Arboriculture Service Lead

Horticulture Jobs, brought to you by HortWeek; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

West Midlands Pension Fund

30 days holiday

My Rewards Scheme

Wellbeing support

Job summary

Birmingham City Council is seeking an experienced Arboriculture Service Lead to shape the city’s trees, woodlands and green spaces. You will lead the Tree Management Service, oversee major contracts and budgets, and drive delivery of the Urban Forest Master Plan.

The role focuses on strategic leadership, environmental sustainability, biodiversity, and community wellbeing across Birmingham. A permanent, full-time position with a grade 6 salary range is offered.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in arboriculture, forestry, or environmental management.
• Strong leadership, project management, and financial management skills.
• Experience managing contracts and working with diverse stakeholders.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, urban forestry, and environmental sustainability.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead Birmingham's Tree Management Service and specialist teams.
• Drive city-wide arboriculture and woodland management programmes.
• Deliver the Urban Forest Master Plan and sustainability objectives.
• Manage contracts, budgets, and key stakeholder relationships.
• Use data and GIS insights to support decision-making and service improvement.
• Champion community engagement and promote the benefits of urban forestry.

Skills

Arboriculture experience

Leadership & PM

Contracts management

Legislation & sustainability

Communication & influencing

Job description

Arboriculture Service Lead

Employer: Birmingham City Council

Location: Birmingham, West Midlands

Salary: Grade 6 - £54,495 - £64,811

Hours: Full Time

Place Of Work: Office

Closing date: 5 October 2026

Contract Type: Permanent

Function: Arboriculturist Jobs

Sector: Arboriculture & Tree Surgery, Local Authorities

Seniority: Manager

Permanent

Grade 6 - £54,495 - £64,811

Consultation grade - subject to formal evaluation under the Pay Equity Review

Working 36.5 hours per week

We're looking for an experienced and passionate Arboriculture Service Lead to shape the future of Birmingham's trees, woodlands, and green spaces. In this strategic leadership role, you'll lead the Tree Management Service, oversee major contracts and budgets, and drive delivery of the city's ambitious Urban Forest Master Plan.

This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on Birmingham's green infrastructure, supporting environmental sustainability, biodiversity, and community wellbeing across the city.

What You'll Do:

• Lead Birmingham's Tree Management Service and specialist teams.
• Drive city-wide arboriculture and woodland management programmes.
• Deliver the Urban Forest Master Plan and sustainability objectives.
• Manage contracts, budgets, and key stakeholder relationships.
• Use data and GIS insights to support decision-making and service improvement.
• Champion community engagement and promote the benefits of urban forestry.

What You'll Need:

• Significant experience in arboriculture, forestry, or environmental management.
• Strong leadership, project management, and financial management skills.
• Experience managing contracts and working with diverse stakeholders.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, urban forestry, and environmental sustainability.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills.

Join us and play a leading role in protecting, enhancing, and growing Birmingham's urban forest for future generations. You'll have the opportunity to make a visible impact on the city's environment, biodiversity, and communities while being part of a supportive and inclusive organisation committed to helping people thrive.

What We Offer In Return:

• Membership of West Midlands Pension Fund – with generous employer contributions
• Enhanced Holiday Entitlement – 30 days, increasing with length of service
• My Rewards Scheme – access to over 800 brands providing discounts and savings
• Health and wellbeing support – independent and confidential employee assistance and counselling