Band 7 $109,385 - $122,398 per annum (plus super)
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 undertaking a major transformation of its
Parks Services Department, and are excited to offer a newly created leadership
role that will shape the future of the city’s urban forest. As part of a
broader restructure, this is a rare opportunity to join the team at a pivotal
moment—bringing fresh energy, ideas and leadership to a team committed to
delivering high-quality arboricultural outcomes for the community.
This high-profile role will lead a team responsible for programmed and reactive tree maintenance, tree planting and establishment, and the ongoing enhancement of the urban forest across Greater Dandenong. You’ll manage a range of service delivery contracts, contribute expert arboricultural advice, and be a key voice in community and councillor engagement on urban forest matters.
With the support of dedicated team leaders and strong strategic direction, you’ll drive innovative practices that improve canopy cover, reduce risk, and maximise the environmental, social and economic benefits of trees for current and future generations.
About you
You are an experienced arboriculture professional and natural leader, with a
passion for improving urban environments through high-quality tree management.
You’re ready to shape a new team, influence policy, and be a key advocate for
trees within a complex local government setting.
You bring a deep understanding of urban forest principles, contractor and stakeholder management, and the strategic drivers behind expanding and maintaining a resilient tree population. You’re confident working with councillors, community members, and internal teams, and have a proactive, solutions-oriented approach to service delivery.
This is a rare opportunity to lead and shape one of Council’s most high-impact environmental programs.
Key requirements:
- Tertiary qualification in Arboriculture, with substantial experience in tree management and urban forest practices
- Demonstrated knowledge of arboricultural service delivery in a local government context, including planning, maintenance and risk management
- Proven leadership and staff management skills, with experience in change management and driving service improvement
- Strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills, with a collaborative and customer-focused approach
- Well-developed time management, problem-solving, and digital literacy skills, including use of MS Office and EDRMS systems
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 toconsent 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 your resume, a cover letter and key selection criteria response. 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: Coordinator Urban Forest – Parks –303 KB
Applications close: 5pm, Tuesday, 10 June 2025
Further information: Matthew Berry, 8571 1713
