Arboriculturist

East Midlands Councils/East Midlands Jobs; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave (27 days increasing to 32

Flexi time

Wellbeing support

Employee wellbeing

Training and development

Cycle to work

EV salary sacrifice

Derbyshire Rewards

Job summary

Derbyshire County Council's Conservation, Heritage and Design Service seeks an experienced Arboriculturist to lead management of a wide tree resource across highways, countryside sites and council estates. You will provide expert leadership, shape service development and embed arboricultural best practice throughout operations.

You will oversee surveying, tree risk management, contractor relationships and high-profile tree matters, including Ash Dieback.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in arboricultural surveying and tree risk management.
• Experience managing contractors and leading teams.
• Strong leadership and strategic influencing skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead tree and woodland management across highways, countryside sites and council estates.
• Provide expert arboricultural advice to colleagues and senior decision-makers.
• Drive service development, embed best practice and mentor staff.

Skills

Arboriculture

Tree risk mgmt

Contractor mgmt

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Policy development

Mentoring staff

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Derbyshire County Council's Conservation, Heritage and Design Service as our

Arboriculturist

This is a pivotal role within the Authority and offers the opportunity to play a leading role in the management of an extensive and diverse tree resource spanning the highway network, countryside sites and wider Council estate. As our principal arboricultural specialist, you will provide expert professional leadership across the organisation, supporting the management of tree-related risk, helping to shape service development, and ensuring that arboricultural best practice is embedded throughout our operations.

A significant focus of the role will be leading the Council's response to

Ash Dieback

one of the most significant challenges currently facing tree owners and highway authorities across the country. You will provide professional leadership for the Council's approach to surveying, risk management, programme delivery and long-term strategic planning, helping to ensure that Derbyshire continues to respond effectively to this evolving challenge whilst maintaining public safety and preserving the wider benefits that trees provide.

You will lead and support a skilled team of Tree and Woodland Inspectors, technical support staff and specialist officers, acting as the senior source of arboricultural expertise and advice across the service and the Council's

trusted expert adviser on arboricultural matters

Working closely with colleagues across Highways, Corporate Property, Countryside and other services, you will help shape, develop and transform our tree management service, building capability within the team, improving systems and processes, and supporting the delivery of a modern, resilient and effective service.

The role combines technical authority, leadership and strategic influence. Alongside overseeing arboricultural operations and programmes of work, you will contribute to service planning, mentor and develop staff, support complex decision-making, and provide advice on significant, high-profile or sensitive tree-related matters.

We are seeking an experienced arboricultural professional with excellent technical knowledge, strong leadership skills and a genuine commitment to developing people and services. You will have substantial experience of arboricultural surveying, tree risk management and contractor management, together with the confidence to provide clear and authoritative advice to colleagues, stakeholders and senior decision-makers.

Experience of managing trees within a local authority or other large landholding organisation would be highly advantageous. In particular, we are keen to hear from candidates with experience of

highway tree management

including a strong understanding of the responsibilities, challenges and legal framework associated with managing tree risk adjacent to the public highway. Knowledge of highway authority duties, large-scale tree inspection programmes, and the management of Ash Dieback and other significant tree health issues within a highway environment would be especially valuable.

In return, you will have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on Derbyshire's tree and woodland resource, influence policy and practice across the organisation, and play a key role in shaping the future direction of an important and evolving service.

Generous Annual Leave Scheme (27 days increasing to 32 days after 5 years’ service):

Ensuring a healthy work-life balance.

Flexi Time Scheme:

Up to two days flexi leave every four weeks (pro rata for part-time employees), subject to service needs.

Wellbeing Support Framework:

Includes OH physician services, physiotherapy, CBT, and in-house counselling.

Employee Wellbeing Support:

Fast track physiotherapy, confidential psychological support services, Employee Assistance Programme, and "Wisdom" app.

Training and Development:

Opportunities for professional qualifications and ongoing training.

Cycle to Work Scheme:

Promoting a healthy lifestyle.

Electric/Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme:

Encouraging environmentally friendly commuting options.

Our Derbyshire Rewards:

a package of benefits and discounts.

• & much more