Description:
Blacktown City is a growing and thriving city, located halfway between Sydney City and the Blue Mountains. With 435,000 residents, we are the largest and most diverse city in NSW, spread across 54 suburbs. Blacktown City is vibrant, dynamic and multicultural, home to a large First Nations community, and more than 180 different birthplaces and languages.
With $24.8 billion regional economy, Blacktown City is also home to 30,000 businesses. Working at Blacktown City Council provides widespread, exciting professional opportunities. Our Council is leading the transformation of Blacktown City and Western Sydney. We are implementing a vision for a modern city, full of opportunity for our residents and businesses.
Our Council is led by highly skilled and experienced professionals, working with talented and passionate teams across a diverse range of business units. We are delivering high quality, customer-focused services, experiences, and facilities, and leading a program of strategic planning, activity and investment.
Blacktown City Council strives to be an inclusive workplace for all people. We welcome applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQ+ community, veterans and people with disabilities.
About the opportunity
We have an exciting permanent, full-time leadership opportunity within our Tree Management team for an experienced Senior Urban Forest Officer. We are seeking someone who is deeply passionate about tree management and environmental sustainability.
The Senior Urban Forest Officer leads a team of Tree Management Officers and provides high-level expertise in urban forestry and arboriculture to a range of stakeholders. Key responsibilities of the position include:
- Supervise a team of Tree Management Officers and contractors in the provision of urban forest and arboricultural services to achieve the City’s objectives, including meeting the City’s canopy cover targets
- Provide leadership to agreed service levels and standards in regard to public and private tree inspections and implement Blacktown City Council’s Tree Preservation Controls
- Undertake inspections of Council’s public and internal tree assets where required and program and monitor works associated with Council’s Tree Planting and Replacement Programs
- Support and assist with the creation and implementation of the Urban Forest Policy and Strategy, the Tree Management Policy and Strategy, and the Street Tree Master Plan
- Provide arboricultural expertise for City tree assets, relating to urban renewal and capital works programs, including asset management systems
- Deliver a high standard of customer service.
If you are excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.
Qualifications and experience
Essential:
- Qualifications in Arboriculture (AQF Level 5)
- Demonstrated extensive experience in managing trees in a large-scale urban environment
- Demonstrated experience in leading teams, including coaching, mentoring and developing a high
performance team culture - Demonstrated experience in providing advice on arboriculture matters and projects to customers,
stakeholders, senior management and Council - Knowledge of applicable legislation and regulations
- Class C Drivers Licence
- SafeWork approved WHS General Induction for Construction Work in NSW.
Desirable:
- Degree in a relevant field
- Tree Risk assessment qualifications
- Local government experience.
Remuneration and benefits
The salary and conditions of employment are in accordance with Blacktown City Council’s Enterprise Agreement.
- Entry level for this position starts at $2,008.22 per week
- 35-hour working week
- Leaseback vehicle
- Opportunity to participate in Council's flextime arrangement
- Employee benefits such as leave entitlements (where applicable), 11.5% employer contribution payable to your nominated superannuation fund, Fitness Passport, gym membership discounts, and social clubs.
Our commitment to safety
Blacktown City Council is committed to safety. We have introduced alcohol and other drug testing at the pre-employment phase, and via a series of random and cause testing.
We are a child safe organisation that supports and promotes the safety, wellbeing and empowerment of children.
Position description
Click here to view or download the position description.
Apply now using our fast and easy-to-use online application process:
- Have your resume and any other relevant documentation ready to attach.
- Have a personal email address ready to use and complete your application without 'logging out' of the system.
- Review the questions and decide on your responses before commencing your application.
Closing date: Friday 2 May 2025, 11.59 pm
Contact officer: Louise Bennett on 9839 5155
Internal ref: BCC385