Creative Planning Solutions (CPS), a respected leader in environmental and planning consultancy, is seeking an experienced, dynamic, and dedicated AQF Level 5 Consulting Arborist to join our busy Sydney office.

If you have a passion for sustainable tree management and possess the technical expertise to navigate Sydney's complex planning and development environment, we invite you to apply. You'll be instrumental in delivering high-quality, defensible advice on projects across the Greater Sydney region.

About the Role

This full-time position involves a diverse range of arboricultural consulting duties in support of development applications, construction, and tree preservation.

Your Responsibilities Will Include:

Reporting: Preparing comprehensive, technically sound Arboricultural Impact Assessments (AIA), Tree Management Plans (TMP), Pre-Development Tree Assessments (PTA) and Development Application (DA) reports in compliance with relevant Australian Standards (e.g., AS 4970-2025) and local council requirements across Sydney.

Assessment: Conducting thorough Visual Tree Assessments (VTA), tree health and defect diagnosis, and using advanced tools where necessary.

Risk Management: Performing Tree Risk Assessments (TRA) using industry-recognised methodologies (e.g., TRAQ, QTRA).

Client Liaison: Providing clear, professional, and strategic arboricultural advice to clients, developers, architects, and council planning staff.

On-Site Supervision: Carrying out pre-construction site inspections, tree protection zone (TPZ) sign-offs, and supervision of works near protected trees.

Data Management: Accurate recording, mapping, and documentation of tree data, often utilising GIS and drawing software.

Root Investigations: Assistance with root mapping investigations and reporting.

Key Requirements (Essential Criteria)

Qualification: Diploma of Arboriculture (AQF Level 5) or higher.

Experience: Minimum 2 years of experience specifically in arboricultural consulting, preferably working within the Sydney development control environment.

Technical Knowledge: Sound understanding of tree biology, pathology, and current arboricultural best practices.

Legislative Expertise: Proven working knowledge of the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act (EP&A Act) and various Sydney Local Government Area (LGA) Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and Development Control Plans (DCPs).

Communication: Exceptional report writing skills and the ability to articulate complex technical information clearly and confidently, both verbally and in writing.

Certifications: Current Driver’s License & White Card. Certification such as TRAQ (Tree Risk Assessment Qualification) is highly desirable.

Why Work for CPS?

Stability & Growth: Join a well-established company with a strong pipeline of exciting projects across residential, commercial, and infrastructure sectors.

Competitive Package: An attractive salary package commensurate with experience, plus superannuation and performance incentives.

Professional Development: We invest in our staff by offering financial support for relevant training, workshops, and industry certification renewals.

Location: Based in our modern Sydney office, with easy access to field sites.

Culture: Work as part of a collaborative, supportive team of planning, environmental, and arborist professionals.

Apply Now!

If you are a driven AQF5 Arborist ready for your next professional challenge, we want to hear from you.

Please submit your resume and a tailored cover letter detailing your experience to: [email protected] or apply directly via the Seek platform.

Applications close: 10.10.2025

CPS is an equal opportunity employer. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.