Free Position Description (Arborist) Template

Purpose of the Free Position Description (Arborist) Template

Defining roles clearly is a cornerstone of a safe and efficient workplace. Our Free Position Description (Arborist) Template provides a structured starting point for creating a comprehensive document that goes beyond a simple job advertisement.

A well-drafted Position Description (PD) is a critical tool for communicating expectations, managing performance, and embedding safety responsibilities directly into a worker's core duties. It clarifies reporting lines, outlines key tasks, and formally lists the qualifications and competencies required to perform the high-risk work associated with arboriculture safely.

By clearly articulating the safety obligations of the role, this document helps integrate WHS into your daily operations. It serves as a foundational element within a broader WHS management system, ensuring that every team member understands their specific contribution to maintaining a safe work environment.

This clarity is essential for worker induction, training needs analysis, and demonstrating due diligence in managing workplace risks.

How to use the Free Position Description (Arborist) Template

This resource is available as a DOCX file for easy editing and a PDF for quick reference. To get the most value from this template, you should download the DOCX version and adapt it to the unique context of your business.

It is critical that you customise this template to reflect the specific hazards, equipment (e.g., specific chainsaws, chippers, EWPs), and operational procedures of your workplace. We've provided a structured starting point aligned with Australian WHS practice, but your legal and safety duties require a site-specific approach.

Key sections to customise:

• Primary Purpose: Tailor the summary to reflect the specific goals of the position in your organisation.
• Key Responsibilities: Modify the list of duties to accurately describe the day-to-day tasks, including tree climbing, pruning, felling, and equipment operation.
• WHS Duties: Ensure these align with your company’s safety policies, procedures, and SWMS. Specify duties like conducting pre-start checks, adhering to traffic management plans, and participating in risk assessments.
• Qualifications and Experience: List the mandatory certificates (e.g., Certificate III in Arboriculture), licences (e.g., High Risk Work Licences), and competencies (e.g., first aid, aerial rescue) required for the role.

When to use it

A Position Description is a versatile document used throughout the employment lifecycle. It is essential during the recruitment phase to attract suitable candidates with the right qualifications and understanding of the role's physical and safety demands.

Once a candidate is hired, the PD becomes a key document for their induction, providing a clear reference for their responsibilities from day one. It also forms the basis for ongoing performance reviews, helping to identify skill gaps and areas for further training or development.

Furthermore, a robust set of position descriptions can be an important piece of evidence during WHS compliance audits. It demonstrates that your organisation has a formal process for defining roles and communicating safety obligations to its workers. The document should be reviewed and updated following any significant changes to the role, or after a workplace incident, to ensure it remains current and effective.

Who should use it

This Position Description template is designed for anyone responsible for managing staff and safety in the arboriculture industry. This includes business owners, operations managers, team leaders, and human resources (HR) professionals.

It provides a consistent framework for defining roles across the organisation, ensuring that all workers, from ground crew to lead climbers, have a clear understanding of what is expected of them. WHS managers and advisors will also find it a valuable tool for ensuring that safety responsibilities are formally documented and assigned.

Properly defining roles is not just good practice; it's a key part of an officer's duty to exercise due diligence under WHS law. If you need assistance embedding such documents into your broader safety framework, consider seeking expert WHS consulting to ensure your systems are practical and effective.

For more tools to support your safety management efforts, browse our complete free WHS resources library for checklists, templates, and guides.