Careers at Elmwood Tree Services

Elmwood Tree Services welcomes all applications from talented, qualified arborists and people with experience in the arboriculture industry. Whether you've been climbing trees for decades or you're an ambitious newcomer with the right qualifications, we'd like to hear from you.

We're a Dunedin-based team that takes pride in delivering safe, professional tree care services across Otago. Our crew handles everything from routine pruning and hedge trimming to complex tree removals, emergency response, and specialised work like chainsaw milling.

If you're looking for meaningful outdoor work with a company that values its people, invests in training, and maintains the highest safety standards, Elmwood Tree Services could be the right fit for you.

Current Vacancies

Qualified Arborist — Team Leader

Location: Dunedin, Otago | Type: Full-time | Experience: 2–3+ years | Wage: $35–$40/hr

We're looking for an experienced, qualified arborist to step into a Team Leader role with Elmwood Tree Services. This is a hands-on position for someone who can lead a crew safely and efficiently across a wide range of tree work — from residential pruning and removals to storm response and site-specific risk management.

You'll be the person on the ground making decisions, mentoring less experienced team members, and ensuring every job is completed to a high standard.

What You'll Be Doing

  • Leading a crew on residential and commercial tree work across Dunedin and Otago
  • Climbing, rigging, and technical tree removals
  • On-site risk assessments and job planning
  • Mentoring and supporting junior team members
  • Liaising with clients on site to ensure expectations are met
  • Maintaining equipment and vehicle readiness

What We're Looking For

  • NZ or internationally recognised arborist qualification
  • Minimum 2–3 years of hands-on industry experience
  • Confident and competent tree climber
  • Strong understanding of health and safety in tree work
  • Current chainsaw, first aid, and traffic management tickets (preferred)
  • Full NZ driver's licence (Class 1 minimum, Class 2 preferred)

What's in It for You

  • Competitive wages reflecting your experience
  • Company vehicle and modern equipment
  • Ongoing training and professional development
  • Varied, rewarding work in a great location
  • A genuine team culture
  • Room to grow within the company

Apply now — email Joe at info@elmwoodtreeservices.co.nz or call +64 21 023 78153.

What We Offer

We're offering competitive wages and company benefits for successful applicants. We believe looking after our team is just as important as looking after our clients' trees.

  • Competitive wages based on experience and qualifications
  • Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
  • A supportive, safety-first team environment
  • Varied and interesting work across Dunedin and Otago
  • Modern equipment and well-maintained vehicles
  • Opportunities for career progression within the company

Who We're Looking For

Qualified Arborists

Arborists with New Zealand or internationally recognised qualifications in arboriculture. Whether you're newly qualified or an experienced climber, we want to hear from you.

Experienced Operators

People with hands-on experience in tree work, including climbing, rigging, chainsaw operation, stump grinding, and chipper work.

Safety-Conscious Workers

Team members who take health and safety seriously on every job. Current first aid, traffic management, and chainsaw qualifications are a plus.

Team Players

Reliable people who communicate well, show up on time, take pride in their work, and contribute positively to the crew.

Why Dunedin?

Dunedin and the wider Otago region offer a fantastic lifestyle with stunning natural landscapes, a strong community feel, and a lower cost of living compared to many New Zealand cities. The diverse terrain means every day brings different and interesting tree work.

How to Apply

Interested? Send your CV and a brief introduction to Joe by email at info@elmwoodtreeservices.co.nz. Let us know about your experience, qualifications, and what kind of work you're looking for.

No formal CV? No worries. Drop us an email telling us a bit about yourself and your tree work experience, and we'll go from there.

Phone: +64 21 023 78153