AQF Level 5 Consulting Arborist – Environmental Consultancy

Environmental Services & Education Australia (ESEA)

Location: Pyrmont, Sydney NSW

Employment: Full-time, Permanent

Join a rapidly growing environmental consultancy and help build its arboricultural division.

Environmental Services & Education Australia (ESEA) is seeking a motivated and experienced AQF Level 5 Consulting Arborist to join our small, enthusiastic and rapidly growing team based in Pyrmont, Sydney.

This is an exciting opportunity for an arborist who enjoys combining technical consultancy with practical fieldwork, tree climbing and innovative habitat conservation projects.

Unlike traditional arboricultural consultancies, this position offers a unique opportunity to work closely with ESEA's ecological assessment team, including our specialist climbing ecologists, on projects that integrate arboriculture, biodiversity conservation, fauna habitat management and development planning.

As a young and ambitious business experiencing significant growth, ESEA is looking for someone who wants to play an important role in establishing, developing and expanding our arboricultural services. You will have the opportunity to influence the direction of this growing division, introduce new capabilities and take ownership of projects as the company continues to expand.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about trees, enjoys technical challenges, takes pride in producing high-quality work and wants to build a long-term career within a supportive and progressive team.

About ESEA

Established in 2024, Environmental Services & Education Australia (ESEA) is an independent environmental consultancy specialising in ecological assessments, arboriculture, biodiversity planning and conservation.

Since its establishment, ESEA has experienced rapid growth, building strong relationships with leading Tier 1 and Tier 2 developers, local councils, government agencies and infrastructure providers.

Our team works across a diverse portfolio of projects, including major residential and commercial developments, infrastructure projects, biodiversity assessments, vegetation management, ecological restoration and wildlife conservation initiatives throughout NSW.

We embrace modern technology, innovative field techniques and efficient reporting methodologies to continually improve the quality and effectiveness of our work.

We are still in the early stages of our company's journey, and we want our next team member to be part of building something exceptional.

At ESEA, you won't simply be another employee in a large organisation. You'll have a voice in how the company operates, opportunities to introduce new ideas and systems, and the ability to directly influence our future growth and development.

About the Role

As an AQF Level 5 Consulting Arborist, you will play an important role in delivering arboricultural impact assessment, tree risk assessment, tree management and specialist tree-climbing services across NSW.

The position offers a rewarding balance of technical consulting, field inspections, report preparation, practical arboricultural work and ecological conservation.

A particularly exciting aspect of this position is the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with ESEA's ecologists and climbing ecologists, undertaking specialist habitat inspections, nest box installations, artificial hollow creation and fauna conservation works.

Your responsibilities will include:

Arboricultural Assessment and Consulting

- Preparing Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) reports for development applications, infrastructure projects and other proposed developments.
- Undertaking tree inspections, condition assessments, retention value assessments and tree risk assessments.
- Preparing tree protection plans, tree management recommendations, arboricultural method statements and associated technical documentation.
- Assessing potential impacts of development on trees, including Tree Protection Zones (TPZs), Structural Root Zones (SRZs), construction encroachments and opportunities for tree retention.
- Providing practical advice to developers, project managers, councils and other stakeholders regarding tree retention, protection and management.
- Undertaking tree health and hazard assessments and preparing recommendations for risk mitigation and ongoing management.
- Supporting ecological assessments through the identification and evaluation of habitat trees, hollow-bearing trees and other significant vegetation.

Project Arborist Services

- Acting as the Project Arborist on development and construction projects.
- Undertaking pre-construction inspections, tree protection inspections and construction-phase monitoring.
- Supervising sensitive works within tree protection zones, including excavation, root investigations, pruning and other activities requiring arboricultural oversight.
- Providing technical advice to construction teams regarding tree protection measures and management of retained vegetation.
- Preparing inspection records, compliance documentation and arboricultural certification reports where appropriate.

