Arborist - Development Planning

Protect and shape Banyule’s private urban forest through expert planning advice.

We’re looking for a skilled and passionate Arborist to join our Development Planning Team to help safeguard and enhance Banyule’s trees and arboricultural assets, helping to manage development and change.

This is a key role that sits at the intersection of arboriculture, urban planning and community engagement. You’ll assess the impact of planning proposals on trees, contribute to sustainable development outcomes, and help ensure compliance with Council policies and the Planning Scheme — all while supporting a greener, healthier municipality.

What you’ll do:

This is a varied and diverse position where you will provide arboricultural advice and assessments on planning permit applications and proposals that may affect trees and vegetation. You’ll investigate alleged breaches of the Planning Scheme involving unlawful tree removal or damage and take enforcement action where required.

You will:

• Act as Council’s delegate in making decisions on tree removal/pruning applications and development impacts
• Prepare clear, professional reports and recommendations to inform Council decisions
• Contribute to policy improvements and planning process efficiency from an arboricultural perspective
• Deliver responsive, high-quality customer service and expert guidance to applicants, developers, and the wider community
• Stay informed on best practices in arboriculture, compliance and planning legislation.

Who and what we are looking for (skills and experience). You’ll have:

• An AQF Level 5 or above, Diploma of Horticulture (Arboriculture) and/or equivalent experience.
• A sound understanding of the vegetation protection provisions of the Banyule Planning Scheme, including provisions in relation to enforcement of the Scheme and the Act.
• An ability to display empathy and self-awareness and work with others to achieve a mutually agreeable outcome.
• Previous experience in delivering high quality fast paced service to diverse customers.
• A high level of professional and personal integrity.

Pre-employment requirements

• Current Victorian Drivers Licence

What we offer:

• A permanent full-time position with a monthly RDO
• Salary $91,947.44 - $99,963.39 per annum plus super.
• Flexible work arrangements that support personal well-being alongside professional commitments
• 18 weeks of paid parental leave - primary carer/2 weeks of paid parental leave - partner
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities, including health and well-being initiatives

How to apply

Please submit your resume and a cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria from the position description.

For a confidential discussion or if you have any questions about this opportunity, please contact Janet Redgrave on 03 9457 9997

Applications close: 19 June 2025 at 11:45 pm

Why choose Banyule: Join a dedicated team committed to making a positive impact on our community. At Banyule Council, you'll have the opportunity to drive service excellence, engage with diverse stakeholders, and contribute to the betterment of our community. We offer a supportive, collaborative, and innovative work environment where your skills and expertise will be valued and rewarded.

Banyule City Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer; we value diversity and inclusion, and we welcome candidates from all backgrounds. If you have a reasonable adjustment, support, or access requirement, we encourage you to inform us through your application or email [email protected]

Our Values: Our employees align their careers with Banyule because they share our values of respect, integrity, responsibility, initiative, and inclusion. They thrive in our strong learning and development culture, and the positive way we work in partnership with the community. You will share our values and have a passion for helping a community of over 130,000 residents to live happier, healthier and more connected lives, all while growing your skills and advancing your career. We look forward to you starting the next chapter of your career at Banyule Council.

Diversity Statement: Our community is made up of diverse, cultures, beliefs, abilities, bodies, sexualities, ages, and genders. We are committed to access, equity, participation, and rights for everyone: principles that empower, foster harmony, and increase the well-being of an inclusive community.

To discover more about Banyule's commitment to advancing gender equality in the workplace, please find Banyule's Workplace Gender Equality Action Plan 2021-2025.

Acknowledgment of the Traditional Custodians: Banyule City Council is proud to acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people as Traditional Custodians of the land and we pay respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, past, present and emerging, who have resided in the area and have been an integral part of the region’s history.

Banyule City Council endorses the Uluru Statement from the Heart in full and accepts the invitation to walk with First Nations peoples, to a better future for us all.

Child Safe Standards Statement of Commitment: Banyule City Council is a child-safe organisation committed to the safety and well-being of children.

Council has a zero tolerance for child abuse. All allegations and safety concerns will be treated seriously and acted upon. As a child-safe organisation we are committed to providing a child-safe environment where children feel safe, are empowered, valued and protected. Council will actively listen to children, ensuring their voices are heard and considered in decisions that affect their lives.