About the role
About the role
In this role, you will lead the management and ongoing development of Geelong’s urban forest, overseeing the care of approximately 190,000 trees and a team of 28 staff. You will drive a whole-of-life asset management approach, identify business improvement opportunities and ensure the City continues to grow and maintain its internationally recognised Tree City of the World status.
Work type: Permanent full-time
Classification: Band 8 $125,701 pa plus super
Key responsibilities include:
- Maintain and facilitate the delivery of the department's vision by communicating it effectively to lead the unit.
- Motivate the team to deliver on the strategic goals, by translating and making the goals accessible and relevant to the team members for operational success.
- Collaborate effectively and foster partnerships with other leaders and team members throughout the organisation.
- Develop and deliver the unit’s annual Business Plans in line with the Directorate’s Strategy; balancing value for our community and customers, within financial and resource constraints.
- Monitor, report, and utilise accurate data to track performance and improvements.
- Facilitate a customer first culture in the business unit and proactively problem-solving to innovatively address challenges in delivering services to customers.
- Lead stakeholder consultation and engagement activities that promote and improve Council’s Urban Forest strategy and implementation initiatives.
About you
To be successful in this role, you will have a tertiary qualification in Arboriculture or Horticulture, significant arboricultural experience and proven leadership and people management skills. You will also bring strong business planning, budget, contract and stakeholder management capabilities, with the ability to drive innovation, lead change and deliver effective, sustainable urban tree management outcomes.
Essential Experience:
- Demonstrated people management skills to support, influence, and foster a productive team environment.
- Well-developed writing, presentation, and negotiation skills to influence stakeholders and achieve support for objectives.
- Well-developed problem solving and stakeholder management skills with the ability to build cooperation and partnerships.
- Ability to support and champion change ensuring strong stakeholder engagement throughout the process.
- Demonstrated skills in business planning and budget management.
- Extensive record of achievement in leading and influencing a large labour force and managing proactive maintenance programs, community driven initiatives and customer focused outcomes.
- Current Victorian Drivers licence.
- Current Working with Children Check (Employee).
- Preferred candidates will be required to undergo a National Police Check as part of the recruitment process (funded by the City).
If this sounds like the role for you, then click apply now!
Child Safety Responsibilities
We are committed to being a child-safe organisation and have zero-tolerance for child abuse. We have specific policies, procedures, and mandatory training in place to support employees, volunteers, and contractors to achieve and adhere to these commitments. Please read our Child Safe Standards Management Policy.
Diversity and Inclusion
At the City we want a workforce that reflects the community we live in. We welcome and embrace everyone, all people with their own unique experiences, and support and encourage all our employees to do their best work, have equal access to opportunities and a just working environment. For this reason, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from First Nations people, people with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, from the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disability and people of all genders, ages and diverse experience.
We are the City
From parks to offices, childcare centres to works depots, leisure facilities to the Wool Museum and waterfront, our team plays a vital role in shaping our vibrant and growing community. Our community counts on us to get the essentials right while looking for ways to go beyond. By listening, collaborating, and focusing on sustainability, we strive to do the basics brilliantly and create a lasting impact. If you’re ready to be part of something bigger, join us in shaping the future of Geelong.
We support accessibility and encourage discussions about any adjustments or support you may need during the recruitment process.
Applications and Enquiries
Click the Position Description link to view more information about this position.
Enquiries: Renee Matthews | Coordinator Parks | RMatthews@geelongcity.vic.gov.au
Click the Apply button to submit your application or find out more about this opportunity. If we can assist you with any reasonable adjustments in order to submit your application for this role, please contact the Talent Acquisition team via email at careers@geelongcity.vic.gov.au noting your preferred method of communication and contact details and a member of the team will be in touch.
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