Tree Climbing and Ecological Habitat Works

- Undertaking specialist tree-climbing activities in collaboration with ESEA's ecological team and climbing ecologists.
- Installing, inspecting,



maintaining and relocating fauna nest boxes and other artificial habitat structures.
- Assisting with the creation of artificial tree hollows using specialised equipment, including Hollow Hog and ArborGrub systems.
- Undertaking climbing inspections of hollow-bearing trees to assess fauna habitat features, hollow characteristics and suitability for threatened species.
- Installing, retrieving and maintaining arboreal camera traps and other fauna monitoring equipment.
- Assisting ecologists with habitat assessments, fauna investigations and specialist biodiversity conservation projects.
- Supporting habitat salvage initiatives, including the identification, recovery and relocation of suitable natural hollows and habitat features.
- Contributing to innovative arboricultural and ecological techniques that improve habitat retention and biodiversity outcomes.

Vegetation Clearing and Practical Arboricultural Works While the primary focus of this position is consulting arboriculture and specialist climbing, the role will also involve occasional practical tree works where appropriate.

These may include

- Undertaking occasional chainsaw operations, tree pruning and vegetation removal within the arborist's demonstrated competencies and relevant safety requirements.
- Assisting with vegetation clearing supervision and habitat salvage operations.
- Supporting the recovery of natural tree hollows, habitat-bearing limbs and other significant habitat features during approved vegetation removal.
- Working alongside ESEA's ecologists to ensure tree works and vegetation clearing are conducted in accordance with approved environmental safeguards.
- Applying appropriate climbing, rigging, aerial rescue and work health and safety procedures during all relevant field activities.

This is a diverse role offering considerably more variety than a conventional consulting arborist position. You will have the prospect to participate in technical reporting, construction projects, challenging climbing operations and meaningful wildlife conservation initiatives.

About You

We are seeking an arborist who combines strong technical knowledge with practical field skills, enthusiasm and a personable, collaborative approach.

You should be equally comfortable preparing professional arboricultural reports, communicating with clients and undertaking specialist fieldwork.

Essential requirements:

- AQF Level 5 Diploma of Arboriculture or an equivalent recognised qualification.
- Demonstrated experience preparing Arboricultural Impact Assessment reports, tree condition assessments and tree management recommendations.
- Strong understanding of Australian Standard AS 4970 – Protection of Trees on Development Sites and relevant arboricultural assessment practices.
- Experience undertaking tree risk assessments and providing practical tree management recommendations.
- Sound knowledge of tree biology, tree identification, structural defects, tree health and development-related impacts.
- Demonstrated tree-climbing experience, with the technical competency and physical capability to safely undertake specialist climbing operations.
- Relevant climbing, chainsaw and aerial rescue competencies appropriate to the duties undertaken.
- Strong technical report-writing, communication and organisational skills.
- Ability to independently manage workloads, complete field inspections and deliver reports to qualified standards.
- A current driver's licence and willingness to undertake fieldwork and travel throughout NSW.
- A strong commitment to workplace safety and safe working practices.

Highly regarded skills and experience:

- Previous experience acting as a Project Arborist on residential, commercial or infrastructure developments.
- Formal training or experience in tree risk assessment methodologies, including TRAQ or QTRA.
- Experience with advanced tree climbing, rigging and specialist arboricultural operations.
- Experience installing nest boxes, artificial hollows or other arboreal habitat structures.
- Familiarity with Hollow Hog, ArborGrub or similar artificial hollow creation techniques.
- Experience inspecting hollow-bearing trees, conducting fauna habitat inspections or working alongside ecologists.
- Experience with habitat salvage and ecological vegetation clearing operations.
- Familiarity with NSW planning legislation and local council tree preservation requirements.
- Experience using GIS, digital field data collection or other modern arboricultural assessment technologies.
- Interest in business development, mentoring staff and expanding an arboricultural consulting division.

Previous experience in ecological conservation or specialist habitat works is highly regarded, but not essential. ESEA's ecological team can provide opportunities to develop these skills. Above all, we value people who bring enthusiasm, initiative, excellent communication skills and a willingness to contribute to the continued growth and success of ESEA.





Why Join ESEA?

