2022 Tree Management Officer - TAFE Students preferred null

Fairfield City Council has adopted an Asset Management Policy, Strategy and Asset Management Plans as part of the implementation of the Local Government Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework (IPR). 

This strategic asset management ensures that the resources are in place to maintain Council's assets to an agreed standard which is informed by the Fairfield City Plan.

The Tree Management Officer is responsible for the asset management of trees within the Fairfield Local Government Area in line with Councils Tree Management Policy and legislative requirements. The role is required to manage Councils tree assets to minimize Council liability and providing acceptable service levels to the community within funding available.

The position requires a thorough knowledge of arboriculture principles with regard to whole of life tree asset management and commitment to objectives that include: the planning and management of trees in appropriate sites; the life cycle management of existing trees, in a safe and healthy state; the management and/or removal of trees in inappropriate places.

Selection Criteria - Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications and Experience required

1. Tertiary qualifications in Arboriculture at Level 5 of the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF Level 5)
2. Qualification or training in, horticulture, asset management or other relevant qualifications.
3. Experience in updating and maintaining asset management systems, maintenance management systems and other asset databases 
4. Experience in tree species identification, classification, valuation, condition assessment and ratings.
5. Experience in asset data collection, recording, computer entry, storage and retrieval
6. Knowledge and experience in the use of Geographic Information Systems, 
7. Detailed understanding of the Vegetation State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP). 
8. Knowledge and experience in developing effective maintenance and renewal programs for tree assets (pruning/re-planting). 
9. Knowledge in the application of analytical, creative thinking and problem solving skills with the ability to identify the critical issues and initiatives.
10. Well-developed communication skills (oral and written) with the ability to present concise and accurate information on matters affecting the asset branch functions.
11. Knowledge and commitment to Work Health and Safety legislation and Equal Employment Opportunity principles.
12. Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment.
13. Current Class C Drivers License.

Key Accountabilities – Position Specific

1. Coordinate, assess and determine applications (Inc. Tree Work Permits) related to the tree management provisions in the City’s planning controls (e.g. LEP and DCP), and the Vegetation State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP).
2. Develop, review and update Councils Tree Asset Management Plan to ensure that an accurate inventory of trees is maintained and informs the scheduling of maintenance for the Delivery Program (4 year) and Operational Plan (1 year) within Fairfield Local Government Area .
3. Assist in the management of the City’s public trees, by providing expert advice for construction and maintenance projects that impact trees, and for general tree maintenance contracts and programs. This includes coordinating consultants and working in a multi-disciplinary team to manage the City’s Trees.
4. Develop short and long term maintenance and renewal works program for tree assets (10 year, 4 year and 1 year plans).
5. Develop and maintain the unit rate library for tree assets to enable accurate costing of tree pruning/planting/removal programs (10 year, 4 year and 1 year plans).
6. Maintain Councils tree management policies, procedures and work instructions within Councils Quality Management System (i.e. Checklists/Forms).
7. Raise and process work orders for internal work and external contracts, purchase orders, maintain records and reconciliation of invoices through Council’s computerized maintenance and financial system as required and directed by  the position supervisor. 
8. Undertake inspections to develop and implement condition assessments for trees within the Local Government Area that includes consistent criteria for rating condition and intervention actions
9. Develop electronic resources to support tree management including: suburb guides for tree planting, information advising pruning/ tree removal requirements, significant tree registers and mapping to educate and engage the community.  
10. Liaise with Council’s Enforcement Branch in relation to breaches of Council’s Tree Management Policy including the collection and recording of evidence as required
11. Manage DA matters including provision of expert advice and liaison with other Units and Government bodies .
12. Investigate damage reported through our Commercial Insurance branch involving or caused by street, park or Council property trees and provide detailed reports as required 
13. Engage internal and external stakeholders including dealing with customer correspondence and phone enquiries, advising practical solutions to maintain, replenish and over time increase the tree canopy in the Local Government Area.
14. Councils Representative  Land and Environment Court for matters related to Public and Private Trees within the Fairfield Local Government Area.