Band 5 - $82,392 - $95,116 per annum (plus super and industry allowance)
Permanent Full Time
About Us
Located 35km to the southeast of Melbourne, Greater Dandenong City Council covers 129 square kilometres and has a population of over 169,000 people. The central activities district is Melbourne's second largest retail and commercial centre and includes large shopping complexes at Dandenong and Keysborough as well as the highly popular Dandenong Market.
Greater Dandenong City Council is the most culturally diverse locality in Australia, with residents from over 150 different birthplaces, nearly two-thirds of whom were born overseas. Key industries include manufacturing, health care and social assistance, retail trade, wholesale trade and transport.
We are a progressive organisation of exceptional character that offers a dynamic and rewarding work environment to approximately 900 employees. We recognise that our staff are vital to the delivery of excellent service to our community and the achievement of our long-term vision. We invest in the development of our people, and we strive to be a workplace that is respectful, engaged, accountable, creative and honest.
About the role
The City of Greater Dandenong is seeking a qualified Arborist to support the
delivery of tree maintenance programs services across the municipality. This is
a newly established role within the Parks Services Unit following a recent
restructure aimed at building a more proactive, specialist urban forest team.
You’ll assist with the inspection, prioritisation and coordination of customer service requests, and work closely with contractors to support timely and high-quality delivery of tree maintenance works. The role includes responding to storm events, preparing work orders, conducting risk assessments, and assisting with site audits and compliance checks.
This is a great opportunity for a passionate arboriculture professional looking to deepen their technical expertise and play a key role in maintaining the health, safety and amenity of Council’s tree assets.
About
you
You’re a technically skilled and motivated arborist with a strong understanding
of industry standards and tree maintenance practices. You’re comfortable
working in a dynamic, field-based role, and enjoy balancing practical site
inspections with administrative follow up.
You bring strong interpersonal skills, a collaborative mindset, and a keen eye for identifying and resolving tree related risks. Whether you’re out in the field or helping coordinate contractors, you take pride in contributing to a safe, sustainable and well-presented urban forest.
Key requirements:
· Arboriculture trade qualification of Certificate 5 i.e. Diploma level or higher, along with little or no relevant work experience or alternatively through lesser formal qualifications with relevant work skills suitable to the position. Relevant work skills/knowledge should include:
o Certificate 2 in ESI Power line Management and demonstrated knowledge of arboriculture principles and technical applications;
o Extensive knowledge and experience of Visual Tree Assessment, identification of potential risk including tree management principles and practices;
·
Experience and ability
to effectively manage staff and contractors’ performance and workloads, with a
commitment to quality services and teamwork.
·
Demonstrated
understanding of performance, safety and quality management systems as well as
problem solving and analytical skills to resolve day to day issues.
·
The ability to work
successfully in a team environment as well as independently with minimal
supervision as well as clear, concise and accurate literacy skills suitable for
letter and short report writing.
·
Demonstrated ability
to appropriately coordinate, prioritise and manage workloads in a
multidisciplinary environment to meet deadlines.
·
Demonstrated
proficiency in the application of Microsoft Office applications including Word
& Excel and electronic data bases or similar, suitable to the role.
·
Demonstrated customer
service skills, including well developed oral communication and listening
skills to liaise, present, advocate and communicate effectively across
appropriate levels.
· A current valid Victorian Driver’s License (Car), preferably with a Heavy Rigid track endorsement.
Please ensure you address the key selection criteria outlined in the position description as part of your application.
You may be required to undertake practical testing, work preference profiling / psychometric testing, functional capacity assessment (physical) or aptitude testing.
The successful candidate will be asked to produce a clear Working with Children Check and will be asked to consent to a national police check (and where relevant an ‘international criminal history check’), subject to the operation of spent conviction laws. Please note that people with criminal records are not automatically barred from applying for this position. Each application will be considered on its merits.
Benefits of working with us
Council believes in providing an environment where staff thrive, both in the work they do and in how they learn and develop as people and professionals.
Our workplace has an inclusive and diverse culture which encourages innovation and supports your work and life balance. There are plenty of opportunities to learn, develop and grow your career within our expanding and diverse organisation.
Our benefits include
· Competitive salary
· Salary sacrifice childcare (where available)
· Flexible working options supported including hybrid work
· Access to learning & development programs including study assistance
· Reward & recognition programs
· Health initiatives
· Access to our support and wellbeing programs
· A vibrant social club
For more information about our benefits, please visit our careers page: Working with Us
Council will consider flexible working arrangements for all positions. We embrace our diverse community and encourage applications from everyone including people of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander background, people of diverse sexual orientation and gender, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and people of varied age, ability, and faith. Council will give due consideration to any workplace adjustments to accommodate the needs of any prospective or existing staff member.
Council is commitment to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment and promoting cultural safety and wellbeing for children with zero tolerance for child abuse and harm.
To apply
To apply for this position please complete the online application form including:
· A brief cover letter
· Your resume
· Response to key selection criteria
You will be required to answer selection questions as part of the application process. The selection process also includes the requirement for reference checks
Position Description: Arborist – 323.8 KB
Applications close: 5pm, Sunday, 7 September 2025
Further information: Jack Chittenden, 8571 1772