We recognise that a rewarding career is about more than the work itself. We are committed to creating a workplace where our staff can develop professionally, enjoy their working environment and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

What we offer:

Help build and lead a growing arboricultural division

This is a rare opportunity to join a young environmental consultancy and play a leading role in expanding its arboricultural capabilities. As the business grows, there will be opportunities to develop new services, take ownership of projects and progress into senior technical or leadership roles.

Work on exciting and diverse projects

Gain exposure to a wide variety of projects involving Tier 1 and Tier 2 developers, local councils, government agencies and infrastructure providers throughout NSW. Your work will extend beyond traditional arboricultural consulting into specialist climbing, wildlife habitat management and practical conservation.

Work alongside experienced ecologists and climbing specialists

Collaborate directly with ESEA's ecologists, BAM Accredited Assessors and climbing ecologists. Develop new skills in fauna habitat assessment, artificial hollow creation, nest box installation and ecological conservation.

Free swimming pool access and a focus on fitness

Our Pyrmont office offers free access to swimming pool facilities. We also support extended lunchtime periods for personal fitness, allowing staff to incorporate gym sessions, swimming and exercise into their working day.

A small, young and enthusiastic team

Join a close-knit group of passionate environmental professionals who enjoy collaborating, sharing knowledge and supporting one another. We maintain a friendly, approachable working environment where individual contributions are valued.

Dedicated Friday afternoon learning periods

Professional development is an important part of ESEA's culture. We allocate time on Friday afternoons for learning, technical development, knowledge sharing and exploring new ideas, helping our team continually expand their capabilities.

Ongoing professional development

We actively encourage continued education, specialist arboricultural training, advanced climbing skills, professional accreditation and broader ecological knowledge. We want our staff to continually improve and develop throughout their careers.

Modern technologies and innovative approaches

Be part of a consultancy that embraces modern technology, advanced survey techniques, specialist arboricultural equipment and efficient digital workflows. We actively encourage staff to explore and introduce innovative approaches to tree assessment and conservation.

Variety, independence and responsibility

Enjoy the freedom to manage your own projects, contribute ideas and undertake a diverse mixture of office-based reporting and hands-on fieldwork. You will have opportunities to develop your own areas of expertise while working collaboratively with the broader team.

A career with real progression

As ESEA continues to grow, we want our team members to grow with us. This position offers the opportunity to become an integral part of the company's technical leadership and help shape the future of our arboricultural services.

Our Culture

At ESEA, we believe high-quality environmental consulting and an enjoyable workplace should go hand in hand.

We work hard, take pride in delivering exceptional outcomes for our clients and maintain high professional standards. However, we also recognise the importance of health, fitness, ongoing learning and enjoying the people you work with.

Our small and enthusiastic team shares a genuine interest in the natural environment, innovative fieldwork and practical conservation.

We are particularly excited about building our arboricultural capabilities and bringing someone into the team who shares our enthusiasm for trees, ecology and wildlife habitat conservation.

We are looking for someone who wants more than just another job. We want someone who is excited about developing a specialist service area, taking on new challenges and helping build a successful and respected environmental consultancy.

Apply Now

If you are an AQF Level 5 Arborist looking for an chance to take the next step in your career, work on diverse and exciting projects and join a young, rapidly growing environmental consultancy, we would love to hear from you.

Whether your experience has primarily been in consulting arboriculture, project arborist services or practical climbing operations, we encourage applications from candidates who are enthusiastic about developing their skills across these disciplines.

Please apply through Indeed with your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant qualifications, arboricultural experience, tree-climbing capabilities and interest in joining ESEA.

Learn more about ESEA at www.eseaustralia.com.

Come and help us build the next chapter of ESEA.

Perks

- Professional development assistance
- Travel reimbursement
- Free access to swimming pool facilities
- Extended lunchtime fitness opportunities
- Dedicated weekly career development time
- Opportunities for career progression and leadership

Pay: $70,000.00 – $100,000.00 per year

Benefits

- Gym membership
- Professional development assistance
- Travel reimbursement

Work Location: In person

📌 AQF Level 5 Consulting Arborist – Environmental Consultancy (Pyrmont)
🏢 Environmental Services u0026 Education Australia
📍 Pyrmont