Tree Investigations Officer

Strathfield Council; Strathfield; On-site; AUD 87,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work

4-day week option

Learning & development

Employee assistance

Fitness Passport

Staff events

Leave entitlements

Job summary

Strathfield Council seeks a Tree Investigations Officer to support the Urban Forest team. You will manage trees on public and private land, lead investigations into unauthorised removals, and ensure enforcement of tree protection rules across the Local Government Area.

You will assess breaches, prepare evidence, and support enforcement actions while upholding PROUD values. A Diploma in Arboriculture and experience in compliance are preferred.

Qualifications

• Diploma of Arboriculture (AQF5) or related field preferred.
• Experience resolving compliance issues and negotiating matters.
• Strong understanding of environmental protection and sustainability.
• Excellent written and verbal communication across diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently or in a team.

Responsibilities

• Investigate unauthorised tree removal, pruning, and damage.
• Assess compliance with tree protection laws and policies.
• Inspect development sites for tree-related compliance.
• Monitor adherence to Tree Management Permit conditions.
• Issue infringement notices, orders, and enforcement actions as needed.
• Collect and maintain investigation evidence and records.
• Prepare statements of evidence and legal documents.
• Support court proceedings and regulatory action when required.
• Respond to community complaints and enquiries.
• Liaise with residents, contractors, and Council teams.
• Provide advice on tree protection and compliance requirements.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Negotiation

IT skills

Environmental compliance

Education

AQF5 Arboriculture Diploma

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Directorate: Engineering & OperationsTeam: Urban ForestEmployment Status: Permanent, full-timeEmployment Arrangement: 35 hours per week with access to Council’s Agile Work Policy

Position Number: POS 116Salary Range:

• Base Salary: From $87,360.00 (Grade 13, Step 1) per annum
• Plus: 12% superannuation
• Total Package: From $97,843.20 per annum dependent upon competency step appointment.

The successful candidate will have access to step increases for the grade based on competency assessment and tenure within this position.

About Strathfield Council

Strathfield Council is a dynamic, medium-sized Council located in Sydney’s Inner West. Covering an area of approximately 14 square kilometres, we proudly serve a vibrant and growing community of around 46,000 residents, with population projections set to exceed 60,000 by 2041.

We are committed to delivering high-quality services, driving community initiatives, and building a thriving, sustainable future for our residents.

The Opportunity

Strathfield Council is seeking a motivated Tree Investigations Officer to join our team.

In this role, you will assist Council’s Urban Forest team with the management of trees on public and private land throughout the Local Government Area. The role will include leading investigations into unauthorised tree removal, vandalism and non-compliance, ensuring Council’s tree protection rules are correctly applied and enforced. The role involves assessing breaches, preparing evidence, and supporting enforcement actions to protect Strathfield’s urban forest.

You will lead with professionalism and integrity while actively promoting and living our PROUD Values—People First, Respect, Opportunity, Unity, and Dedication—contributing to a positive, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture.

What You Will Be Doing

• Investigating unauthorised tree removal, pruning, and damage
• Assessing compliance with tree protection laws, policies, and standards
• Inspecting development sites for tree-related compliance
• Monitoring adherence to Tree Management Permit conditions
• Issuing infringement notices, orders, and enforcement actions where required
• Collecting, preparing, and maintaining investigation evidence and records
• Preparing statements of evidence, affidavits, and legal documentation
• Supporting court proceedings and regulatory action when required
• Responding to community complaints and tree-related enquiries
• Liaising with residents, contractors, developers, and Council teams
• Providing advice on tree protection and compliance requirements
• Supporting urban forest management, policy, and strategy development
• Diploma of Arboriculture (AQF5) or other related field of study with preferred experience in environmental protection and compliance.
• Demonstrated experience in resolving compliance issues and an ability to negotiate and mediate on contentious matters
• Good understanding and knowledge of the relevant regulations, such as the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, Australian Standard for Protection of Trees and Development Sites AS4970
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to deal with a diverse range of customers in a professional manner
• Proven ability to work effectively as an individual or in a team environment
• Demonstrated computer literacy in a wide range of computer software packages, including Microsoft Office, Electronic Records Management etc.
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to environmental protection and sustainability
• Strong interest in urban trees, with an understanding of their preservation, management, and enhancement of the urban canopy.
• Prior experience in compliance regulatory and/or enforcement roles are preferred.

Why Work With Us

At Strathfield Council, you will enjoy a supportive workplace that values balance, growth, and wellbeing. Benefits include:

• Flexible work arrangements through our Agile Work Policy
• 35-hour working week with options for a compressed four-day week
• Generous learning and development opportunities
• Complimentary Employee Assistance Program
• Access to the Fitness Passport Program
• Regular staff engagement events, including quarterly Roadshow lunches.
• Generous leave entitlements under the Local Government (State) Award (NSW).

Applications close at 11:59pm on Monday 9 November 2026.

For questions about the role, please contact our People & Culture team at ***************@strathfield.nsw.gov.au.