Senior Arborist

Baw Baw Shire Council; Warragul; Hybrid; AUD 97,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work options

Learning and development opportunities

Study/development assistance

Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)

Job summary

Baw Baw Shire Council is seeking an experienced Senior Arborist to independently manage and improve the urban forest, green assets and public spaces. The role focuses on data-driven risk assessment, inspection processes and long-term asset planning with Forestree as a key tool.

The successful candidate will have a Diploma of Arboriculture (AQF Level 5) minimum, TRAQ preferred, and demonstrated arboricultural expertise in risk management and asset data interpretation in a municipal context.

Qualifications

• Diploma of Arboriculture (AQF Level 5) is the minimum requirement.
• TRAQ is preferred for tree risk assessment.
• Experience with arboricultural assessments, risk management and urban tree maintenance.
• Ability to collect, interpret and apply tree asset data for inspections and planning.

Responsibilities

• Collect and analyse tree asset data for risk assessment.
• Develop practical inspection processes for urban forest assets.
• Provide evidence-based recommendations to support safety and asset planning.
• Assist in managing Council's Forestree asset management system.
• Collaborate with tree maintenance team and contractors to improve service delivery.

Skills

Arboriculture expertise

Data analysis

Contractor management

Education

Diploma of Arboriculture (AQF Level 5)

TRAQ credential

Tools

Forestree

Job description

• Band 6: $96,752 - $105,460 + 12% super + weekly RDO

Work independently and as part of an experienced team to develop and improve the management of Baw Baw Shire's green assets and spaces using modern risk assessment and arboricultural techniques.

About Baw Baw Shire Council

A Baw Baw Shire Council career goes beyond business as usual. You'll find exciting development pathways rich in opportunity. Our thriving and engaged culture-first workplace is built on the passion and talent of people who proudly deliver vital services and exciting projects to a community they care about.

Our organisation comprises of a multicultural workplace of around 400 full-time, part-time and casual employees, all benefiting from great flexibility, work/life sway, study support, health and wellbeing initiatives and ongoing learning and development programs.

At Baw Baw Shire Council, we invite our people to tackle projects that keep them inspired. We encourage the exploration of new ideas. We support the enhancement of building on current skills and developing new ones.

Located adjacent to Melbourne, Baw Baw Shire is one of Victoria's fastest growing municipalities with freeway and V/Line access into Melbourne's CBD and suburbs. This allows easy access to training, seminars and conferences in the city, without diminishing the direct impact that comes from working within a close-knit rural community.

To learn more visit www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au

About the Role

To support Council's focus on modernising the management of its urban forest and green assets, this is an exciting opportunity for an experienced arborist to take on a meaningful senior technical role that will help shape the future management of Baw Baw Shire's urban forest, green assets and public open spaces.

As Senior Arborist, you will work with a high degree of independence to collect and analyse tree asset data, assess risk, develop practical inspection processes and provide clear, evidence-based recommendations that support public safety, environmental outcomes and long-term asset planning. A key part of the role will be to assist in managing and developing Council's tree management system, Forestree, to strengthen data capture, inform decision-making and support more proactive management of tree assets.

Reporting to the Coordinator Tree Maintenance, you will also work closely with the Tree Maintenance team, internal stakeholders and arboricultural contractors to improve service delivery, apply modern arboricultural techniques and strengthen the way Council manages its trees and green spaces.

About the Successful Candidate

The successful candidate will have a Diploma of Arboriculture (AQF Level 5) as a minimum, TRAQ as preferred tree risk assessment credential. They will bring strong practical experience in arboricultural assessments, tree risk management and urban tree maintenance, supported by confidence working with digital asset management systems. Experience use and management of Forestree, or a similar tree asset management platform, will be highly regarded, with the ability to collect, maintain, interpret and apply tree asset data to inform inspections, risk-based decision-making, works programming and long-term green asset planning.

The successful candidate will be comfortable working independently, using sound professional judgement and communicating clear, evidence-based recommendations to internal teams, contractors and other stakeholders. The role will also require strong contractor management skills, including the ability to provide technical oversight, review work quality, guide service delivery and support safe, consistent and proactive management of Baw Baw Shire's green assets and public spaces.

Why you'll love working at Baw Baw Shire

We believe in fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued. We support diversity and encourage applications from persons of all backgrounds.

• Hybrid work is the norm here at Baw Baw for roles that can support it.
• Flexible work options, Baw Baw is committed to work-life balance.
• Learning and development opportunities through professional development programs.
• Access to rostered day off every four weeks (when working full time.)
• Career development opportunities.
• Study/development assistance.
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP.)
• A thriving Social Club.
• Close to Public transport.
• Ample free parking nearby.

Further Information

Applications close 5:00pm Sunday 18 October 2026 and must be submitted through the application form below.

Baw Baw Shire Council is an equal opportunity employer and works in the interest of the safety of children and young people. Our recruitment processes reflect this commitment.