Climber / Lead Arborist
Arbfirm is a Perth-based arbor company specialising in large, technical tree work, including complex pruning and removals. We’re known for taking on the jobs other companies can’t, using the right combination of skill, planning, and machinery to get them done properly.
The business is led by directors Lloyd Barker and Ben McWalter, who both bring over 10 years of industry experience. Lloyd came up through climbing and spent years contract climbing across multiple companies, while Ben built his background as a high-level cutter and machine operator. Together, they formed Arbfirm to build a company that delivers high-quality work while properly backing the people doing it.
We started Arbfirm after seeing too many good arborists treated like numbers. Our goal is to build a crew of skilled operators who take pride in their work, are supported with the right equipment, and are part of a team that actually values what they bring.
We focus on working smarter—using cranes, loaders, and machinery wherever possible to reduce unnecessary strain and improve efficiency. Our reputation is built on being organised, well-equipped, and capable of delivering high-standard results on complex jobs.
As Arbfirm grows, we’re building out a second crew of high-performing arborists to continue taking on larger, more technical work across Perth.
Why Work With Us
- $35–$48/hr depending on experience
- Top performers earn above industry standard
- Machinery-first approach to reduce physical strain and increase efficiency
- Work alongside a tight, high-performing crew
- Real opportunity to lead a crew and grow with the business
Who This Is For
- You are an experienced climber / arborist (essential)
- You’re confident leading jobs and making decisions on-site
- You take pride in high-quality work and setting standards
- You work efficiently and know how to keep a crew moving
- You want to be part of a high-performance team – not a low-standard operation
Role: Climber / Lead Arborist
This is a key role within Arbfirm. You’ll be responsible for leading jobs on-site, performing high-level climbing and rigging work, and driving overall crew performance.
Responsibilities
- Carry out climbing, rigging, and dismantling work to a high standard
- Lead the crew on-site, controlling job flow, pace, and execution
- Make confident, real-time decisions to keep work efficient and organised
- Operate EWP where required for technical access work
- Ensure jobs are completed safely, cleanly, and to a high standard
- Set expectations for the crew and maintain performance on-site
Growth Opportunities
- Take ownership of your own crew as the business expands
- Play a key role in building and shaping a high-performance team
- Progress into senior leadership roles within the company
Supporting Role: Arborist / Crew Member
We are also open to experienced crew members who can support the lead climber and contribute across all aspects of the job.
- Assist with rigging, rope handling, and ground operations
- Operate machinery (loader, excavator, etc.) to improve efficiency
- Run chipper and maintain organised worksites
- Support overall job performance and team output
Entry Pathway (Limited)
We may consider apprentices or entry-level candidates with strong work ethic and genuine interest—but this is not the primary focus of this role.
Apply Now
At Arbfirm, you’re more than just a number. We are building a small, elite team of people who care about quality, accountability, and backing each other. We’re only hiring the right people.
If you’re a capable climber ready to step into a leadership role within a high-performing arbor team setting the standard in Perth, apply now.
Submit your application via email to Lloyd with the subject “Job Application – Climber / Lead Arborist”.
