Company Description
Arbor Australis Consulting Pty Ltd delivers expert arboricultural advice and reporting that supports sustainable urban development across Queensland. With a team with over 80 years of combined experience, the company provides comprehensive, impartial tree assessments and reports for councils, developers, architects, and town planners, ranging from small residential projects to major infrastructure works.
The company manages all aspects of arboricultural consulting in-house, using data-driven methods and a strong understanding of urban forestry to handle complex and politically sensitive projects. Clients include Brisbane City Council, Noosa Council, Queensland Urban Utilities, Griffith University, Queensland Rail, and South Bank Corporation, and the firm is an active member of the Queensland Arboricultural Association, Treenet and Arboriculture Australia.
Arbor Australis focuses on transparent, impartial advice and long-term partnerships, balancing development needs with environmental stewardship and the protection of urban green spaces.
Role Description
The Senior Arboricultural Consultant is a full-time role based in Brisbane, with a hybrid arrangement that allows some work from home. The role involves leading and delivering arboricultural assessments, reports, and management plans for a range of urban development and infrastructure projects.
Day-to-day responsibilities include site inspections, tree risk and health assessments, Arboricultural Impact Assessments, and preparation of clear, defensible technical documentation for councils, developers, and design professionals. Work is undertaken in accordance with AS 4970-2025 Protection of trees on development sites and AS 4373-2007 Pruning of amenity trees, with tree risk assessment undertaken using VALID, QTRA.
The consultant will provide strategic advice on tree retention, removal, and mitigation, contribute to urban forestry and green space planning, and support clients in meeting regulatory and planning requirements. The role also includes acting as Project Arborist on development sites, collaboration with internal team members, mentoring junior staff, and liaising with stakeholders.
Essential Qualifications and Experience
- AQF Level 5 Diploma of Arboriculture, or a relevant tertiary qualification in arboriculture, forestry, horticulture, environmental science, or a closely related discipline.
- Demonstrated experience in arboricultural consulting, including complex urban development and infrastructure projects.
- Strong skills in tree risk assessment, tree health and condition evaluation, and development impact assessment.
- Proficiency in preparing clear, concise arboricultural reports, management plans, and technical documentation for diverse stakeholders.
- Knowledge of planning legislation, local government regulations, and Australian Standards relating to trees and urban development.
- Capability in using relevant field tools and software, including GIS, data collection apps, mapping tools, and standard office applications.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with a data-driven approach to recommendations.
- A current open Queensland driver's licence.
- A current Construction Induction Card, the White Card, or willingness to obtain one before commencement.
- The right to work in Australia. We will consider sponsorship for an exceptional candidate.
Desirable
- Formal qualification in VALID, or QTRA.
- Experience preparing expert evidence for the Planning and Environment Court
- Experience with tree disputes under the Neighbourhood Disputes Resolution Act 2011.
- Experience in tree valuation methodologies.
About You
Technical skill matters, and so does the way you work with people. Our projects are collaborative by nature, often bringing together councils, developers, design teams, and site contractors on the same job, and our team is small enough that everyone's approach affects everyone else.
We are looking for someone who works as part of a team, shares knowledge openly, and supports colleagues through busy periods and difficult projects. Someone who communicates clearly and confidently in writing and in person, pitching the level of technical detail to suit the audience, whether that is a council assessment officer, a project engineer, or a homeowner. Someone who handles difficult conversations professionally, because arboricultural advice is not always what a client wants to hear, and holding a position with courtesy and evidence is part of the role. Someone who contributes to internal peer review, both giving and receiving constructive feedback, is reliable and accountable for their own deliverables and deadlines, and represents Arbor Australis well with clients and industry bodies.
What We Offer
- A competitive salary, negotiated on experience and qualifications.
- A vehicle or vehicle allowance.
- An annual professional development budget, and paid professional membership of Arboriculture Australia and the Queensland Arboricultural Association.
- Support to attend industry conferences.
- All field equipment and technology provided.
- Hybrid working, with genuine flexibility around site and office days.
- Varied work across development assessment, expert witness, and urban forestry, within an ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 certified practice.
To Apply
Send your CV and a brief covering letter to [email protected]