• Help shape the green heart of our city and make a real difference in how we live and grow.
• Permanent Full-time opportunity
• Convenient location next to public transport
• Flexible working options available 
• Band 5 $79,015 - $90,992 per annum (dependent on experience) plus superannuation
• Location:  Cheltenham

About the team

The Vegetation Management Team are dedicated to protecting and enhancing our urban forest through initiatives like the Community Local Law and Kingston Planning Scheme. In 2023, we adopted our Urban Forest Strategy, aiming to increase our tree canopy cover from 12.3% to 20% by 2050. 

To achieve this ambitious target, we are seeking a dedicated person experienced in tree assessment and landscaping design to coordinate the management of private tree removal applications and provide landscaping/tree management feedback on planning applications and other significant projects.

About this opportunity:

An exciting opportunity exists to join our Vegetation and Planning Compliance Team as a Vegetation Management Officer.

What you’ll deliver

• Providing professional advice on vegetation, landscape, and arboriculture matters on private land to internal and external clients by either providing input to the assessment of planning applications or undertaking tree assessments for private tree removal applications under Kingston’s Community Local Law.
• Identifying measures to manage trees as an alternative to their removal.
• Support the department by responding to community enquiries regarding vegetation management on private properties. 
• Attend pre-application meetings with prospective applicants, providing accurate advice on vegetation management and landscape outcomes. 

What You’ll Bring

The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience in tree assessments. Ability to assess tree-related risks using QTRA is desirable.
• Qualifications in Arboriculture (AQF Level 5 preferable), landscape architecture, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in providing timely and accurate advice, utilising research and problem-solving skills.
• Strong time management skills.
• A customer-centric approach to building successful partnerships with Kingston's internal and external stakeholders.

The right candidate will be able to demonstrate the City of Kingston’s values of

We make a difference ǀ We show care and respect ǀ We take pride in our work ǀ We are better together

Don’t meet every single requirement for this role? At Kingston Council, we recognise that different experiences make for great community outcomes. If you are excited about this role, but your experience doesn’t perfectly align to the criteria we encourage you to submit your application.

How to Apply

If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your experience and how it relates to the role. We look forward to hearing from you!

For any inquiries about the position, please contact Guillermo Henning, Team Leader Vegetation and Planning Compliance on 9581 4884 or Guillermo.Henning@Kingston.vic.gov.au

To be eligible to apply for this position you must have an appropriate Australian or New Zealand work visa.

For any reasonable adjustments or access needs during the application or interview process, please contact the Hiring Manager or email us at peopleandculture@kingston.vic.gov.au

About Kingston 

Kingston Council’s collective focus is on delivering exceptional service that achieves our vision and meets community expectations.

We are an inclusive, resilient community with a thriving economy, where we all share a safe, sustainable environment. The City of Kingston is south-east of Melbourne and is approximately 20km from Melbourne's CBD. We employ over 1,600 people in a diverse range of roles including engineering, customer service, administration, finance, family, youth and children's services, sport and recreation, health, parks and gardens, planning, arts and management.

Why Work for Kingston?

At Kingston Council, we believe in fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued. We support diversity and encourage applications from persons of all backgrounds. Here are some reasons why you might love working with us: 

• Hybrid work options – average 2 days working from home (or pro rata)
• Flexible Work Options, including remote and work flexible work hours
• Learning and development opportunities through professional development programs
• Access to accrued day off every four weeks (Full time employees only)
• Salary Packaging
• Purchase leave options
• Career development opportunities,
• Study/development assistance
• Discounted gym memberships
• 16 weeks paid parental leave for both primary and partner carers
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
• Social club events
• Close to Public transport
• Free Onsite parking

For further information visit our website Join our team - City of Kingston

Kingston City Council is an equal opportunity employer, committed to reconciliation and being a child safe organisation.

We are dedicated to attracting, retaining, and developing people of all genders, ethnicities, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages.

Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community, and we strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community. We support adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, as well as during employment.