Tree Officer – Hampton Court Palace

Historic Royal Palaces; Molesey; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An independent charity responsible for historic sites is seeking a skilled Tree Officer to manage and develop the tree population across its palaces. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 3 years' industry experience managing large tree stocks, along with excellent communication and organizational skills. Responsibilities include maintaining the tree database, conducting inspections, and overseeing contractors. This role offers a dynamic environment to advance a career in horticulture within a historic setting.

Benefits

Spectacular working environment

Opportunity for career growth in horticulture

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years industry experience managing a large tree stock.
• Proven track record of identifying and delivering remedial works through contractors and consultants.

Responsibilities

• Manage and develop the tree population across the palaces.
• Maintain and update the tree database software.
• Conduct tree inspections and manage tree risk.
• Oversee contractor management and establish future tree collections.

Skills

Excellent communication and team working skills

Strong organisational and IT skills

Ability to use own initiative

Reliability

Enthusiasm

Suitable level of fitness

Full, clean UK driving licence

Job description

About Us

We are the independent charity that loves and looks after six of the most wonderful palaces in the world. The palaces are the setting for the stories that shape us all, and we’re bringing them to people in ways that mean more to them. We want everyone to find themselves in the spaces and stories we share.

Our Gardens

Our gardens play an important part in attracting both visitors and commercial enterprises to these six remarkable historic sites, allowing us, as an independent charity, to give them the care they need and deserve.

Role Overview

We are looking for a skilled and suitably qualified Tree Officer. This role is responsible for the management and development of HRP’s tree population across our palaces as part of the Gardens and Estates team; maintaining and updating the tree database software, inspecting trees, tree risk management and contractor management as well as establishing our future tree collections. All our outdoor spaces should be regarded with a sustainable lens, working towards our strategic goals.

Responsibilities

Manage and develop the tree population across our palaces, maintain and update the tree database software, conduct tree inspections, manage tree risk and contractors, and establish future tree collections.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate should have the relevant qualifications as stated in the Job Profile, a minimum of 3 years industry experience managing a large tree stock, and a proven track record of identifying and delivering remedial works through contractors and consultants.

Skills & Attributes

Excellent communication and team working skills, strong organisational and IT skills, the ability to use your own initiative, reliability, enthusiasm, suitable level of fitness to carry out the fundamental requirements of the job, access all terrains and work outside in a variety of weathers. A full, clean UK driving licence would be an advantage.

What We Offer

If you think this is the right role for you, we can offer one of the most spectacular working environments around and the opportunity to explore a rewarding career in horticulture at Historic Royal Palaces.

Application Details

Closing date: Sunday 28th December 2025

Interview dates: 6th/7th January 2026