Climber / Lead Arborist – High-Performance Team

About Arbfirm

Arbfirm is a Perth-based arbor company specialising in large, technical tree work, including complex pruning and removals. We’re known for taking on the jobs other companies can’t, using the right combination of skill, planning, and machinery to get them done properly.

The business is led by directors Lloyd Barker and Ben McWalter, who both bring over 10 years of industry experience. Lloyd came up through climbing and spent years contract climbing across multiple companies, while Ben built his background as a high-level cutter and machine operator. Together, they formed Arbfirm to build a company that delivers high-quality work while properly backing the people doing it.

We started Arbfirm after seeing too many good arborists treated like numbers. Our goal is to build a crew of skilled operators who take pride in their work, are supported with the right equipment, and are part of a team that actually values what they bring.

We focus on working smarter—using cranes, loaders, and machinery wherever possible to reduce unnecessary strain and improve efficiency. Our reputation is built on being organised, well-equipped, and capable of delivering high-standard results on complex jobs.

As Arbfirm grows, we’re building out a second crew of high-performing arborists to continue taking on larger, more technical work across Perth.

Why Work With Us

$35–$48/hr depending on experience

Top performers earn above industry standard

Machinery-first approach to reduce physical strain and increase efficiency

Work alongside a tight, high-performing crew

Real opportunity to lead a crew and grow with the business

Who This Is For

You are an experienced climber / arborist (essential)

You’re confident leading jobs and making decisions on-site

You take pride in high-quality work and setting standards

You work efficiently and know how to keep a crew moving

You want to be part of a high-performance team - not a low-standard operation

Role: Climber / Lead Arborist

This is a key role within Arbfirm. You’ll be responsible for leading jobs on-site, performing high-level climbing and rigging work, and driving overall crew performance.

Responsibilities

Carry out climbing, rigging, and dismantling work to a high standard

Lead the crew on-site, controlling job flow, pace, and execution

Make confident, real-time decisions to keep work efficient and organised

Operate EWP where required for technical access work

Ensure jobs are completed safely, cleanly, and to a high standard

Set expectations for the crew and maintain performance on-site

Growth Opportunities

Take ownership of your own crew as the business expands

Play a key role in building and shaping a high-performance team

Progress into senior leadership roles within the company

Supporting Role: Arborist / Crew Member

We are also open to experienced crew members who can support the lead climber and contribute across all aspects of the job.

Assist with rigging, rope handling, and ground operations

Operate machinery (loader, excavator, etc.) to improve efficiency

Run chipper and maintain organised worksites

Support overall job performance and team output

Entry Pathway (Limited)

We may consider apprentices or entry-level candidates with strong work ethic and genuine interest—but this is not the primary focus of this role.

Apply

At Arbfirm, you’re more than just a number. We are building a small, elite team of people who care about quality, accountability, and backing each other.

We’re only hiring the right people.

If you’re a capable climber ready to step into a leadership role within a high-performing arbor team setting the standard in Perth, apply now.

Email Lloyd at ••••@arbfirm.com.au.