Senior Highway Arboriculturist — Lead Tree Management

Somerset Council; Taunton; Hybrid; GBP 43,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave

LGPS pension

Flexible and hybrid working

Health and wellbeing support

Volunteer opportunities

Job summary

Somerset Council is seeking an experienced Arboriculturist to lead the strategic and operational delivery of highway tree management across Somerset. You will develop policies, oversee inspections, budgets and staff, and provide expert arboriculture advice to colleagues and external partners.

The role requires a Level 6 arboriculture qualification and a professional tree inspection credential, with a £1m budget management and team leadership responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Level 6 professional qualification in arboriculture or equivalent.
• Professional tree inspection qualification.
• 5 years’ experience post-qualification in tree assessment and management.
• Knowledge of tree-related legislation, pests and diseases.
• Ability to travel independently to areas with limited public transport.

Responsibilities

• Manage highway tree inspections and maintenance with Health and Safety.
• Lead Highway Trees Project with a £1m budget.
• Manage a team of 3 staff and conduct performance reviews.
• Provide arboricultural advice to internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate pre-planned and reactive works and emergency tree surgery.

Skills

Arboriculture qualifications

Tree inspection qualification

Travel independently

5+ years post-qualification tree work

Tree legislation knowledge

Pests and diseases knowledge

Education

Level 6 arboriculture qualification

Job description

Somerset Council is seeking an experienced Arboriculturist to lead the strategic and operational delivery of highway tree management across Somerset. You will develop policies, oversee inspections, budgets and staff, and provide expert arboriculture advice to colleagues and external partners.

The role requires a Level 6 arboriculture qualification and a professional tree inspection credential, with a £1m budget management and team leadership responsibilities.