Leif Johnsen
Pooraka,SA
Summary
Dynamic Climbing Arborist with extensive experience in Australia and New Zealand, excelling in tree pruning and removal. Proven expertise in rigging and safety procedures, coupled with strong problem-solving abilities. Committed to maintaining high standards of arborist equipment and ensuring efficient operations in challenging environments.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Rope Access Technician
Wilkom
, Dolny Slask
05.2025 - Current
- Monitored weather conditions to ensure that jobs could be completed safely.
- Performed maintenance activities on bridges, towers and other tall structures using rope access methods.
- Prepared rigging systems for lifting heavy items into elevated locations.
- Utilized specialized tools such as harnesses, ascenders, descenders and lanyards in order to safely access work areas.
- Managed maintenance and repairs for assigned towers.
Climbing Arborist
UrbanVirons Group
, South Australia
02.2020 - 06.2024
- Cut down hazardous trees according to established standards and regulations.
- Inspected existing tree structures for potential hazards such as broken or weak limbs.
- Maintained records of all work performed including photographs taken during inspections.
- Checked for wildlife nesting in branches before trimming or removal of any parts of the tree.
- Removed dead limbs from trees using ropes, climbing gear and a chainsaw.
- Communicated with clients regarding arboriculture services offered by the company.
- Dismantled large sections of felled tree using rigging techniques in order to minimize impact on surrounding environment.
- Maintained tools and equipment, including chainsaws, chippers, and climbing gear, ensuring operational safety.
Climbing Arborist
Tree Tech SA
, South Australia
11.2022 - 03.2024
- Utilized specialized tools such as pole saws, chippers and stump grinders when necessary.
- Inspected equipment before and after use to increase longevity and maximize safety.
- Filled out job or shift report forms for supervisors.
- Trimmed dead and excess branches from trees and cleared branches around power lines.
- Pruned and trimmed trees and hedges with shears, pruners, or chain saws.
- Maintained hand and power tools through proper operation, cleaning and maintenance.
- Operated loaders, boom trucks and tractors to complete tree trimming work.
- Supported tree climbers and crew leaders working on ground and aloft.
- Operated hand and power tools, bucket truck and man lift.
- Removed, pruned and maintained trees and other vegetation.
Climbing Arborist
PTS Trees
, South Australia
08.2022 - 11.2022
- Climbed trees to inspect branches, trunks and roots for signs of disease or insect infestation.
- Communicated with clients regarding arboriculture services offered by the company.
- Cut down hazardous trees according to established standards and regulations.
- Utilized specialized tools such as pole saws, chippers and stump grinders when necessary.
- Inspected existing tree structures for potential hazards such as broken or weak limbs.
- Maintained records of all work performed including photographs taken during inspections.
- Removed dead limbs from trees using ropes, climbing gear and a chainsaw.
- Used aerial lift platforms to reach higher branches while pruning or removing them.
Climbing Arborist
Tui Landscape Services
, South Australia
06.2018 - 03.2019
- Utilized specialized tools such as chainsaws, pole saws, chippers and stump grinders when necessary.
- Used aerial lift platforms to reach higher branches while pruning or removing them.
- Applied mulch around newly planted trees to help retain moisture and reduce weed growth.
- Pruned and removed trees to improve the health, structure, and aesthetics of the tree.
Arborist Apprentice
NPDC
New Plymouth, New Zealand
10.2015 - 05.2018
- Operated brushwood chipper for efficient waste processing.
- Assisted in tree pruning, trimming, and removal using chainsaws, pole saws, and hand saws.
- Acquired knowledge of local ordinances regarding tree management activities.
- Completed NZQA accredited continuing education course to enhance professional qualifications.
Scaffolder
Elite Scaffolding Ltd
, New Zealand
05.2015 - 10.2015
- Key Responsibilities included: Scaffolding, leading a crew of men to perform tasks efficiently
Scaffolder / Leading Hand
Scafit Wellington Ltd
, New Zealand
09.2014 - 01.2015
- Key Responsibilities included: Scaffolding, leading a crew of men to perform tasks efficiently
Scaffolder/Rigger
Fitzroy Engineering Group Ltd.
, New Zealand
01.2010 - 09.2014
- Key Responsibilities included: scaffolding and rigging, carrying out gas tests while on site, confined space entry and being a permit holder.
Scaffolder/Rigger
Brunel Energy
, New Zealand
02.2008 - 07.2009
- Key Responsibilities included: scaffolding and rigging, using elevated work platforms and confined space entry.
Rigger/Crane Operator
D Paku Ltd.
, New Zealand
10.2007 - 02.2008
- Key Responsibilities included: rigging, operating cranes, hiab and other machinery.
Glassy/Security
Grumpy Mole Saloon and Bar
, New Zealand
07.2007 - 10.2007
- Key Responsibilities included: glassy work, cash handling, kitchen work and also security work.
Education
National Certificate in Intermediate Scaffolding -
Tai Poutini Polytechnic
New Plymouth06.2013
National Certificate in Basic Scaffolding -
Glasgow Training Services
New Plymouth11.2006
Skills
- Tree pruning and removal
- Climbing techniques
- Arboricultural consultation
- Safety procedures
- Rigging expertise
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Documentation management
- Arborist equipment maintenance
- Problem solving
- Time management
Accomplishments
- Completing a gas testing course
- Completing a Permit to work course.
- Becoming proficient in both DRT and SRT climbing
Certification
- IRATA International (Industrial Rope Access Trade Industry) Level 1 - 2025 Centrum Szkoleń Wysokościowych TOTEM
- High risk work licence - SafeWork SA
- Medium Rigid (MR) truck licence -8 tonnes, South Australia
- WorkZone Traffic Mangement- South Australia
- Comprehensive First Aid Course - South Australia
- Gaining arborist qualifications level 3, 4 and partial 4 advanced.- New Zealand
Timeline
Rope Access Technician
Wilkom
05.2025 - Current
Climbing Arborist
Tree Tech SA
11.2022 - 03.2024
Climbing Arborist
PTS Trees
08.2022 - 11.2022
Climbing Arborist
UrbanVirons Group
02.2020 - 06.2024
Climbing Arborist
Tui Landscape Services
06.2018 - 03.2019
Arborist Apprentice
NPDC
10.2015 - 05.2018
Scaffolder
Elite Scaffolding Ltd
05.2015 - 10.2015
Scaffolder / Leading Hand
Scafit Wellington Ltd
09.2014 - 01.2015
Scaffolder/Rigger
Fitzroy Engineering Group Ltd.
01.2010 - 09.2014
Scaffolder/Rigger
Brunel Energy
02.2008 - 07.2009
Rigger/Crane Operator
D Paku Ltd.
10.2007 - 02.2008
Glassy/Security
Grumpy Mole Saloon and Bar
07.2007 - 10.2007
National Certificate in Intermediate Scaffolding -
Tai Poutini Polytechnic
National Certificate in Basic Scaffolding -
Glasgow Training Services