Lead Forester & Arborist — Team Leader in Trees & Parks

Leeds International; Thorner; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

West Yorkshire Pension Fund

Hybrid working arrangements

Career development opportunities

Annual leave entitlement

Job summary

Leeds City Council is seeking a Chargehand Forester/Arborist to lead a skilled team across city sites, delivering high-quality tree and woodland works. You will manage day-to-day supervision, coordinate operations, and ensure safe practices in line with UK standards. Strong communication and stakeholder liaison skills are essential.

The role requires a full driving licence, ability to work across multiple sites, and a proactive approach to service delivery, staffing, and safety management.

Qualifications

• Substantial practical experience in arboricultural/forestry work.
• Ability to lead a small team and coordinate on-site tasks.
• Willing to work on-call for emergencies and after-hours.
• Lead on health and safety and risk assessments.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and motivate a team on forestry tasks and machinery operation.
• Undertake practical arboriculture and forestry to high industry standards.
• Respond to severe weather and after-hours emergency calls; standby rota.
• Ensure security and maintenance of tools and equipment.
• Be a key holder; access sites 24/7 during emergencies.
• Record data in tree management software and maintain records.

Skills

Practical arboriculture

Team leadership

On-call readiness

Health & safety leadership

Education

GCSE English

GCSE Maths

Job description

Leeds City Council is seeking a Chargehand Forester/Arborist to lead a skilled team across city sites, delivering high-quality tree and woodland works. You will manage day-to-day supervision, coordinate operations, and ensure safe practices in line with UK standards. Strong communication and stakeholder liaison skills are essential.

The role requires a full driving licence, ability to work across multiple sites, and a proactive approach to service delivery, staffing, and safety management.