Arborist

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Rotorua Lakes Council is seeking an experienced Arborist for its Open Spaces Operations team to care for trees across parks, reserves and public spaces with a strong focus on health, safety and delivering a welcoming community experience. You’ll prune, shape, remove and plant trees, inspect for disease or structural issues, operate specialist equipment, support aerial work and assist with risk assessments while keeping worksites tidy and safe. Key requirements include a Level 3 or 4 Certificate in Arboriculture (or equivalent), hands-on arboricultural experience, competence in tree climbing and rigging, a valid driver’s licence; EWP, chainsaw and first aid are desirable. Apply now, view the position description, and tailor your CV to show concrete outcomes, safety excellence, and your ability to work with Te Arawa and uphold bicultural values.

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Shape tomorrow in Rotorua: Your career starts here!


Ready to make a lasting impact? Te Kaunihera o ngā Roto o Rotorua | Rotorua Lakes Council is your platform for meaningful change. With a team of over 400 staff, we're committed to forging a better tomorrow for the Rotorua community. In the heart of this thriving city, you'll find yourself immersed in natural wonders like geothermal pools and ngāwha | geysers, while enjoying the exhilarating mountain biking scene. Join a council that thrives on collaboration with Te Arawa, our local iwi, and embraces biculturalism at its core. From the Rotorua Lakefront Redevelopment to hosting the world-renowned Crankworx festival, you'll play a vital role in shaping our city's future. Start your journey with us today!


Kei ā koe te toki, kei ā koe te kuru, whaoa te anamata! You have the chisel, you have the mallet! Join us and carve the future today!


We’re seeking an experienced Arborist to join our Open Spaces Operations team. Reporting to the Arboriculture Services Manager, you’ll be responsible for the care, maintenance, and management of trees across council parks, reserves, and public spaces, helping to ensure the health and safety of Rotorua’s urban forest.
You’ll carry out all aspects of tree care, including pruning, shaping, removal, planting, and inspection for disease or structural issues. The role involves using specialist equipment safely, supporting aerial work, assisting with risk assessments, and maintaining clean, safe worksites. You’ll also help with grounds maintenance, debris removal, and seasonal operations that keep our open spaces tidy and welcoming.
Safety is central to this position. You’ll follow all health and safety procedures, manage risks, and maintain equipment and protective gear to a high standard. With regular public interaction, you’ll represent the council professionally and help deliver a positive community experience.
We’re looking for someone with strong technical skills, a safety-first mindset, and enthusiasm for teamwork and the environment. To be successful, you’ll hold a Level 3 or 4 Certificate in Arboriculture (or equivalent), have hands-on experience in arboricultural operations, and be competent in tree climbing, rigging, and equipment use. A valid driver’s licence is essential, and EWP, chainsaw, and first aid certifications are desirable.
If this sounds like you and you want the chance to use your expertise to enhance Rotorua’s parks and green spaces for the whole community, apply now!
Please click this link to view the position description


Te Kaunihera o nga Roto o Rotorua (Rotorua Lakes Council) is committed to working in partnership with Te Arawa, our local iwi. We aspire to being a bicultural organisation and we value staff who speak te reo Maori, have an appreciation of Maori values, and a working knowledge of tikanga Maori.


Sound like you? Click the Apply button.