Urban Forest Service Lead — Shape Birmingham’s Trees

Birmingham City Council; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 5,500 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

West Midlands Pension Fund

30 days annual leave

My Rewards Scheme

Health and wellbeing support

Job summary

Birmingham City Council is seeking an experienced Arboriculture Service Lead to shape the future of Birmingham’s trees, woodlands and green spaces. In this strategic leadership role, you’ll lead the Tree Management Service, oversee major contracts and budgets, and drive delivery of the Urban Forest Master Plan.

This permanent role offers a grade 6 salary (£54,495–£64,811) and a 36.5-hour week, with opportunities to influence sustainability, biodiversity and community wellbeing across the city.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in arboriculture, forestry, or environmental management.
• Strong leadership, project management, and financial management skills.
• Experience managing contracts and working with diverse stakeholders.
• Knowledge of legislation, urban forestry, and environmental sustainability.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead Birmingham’s Tree Management Service and specialist teams.
• Drive city-wide arboriculture and woodland management programmes.
• Deliver the Urban Forest Master Plan and sustainability objectives.
• Manage contracts, budgets, and key stakeholder relationships.
• Use data and GIS insights to support decision-making and service improvement.
• Champion community engagement and promote the benefits of urban forestry.

Skills

Arboriculture experience

Leadership

Project management

Contract management

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Job description

Birmingham City Council is seeking an experienced Arboriculture Service Lead to shape the future of Birmingham’s trees, woodlands and green spaces. In this strategic leadership role, you’ll lead the Tree Management Service, oversee major contracts and budgets, and drive delivery of the Urban Forest Master Plan.

This permanent role offers a grade 6 salary (£54,495–£64,811) and a 36.5-hour week, with opportunities to influence sustainability, biodiversity and community wellbeing across the city.