Vacancy Details

Grow Your Career Where It Matters Most

Asset Officer – Arborist

Permanent Full Time | Wangaratta, VIC | $88,121 per annum + Super

Do you see trees not just as part of the landscape, but as living assets that shape the future of a community? Are you passionate about sustainable urban forestry, long-term planning, and making a real impact you can see every day?

Join the Rural City of Wangaratta as our next Asset Officer – Arboriculture and take the lead in managing, protecting, and enhancing the trees that define our region — from vibrant streetscapes to expansive open spaces.

Why This Role Stands Out

At Wangaratta, we’re not simply maintaining trees — we’re building a greener, healthier, more resilient future. This is your chance to step into a pivotal role where your arboricultural expertise directly shapes our municipality’s strategy, sustainability, and liveability.

You’ll be the trusted specialist guiding our tree planning, preservation, and protection programs across both urban and rural environments. Your insights will influence planning decisions, drive long-term strategy, and ensure our green assets continue to thrive for generations.

What You’ll Lead

  • Delivery of maintenance, renewal, watering, and stump removal programs
  • Management of the tree asset register and the 5-Year Tree Asset Audit
  • Inspections, risk assessments, and expert arboricultural advice
  • Contractor oversight, procurement, budgeting, and safety compliance
  • Implementation of key strategies including the Tree Management Strategy and Electric Line Clearance Plan
  • Chairing cross-department Tree Planning Meetings
  • Advocacy and education around tree protection within Council and the community

Who You Are

You’re more than an arborist — you’re a strategic thinker with a passion for green infrastructure. You understand trees as essential community assets and know how to balance science, safety, sustainability, and community needs.

You bring:

  • Certificate IV or higher in Arboriculture, with hands-on experience
  • Proven capability in managing tree asset databases and maintenance programs
  • Strong communication skills and confidence engaging stakeholders at all levels
  • Competence with Excel, Word, TechOne, and arboricultural asset systems
  • A current Driver Licence (QTRA qualification highly regarded)
  • The ability to plan, prioritise, and manage projects and contractors independently

If you’re ready to shape the future of Wangaratta’s urban forest and leave a lasting legacy, this is your opportunity to grow your career where it truly matters.

Why Work for Rural City of Wangaratta?

Joining our team comes with a variety of exciting benefits, including:

  • Inclusive, supportive, and nurturing work environment
  • Ongoing training and professional development opportunities to help you achieve your career goals
  • Corporate benefits, including flu injections and reduced gym memberships
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health and wellbeing support
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Option to purchase additional annual leave for permanent full-time and part-time employees
  • Flexible work arrangements and accrued days off (ADO)
  • The satisfaction of working in a role where your decisions have real, visible impact on your community

For more information and to view the position description, please visit our website at www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au. For enquiries about this position, please contact Lee Whitmore - Horticulture Coordinator on l.whitmore@wangaratta.vic.gov.au. 

Applications close at 3pm on Monday, 23 February 2026, although the right candidate may be appointed earlier.

Rural City of Wangaratta is a child safe and equal opportunity employer.  Employment applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are encouraged. In addition, applications for positions that work with children must provide referees who can comment on their experience working with children.  These roles also require a valid Working with Children Check and all roles require a National Criminal History Check. 

Ready to Apply?

  • To submit your application, please include:
  • A short cover letter outlining your interest in the role
  • Your current resume with at least two referees
  • A document addressing the key selection criteria (use each criterion as a heading)
  • Copies of any relevant qualifications or licences