police Check and a pre‑employment medical assessment as part of the recruitment process (funded by the City).

Child Safety Responsibilities

We are committed to being a child‑safe organisation and have zero‑tolerance for child abuse. We have specific policies, procedures, and mandatory training in place to support employees, volunteers, and contractors to achieve and adhere to these commitments. Please read our Child Safe Standards Management Policy .

Diversity and Inclusion

At the City we want a workforce that reflects the community we live in. We welcome and embrace everyone, all people with their own unique experiences, and support and encourage all our employees to do their best work, have equal access to opportunities and a just working environment. For this reason, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from First Nations people, people with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, from the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disability and people of all genders, ages and diverse experience.

We are the City

From parks to offices, childcare centres to works depots, leisure facilities to the Wool Museum and waterfront, our team plays a vital role in shaping our vibrant and growing community. Our community counts on us to get the essentials right while looking for ways to go beyond. By listening, collaborating, and focusing on sustainability, we strive to do the basics brilliantly and create a lasting impact. If you’re ready to be part of something bigger, join us in shaping the future of Geelong.

We support accessibility and encourage discussions about any adjustments or support you may need during the recruitment process.

Applications and Enquiries

Enquiries: Steve Smith | Arboricultural Operations Leader | [e-mail]

We collect demographic data to help us learn who our advertisements are reaching and how we can reach an even more diverse audience. We are committed to building a more diverse team. Your responses to our demographic questions are strictly confidential and will not be individually shared.