Arborist - Planning Services

About the role

As an Arborist at Yarra Ranges Council, you will provide specialist arboricultural advice to help conserve and enhance the municipality’s leafy character, significant trees and culturally important landscapes. You will assess planning applications, inspect tree protection measures, consider tree removal applications and work with internal and external stakeholders to support high-quality landscape and vegetation outcomes.

This is a 12-month full-time temporary position (project support role) (38 hours per week).

This is a Band 6 role with an hourly rate between $49.81 and $54.29 per hour, plus superannuation.

Benefits of working with us:

• Support work-life balance with your choice of monthly or fortnightly rostered day off and hybrid working arrangements.

• Opportunities for professional development and to take on temporary roles in other teams to grow your skills and experience.

• Novated lease vehicle options.

Experience and skills we’re looking for

• Experience providing arboricultural advice in a planning, development assessment, local government or regulatory environment.
• Strong technical knowledge of tree biology, tree risk assessment, vegetation protection, landscape outcomes and contemporary arboricultural practices.
• The ability to interpret and apply planning schemes, vegetation protection controls, overlays, legislation, policies and industry standards to support sound decision-making.
• Experience preparing clear, evidence-based reports, recommendations and technical advice that can withstand professional scrutiny.
• Great organisational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate confidently with applicants, consultants, residents and internal stakeholders.
• Relevant qualifications in arboriculture or a related field. Similar qualifications and experience will also be considered.

If you have some but not all these skills or experience, we still encourage you to apply. Especially if you have the right attitude and willingness to learn.

How to apply

Please ensure you submit your application via our jobs portal by clicking ‘Apply’. Include a resume and cover letter with your application. In your cover letter, tell us about your experience, skills, and why you would like to work with us here at Yarra Ranges Council.

Applications close 11.59pm, Monday 24 August 2026.

Contact person: Marcella Simone, Executive Officer - Planning Services, [03 9294 6178](tel:03 9294 6178)

If you need support with your application or have accessibility needs, please call the contact person above or email us at [email protected]. Applicants who progress past the interview stage must complete pre-employment checks. These checks will include a Police Check, Working with Children Check, and Medical Check.

About Yarra Ranges Council

Yarra Ranges Council committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is welcome. We encourage people of all genders, cultures, backgrounds, and abilities to apply for jobs with us. We support flexible work arrangements, including full-time, part-time, hybrid, and job-sharing options to meet your needs and suit your life.

Yarra Ranges Council is a child safe organisation and is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people in our community. We are committed to protecting children from abuse in accordance with the Victorian Child Safe Standards.