Senior Arborist

Hobsons Bay City Council; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 78,000 - 91,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

End of Trip Facility

Employee Assistance Program

Discounted local gym membership

Wellbeing programs

Professional development support

Job summary

Hobsons Bay City Council is seeking a Senior Arborist in Melbourne to lead arboricultural services across parks and streets. You will provide expert advice, assess trees, manage enquiries, and coordinate safe, high-quality tree works with contractors and internal teams.

The role requires a Diploma of Arboriculture and strong knowledge of tree biology, risk assessment, legislation and maintenance practices. Excellent communication and contractor management skills are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Diploma of Arboriculture (AQF Level 5) or equivalent municipal arboriculture experience.
• Tree risk assessment expertise, ideally with ISA TRAQ, QTRA and/or VALID methodologies.
• Strong knowledge of tree biology, defects, pests, diseases and maintenance practices.
• Ability to interpret legislation, policies, standards and technical requirements.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement and contractor management skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage tree-related enquiries and customer requests through Council's systems.
• Conduct tree inspections, assessments and risk management activities.
• Provide specialist arboricultural advice to internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate and oversee tree maintenance works and contractor activities.
• Undertake minor operational tree works, including pruning, root management and stump grinding.

Skills

Tree risk assessment

ISA TRAQ

Tree biology

Stakeholder mgmt

Contractor management

Education

Diploma of Arboriculture (AQF Level 5)

Job description

• Position type: Permanent, Full time
• Salary: Band 5 $78,154.75 - $90,691.48+ RDO + superannuation

We're here. We're community. We're Hobsons Bay. At Hobsons Bay City Council, we’re committed to creating a workplace that reflects our community and values. You’ll be part of a forward-thinking organisation that supports innovation, collaboration, and professional growth, and which aspires to be the exemplar of Local Government.

The opportunity

The Senior Arborist plays a key role in managing and enhancing Hobsons Bay City Council's urban forest by providing expert arboricultural advice, assessing and maintaining trees, managing customer enquiries, and coordinating safe, high-quality tree services across parks and streets. This is a hands-on, customer-focused position that works closely with contractors, residents and internal teams to support a healthy, safe and sustainable tree canopy.

What you’ll do

• Manage tree-related enquiries and customer requests through Council's systems.
• Conduct tree inspections, assessments and risk management activities.
• Provide specialist arboricultural advice to internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate and oversee tree maintenance works and contractor activities.
• Undertake minor operational tree works, including pruning, root management and stump grinding.

What you need to succeed

• Diploma of Arboriculture (AQF Level 5) or equivalent experience in municipal arboriculture.
• Tree risk assessment expertise, ideally with ISA TRAQ, QTRA and/or VALID methodologies.
• Strong knowledge of tree biology, defects, pests, diseases and maintenance practices.
• Ability to interpret legislation, policies, standards and technical requirements.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement and contractor management skills.

Applications will be accepted until 11:30pm on 9th November 2026.

To ensure fairness and consistency for all applicants, we are unable to accept late submissions or submissions made via email. We appreciate your understanding and encourage timely applications via Council's online portal.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Progressed candidates will be required to complete a National Police Record Check, a Pre-Employment Medical Check, a Working With Children Check (WWCC) and a Qualification Check. Candidates must also hold a valid Victorian Driver's License.

Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa with full unrestricted working rights. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process.

What we can offer

• Our location in the centre of Altona is close to public transport, cafes and parks. Enjoy your lunch at the pier, or an afternoon walk along the lake.
• Go to the gym or ride your bike before work? Our End of Trip Facility offers bike storage and shower facilities to get you refreshed and ready to go!
• Exclusive staff access to our Employee Assistance Program, wellbeing programs, discounted local gym membership, Reflexology sessions, Meditation, Yoga & Circuit classes, and walking & social clubs.
• Ongoing professional development support - we'll champion your growth, because your career matters to us!
• A team that’s shaping a brighter future, working together to create a sustainable, thriving community for generations to come.

We are a proud inclusive employer. We encourage people from all walks of life to apply for our job opportunities. Our commitment is to provide diverse, safe and inclusive environments where everyone can grow and succeed.