Arborist & Horticulturist | Greymouth

Westroads NZ; Greymouth; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training & development opportunities

KiwiSaver up to 6% after five years

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Stable, full-time employment

Modern equipment and tools

Supportive team culture focused on SAF

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Westroads NZ is seeking a Qualified Arborist & Horticulturist to deliver arboricultural, horticultural and vegetation management services across parks, reserves, streetscapes and contracted maintenance areas on the West Coast. The role focuses on tree health, appearance and safety in community spaces.

The ideal candidate holds the NZ Certificate in Arboriculture (Level 4) and a Full Class 1 Driver Licence, with proven arboricultural and vegetation management experience.

Qualifications

• NZ Certificate in Arboriculture (Level 4) or equivalent recognised qualification.
• Current Full Class 1 Driver Licence.
• Proven arboricultural experience.
• Experience in horticulture and vegetation management activities.
• Experience operating chainsaws and arboricultural equipment.
• Experience undertaking tree maintenance, pruning and removal activities.
• Knowledge of tree biology, health assessment and arboricultural principles.
• Desirable: Class 2 Licence, EWP, chainsaw certifications, First Aid, Growsafe.

Responsibilities

• Undertake arboriculture activities: inspections, pruning, crown reduction, tree removal and planting.
• Maintain gardens, parks and public spaces with planting, mulching, pruning and irrigation.
• Manage vegetation around roads, public facilities and assets.
• Uphold health, safety and wellbeing; comply with safety policies and risk assessments.
• Operate vehicles and equipment; conduct pre-start checks and maintenance.
• Provide excellent customer service and professional conduct.

Skills

Verbal & written communication

Problem solving

Planning & organisation

Independent & team work

Reliability & flexibility

Education

NZ Certificate in Arboriculture (Level 4)

Current Full Class 1 Driver Licence

Job description

Introduction

A Bit About Us

At Westroads, we've grown from humble beginnings into one of the West Coast's leading infrastructure and maintenance businesses. As we continue to grow, we're looking for great people who share our values and take pride in the work they do.

With depots in Hokitika, Greymouth, Whataroa and Haast, our teams deliver a diverse range of services across roading, infrastructure, parks, gardens, playgrounds and reserves. We take pride in maintaining the places where our communities live, work and play, and have built strong relationships with our customers, clients and suppliers through quality service and dependable delivery.

Why join Westroads?

We recognise that our people are our greatest asset and are committed to creating an environment where they can succeed.

We offer:

• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
• KiwiSaver contributions matched up to 4% from day one, increasing to 6% after five years' service
• Free and confidential Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Stable, full-time employment
• Diverse and rewarding work across the West Coast
• Opportunities to grow your skills and career
• Modern equipment and tools
• A supportive team culture with a strong focus on safety and wellbeing
• We support our people with free access to a confidential Employee Assistance Programme

Description:

Position Purpose

The Qualified Arborist & Horticulturist is responsible for delivering arboricultural, horticultural and vegetation management services across parks, reserves, streetscapes, public open spaces and contracted maintenance areas.

The role contributes to the safe management, health, appearance and sustainability of trees, gardens and landscape assets through the delivery of planned and reactive maintenance activities. The position plays an important role in ensuring Westroads consistently meets contractual obligations, customer expectations, quality standards and health and safety requirements while enhancing community and environmental outcomes throughout the West Coast region.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Arboriculture

• Undertake tree inspections and condition assessments.
• Identify defects, diseases, pests, structural weaknesses and other tree-related hazards.
• Perform pruning, crown reduction, crown lifting, deadwood removal and tree removal activities.
• Undertake tree planting, staking, establishment and aftercare maintenance.
• Conduct tree risk assessments and recommend appropriate treatment or mitigation measures.
• Undertake climbing, aerial operations, rigging and rescue activities where appropriately trained and authorised.
• Safely operate and maintain arboricultural tools, machinery and equipment.
• Ensure arboricultural works are completed in accordance with industry best practice and contract requirements.

Horticulture and Open Space Maintenance

• Maintain gardens, parks, reserves and public open spaces to required standards.
• Undertake planting, mulching, pruning, irrigation and general landscape maintenance activities.
• Monitor plant health and identify opportunities for improvement or replacement.
• Assist with seasonal planting programmes and landscape enhancement initiatives.
• Undertake weed management and invasive species control in accordance with approved practices.
• Contribute to the presentation, functionality and sustainability of public open spaces.

Vegetation Management

• Undertake vegetation management activities around roads, pathways, public facilities and infrastructure assets.
• Identify and address vegetation risks affecting public safety, visibility and asset condition.
• Carry out vegetation clearance activities in accordance with project requirements and approved work plans.
• Support environmentally sustainable vegetation management practices.
• Assist in maintaining compliance with customer specifications and service level requirements.

Health, Safety and Wellbeing

• Demonstrate a personal commitment to health, safety and wellbeing.
• Comply with all Westroads policies, procedures and safety management systems.
• Complete hazard identification, risk assessments and site-specific safety requirements.
• Participate actively in toolbox meetings, safety observations and improvement initiatives.
• Report hazards, incidents, near misses and unsafe conditions promptly.
• Correctly use and maintain required personal protective equipment.
• Stop work and escalated concerns where unsafe conditions exist.
• Contribute to a positive safety culture across the business.

Asset and Equipment Management

• Operate vehicles, machinery, tools and specialist equipment safely and responsibly.
• Complete pre-start inspections and routine equipment checks.
• Maintain plant and equipment in a clean and serviceable condition.
• Report defects, maintenance requirements and asset issues promptly.
• Ensure company assets are protected from loss, theft, misuse or damage.

Customer Service and Stakeholder Relations

• Represent Westroads professionally at all times.
• Maintain positive relationships with clients, customers and members of the public.
• Respond professionally and courteously to enquiries and complaints.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, colleagues and stakeholders.
• Promote a positive image of Westroads through quality workmanship and professional conduct.

Skills and Experiences:

Essential

Qualifications and Experience

Qualifications

• New Zealand Certificate in Arboriculture (Level 4) or equivalent recognised qualification.
• Current Full Class 1 Driver Licence.

Experience

• Proven arboricultural experience.
• Experience in horticulture and vegetation management activities.
• Experience operating chainsaws and arboricultural equipment.
• Experience undertaking tree maintenance, pruning and removal activities.

Knowledge

• Tree biology, health assessment and arboricultural principles.
• Arboricultural industry standards and best practice.
• Plant identification and horticultural maintenance techniques.
• Workplace health and safety legislation and requirements.

Desirable

• Class 2 Driver Licence.
• Elevated Work Platform (EWP) certification.
• Chainsaw competency certification.
• Aerial Rescue certification.
• Traffic Management qualification or practical experience.
• Current First Aid Certificate.
• Growsafe Certification.
• Utility vegetation management experience.
• Tree Risk Assessment qualification or relevant experience.

Skills And Attributes

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Sound problem-solving and decision-making ability.
• High levels of personal accountability and professionalism.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong planning and organisational skills.
• Commitment to quality workmanship and continuous improvement.
• Ability to use mobile technology and complete electronic records.
• Reliable, flexible and customer-focused approach.