Arborist

Permanent Full-Time

Are you passionate about trees, the outdoors, and making a visible difference in your community? Join Invercargill City Council's Arboriculture team and help maintain and enhance the trees, parks and public spaces that make Invercargill a great place to live.

Invercargill City Council invites you to become a driving force in our future-focused team. With a vibrant atmosphere and an unwavering commitment to our values—positivity, respect, responsibility, and above and beyond—we're looking for a skilled Arborist who takes pride in delivering high-quality work, working safely, and contributing to a positive team environment.

Key responsibilities of this role include:

• Undertaking tree and park maintenance including pruning, tree care, removals, reductions, planting and transplanting
• Maintaining healthy, safe and attractive trees throughout Council's parks and public spaces
• Operating arboriculture equipment, machinery and tools safely and efficiently
• Providing professional advice to the public and user groups on tree health and maintenance
• Responding to storm damage and emergency tree work when required
• Assisting in apprentice training
• Supporting high standards of health, safety and environmental compliance
• Building positive relationships with colleagues, contractors and the community

What you will bring:

• Formal qualification in Arboriculture
• Current full NZ Drivers Licence
• Three to five years of demonstrated experience in Arboriculture
• Ability to work unsupervised
• Sound time management skills

What we offer:

• Career progression and training/development opportunities
• Positive focus of employee health and well-being: Workstation assessments, free flu vaccines, EAP services, 50% off eye exams, discounted gym memberships etc
• Kiwisaver and Superannuation Schemes
• Access to sick leave from day one of employment
• Appointment time leave: Up to 2 hours for important appointments eg. Doctor, bank, dentist

Waihōpai Invercargill is New Zealand's southernmost city and the heart and hub of Southland. We're known for our lush green spaces, like award-winning Queens Park, our long summer daylight hours and our local legend Burt Munro. Our city has character, charm and a laidback atmosphere. There's outstanding nature reserves, Ōreti Beach & the Waihōpai River to explore plus our lively restaurants complimented by a thriving entertainment and arts scene are hard to beat! The sensible gridded layout featuring wide streets ensures a convenient 10-minute drive to work. Who wouldn't want to call this place home!

Want to know more? View the full position description or contact Invercargill City Council at (03) 211 1777 211 1777).

If this sounds like you, click Apply and follow the prompts to submit your application.

Applications close 8 October 2026 Please note applications will be processed as they are received and we encourage you to apply early as this advert may be removed at any time.

Successful applicants must be legally entitled to live and work in New Zealand. While all applications will be reviewed, first priority will be given to those applicants who are currently residing in New Zealand.

Applications close 08 October 2026