Head Arborist

Leicestershire County Council; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading local authority as a Head Arborist where you will lead a dedicated team managing Nottingham's urban forest. This role offers exciting challenges in arboriculture, including overseeing projects, ensuring public safety, and delivering excellent tree care services. With a competitive salary range and generous benefits, this is an excellent opportunity to make a real impact in the community.

Benefits

Generous holiday package: 25 days + bank holidays

Option to purchase up to 28 days additional holiday tax-free

Full PPE and equipment provided

Support for continuous professional development

Enhanced pension contributions

Career development and additional training opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong technical expertise in arboriculture is essential.
• Proven experience in staff supervision and project management.
• A valid driving license required.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of arborists in vital tree surgery operations.
• Plan and oversee arboricultural projects across the city.
• Respond to emergency tree works, including environmental incidents.

Skills

Technical expertise in arboriculture

Communication skills

Project management

Education

NPTC qualifications (chainsaw, aerial rescue operations, tree felling)

Job description

Exciting Career Opportunity: Head Arborist

Location:

Nottingham City

Salary:

£31,586 level one - £34,314 level four per annum

Department:

Commercial & Operations | Parks and Open Spaces

Grade:

F

Are you passionate about trees and looking for a leadership role in arboriculture?

Join the Nottingham City Council team as Head Arborist and take charge of delivering a city-wide Arboricultural Service that ensures our urban landscape thrives!

You will be on a standby rota that attracts approximately £33 per day, and NCC uses a Mobile Elevated Work Platform as a safe system of work, reducing climbing involved.

As the Head Arborist, you will:

1. Lead a team of arborists, apprentices, and volunteers in performing vital tree surgery operations such as crown lifting, dead wooding, tree felling, and more.
2. Plan and oversee arboricultural projects across the city in line with the Urban Forest Strategy.
3. Ensure high standards of health, safety, and compliance with all relevant guidelines.
4. Mentor your team, motivate them to achieve excellence, and foster community involvement in tree-related activities.
5. Maintain a positive public perception of Nottingham City Council Tree Services.
6. Respond to emergency tree works, including environmental incidents like storms.

What you’ll bring:

• Strong technical expertise in arboriculture, including relevant NPTC qualifications (chainsaw, aerial rescue operations, tree felling).
• Proven experience in staff supervision, project management, and delivering quality results.
• Excellent communication skills to motivate teams and engage with the public.
• A valid driving license and a passion for working in all weather conditions.

What we offer:

• A competitive salary between £31,586 - £34,314.
• Opportunities for career development and additional training.
• Generous holiday package: 25 days annually + bank holidays.
• Option to purchase up to 28 days additional holiday tax-free.
• Full PPE and equipment provided.
• Support for continuous professional development.
• Enhanced pension contributions.

Our Commitment to Equality and Diversity:

We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applicants from all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those who are disabled.

How to Apply:

Submit your CV and cover letter outlining how your skills, knowledge, and experience meet the requirements of the role.

For informal enquiries, contact Rob Haque at or call 0115 915 2704.

Apply now and help make Nottingham a Great City!

Closing Date:

27th July 2025

Additional Information:

You can find the job description for this post on the Nottingham City Council website. We believe that work is what you do, not where you do it. We offer different working arrangements, including hybrid working. Please note that the advert may close early; we encourage early applications. Interviews will be held: TBC. For technical issues, contact our Employee Service Centre.