Arborist — Flexible Urban Tree Care & Forestry

Leeds City Council; Leeds; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

West Yorkshire Pension Fund

Flexible working

Training and development

Career progression

Staff benefits

Job summary

Leeds City Council is recruiting an Arborist within the Climate, Energy and Green Spaces service to maintain and enhance Leeds’ urban forest and green infrastructure. The role involves practical arboriculture, woodland management, and operating equipment across various city sites.

You will work as part of a skilled team, undertake safety-focused duties, and participate in a compulsory standby rota for severe weather incidents. A full driving licence is essential.

Qualifications

• A passion for trees, woodlands, forestry and practical management.
• Basic experience of arboricultural, horticultural or countryside management work.
• Ability to work safely and effectively as part of a team in a physically demanding outdoor environment.
• Commitment to high standards of health, safety and customer care.
• Good communication skills and ability to engage with colleagues, volunteers and the public.

Responsibilities

• Carry out practical arboriculture and forestry operations to industry standards.
• Operate and maintain equipment such as chainsaws, woodchippers and stump grinders.
• Undertake ground-based tree work and occasional aerial operations when qualified.
• Identify and report tree defects, pests, diseases and equipment faults.
• Help manage public safety around work sites and maintain health and safety standards.
• Support volunteers and community groups with woodland and tree management activities.
• Use mobile tech to record work and update records.
• Respond to emergency call-outs and severe weather incidents on standby.

Job description

Leeds City Council is recruiting an Arborist within the Climate, Energy and Green Spaces service to maintain and enhance Leeds’ urban forest and green infrastructure. The role involves practical arboriculture, woodland management, and operating equipment across various city sites.

You will work as part of a skilled team, undertake safety-focused duties, and participate in a compulsory standby rota for severe weather incidents. A full driving licence is essential.