ABOUT US

Melbourne Park is an iconic, multi-venue, world-renowned precinct that delivers hundreds of diverse sport, entertainment and community events each year, including one of only four tennis Grand Slams in the world – the Australian Open.

The Melbourne Park precinct is home to six of Melbourne’s premier venues – Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena, John Cain Arena, AAMI Park, Kia Arena and CENTREPIECE at Melbourne Park – as well as the National Tennis Centre, two show courts, 35 outdoor tennis courts, six indoor tennis courts, Tennis HQ, Olympic Park Oval, Gosch’s Paddock and the KGM Centre.

Our Horticulture & Sports Grounds team plays an essential role in maintaining and enhancing these diverse spaces, ensuring Melbourne Park has world-class grounds, gardens and facilities to support our events, tenants, athletes, visitors and community.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting to the Horticulture Manager, the Arborist is an integral member of Melbourne Park’s Horticulture Team, responsible for supporting the delivery of site-wide arboriculture and horticulture services across the precinct.

You’ll play an important role in maintaining the health, safety and presentation of Melbourne Park’s extensive tree population, while also contributing to horticulture programs, open space turf management and large-scale landscape projects.

Working alongside a team of horticulture and sports turf experts, you’ll collaborate closely with venue, event and operations teams, tenants, business partners and external arboriculture providers to ensure the precinct is safe, healthy and presented to world-class standards.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Arborist to work within a unique, high-profile public workplace and contribute to the presentation and ongoing development of one of Australia’s most significant sporting and entertainment precincts.

WHAT YOU’LL FOCUS ON

- Assist in the delivery of the site-wide tree management program, ensuring Melbourne Park’s mature trees are healthy, well maintained and safe for visitors, staff and event participants
- Coordinate and liaise with Melbourne Park-engaged arborists and contractors to support effective tree management programs
- Contribute to horticulture programs across the precinct, maintaining world-class presentation standards across gardens, landscapes and open spaces
- Assist with the planning and programming of annual garden beds and larger-scale horticultural projects
- Apply chemicals and fertilisers safely and in accordance with current standards and requirements
- Support the management and maintenance of high-profile lawns and open space turf areas across the precinct




- Assist with the collection and maintenance of horticulture-related data and records
- Operate horticultural machinery and equipment safely and effectively within a busy public environment
- Identify tree, horticultural and site-related issues and recommend practical solutions
- Work collaboratively with venue and event teams to ensure horticultural activities support the protected and successful delivery of events
- Participate in toolbox meetings and actively promote safe working practices across the Horticulture Team and broader precinct
- Build positive and professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including tenants, venue teams, event teams, business partners and venue hirers
- Contribute to continuous improvement and best-practice horticultural and arboricultural practices across Melbourne Park

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

- Certificate III in Horticulture (Arboriculture)
- AQF Level 5 qualification in Arboriculture (or equivalent)
- At least 3-5 years’ experience in tree assessment, reporting or a similar tree management role.
- Current driver’s licence
- Current ACUP licence
- Chainsaw operator and tree felling certificates
- Demonstrated experience in horticulture and arboriculture within public spaces
- Experience operating horticultural machinery and equipment in a public environment
- Good verbal and written communication skills
- Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build positive and effective relationships
- A collaborative approach and demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to identify problems, develop appropriate responses and implement practical solutions
- Understanding of safe work practices and the ability to consistently operate in accordance with relevant safety requirements
- Moderate computer literacy, including a sound working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications

DESIRED

- Certificate III in Parks & Gardens or working towards completion
- Experience in major event, facility and/or venue operations
- Experience working within the event industry or at a place of public entertainment
- Understanding of work health and safety practices
- Forklift licence

WHAT WE OFFER





- To deliver world-class events with world-class customer experiences - for every person, every event, every time - we believe in fostering working environments that support our staff to thrive both personally and professionally.
- If you want your next professional experience to help maintain and enhance an iconic 42-hectare precinct, work alongside experienced horticulture and sports turf professionals and contribute to some of Australia's most significant sporting and entertainment events, apply now – we can’t wait to meet you!
- Ongoing Learning & Development opportunities
- Leadership coaching and development available for all team leaders
- Generous paid Family & Carers leave scheme, including a staggered return to work plan and check-in days
- Free 24/7 safety, wellbeing & medical support for employees and families through our holistic care platform, Sonder
- Access to free event tickets through team member ticketing programs, Tickets 2 U and Mystery Guest
- Free onsite parking
- Ongoing cultural awareness and inclusion education

Applications Close: Wednesday 30 September 2026 To apply, please submit a short cover letter alongside your CV detailing your interest, experience and alignment to the role and key capabilities required.

You will receive an update on your application, whether you are successful or unsuccessful, via phone or email.

Melbourne Park is an equal opportunity employer, and we want to ensure everyone can apply for this role. If you require any reasonable adjustments in order to participate in the recruitment process and/or to perform the essential functions of this role, you can contact the team at [email protected]. There will also be opportunities to discuss adjustments during the phone screen & interview process if shortlisted.

Please note successful applicants will be required to undertake a pre-employment screening. This includes, but is not limited to, a National Police Check and Working with Children Check. Melbourne Park may withdraw an employment offer in the event of an unsatisfactory screening result.

Please note Melbourne Park operates a direct sourcing model, so we ask that agencies do not get in touch regarding this vacancy.

Melbourne Park values the privacy of every individual's personal information and is committed to protecting personal information. Your personal information is handled in accordance with the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic).

For all enquiries regarding this role, contact [email protected]. While we truly value your interest in our opportunities, please note that our recruiters may not be able to respond to individual LinkedIn messages.

📌 Arborist (Melbourne)
🏢 Melbourne & Olympic Parks Trust
📍 Melbourne