Senior Arboricultural Officer

Exciting career opportunity for a Senior Arboricultural Officer to lead and work with a small friendly, essential service within Climate, Energy and Green Spaces.

Leeds is one of the UK’s biggest urban conurbations outside of London and one of the UK’s top places to relocate. Leeds sits in the heart of England with access to some of the best UK countryside, with the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District to the North and equidistant escapes to Whitby and Lancashire coastlines. Leeds has great train connections to the south and further north and offers some stunning places to live.

Leeds City Council has huge ambitions to be one of the UK’s leading councils on green issues, sustainability and tackling inequality.

Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.

About the role

The [Urban] Forest team are looking for an experienced, organised individual with a professional background in the management of trees, forests or woodlands. The ideal candidate will be looking for a step up in their career into a managerial role.

The role requires line management of a small team of Arboricultural Officers working on a range of arboricultural issues across the city. Experience of line management is desirable, but not essential as support and training can be provided.

The role involves regular tree inspections, writing specification of works and reporting. Contract management is an integral part of the role working with both internal and external arboricultural operatives.

Good communication skills are essential for this role alongside a self-disciplined outlook. The ability to lead by example, strive for best practice and be open, honest, and trustworthy are central.

Experience of working with tree management systems is ideal but training can be provided. A good knowledge of Microsoft Office packages is essential.

Great potential for career development in an essential green service with opportunity for multi-disciplinary work and further career development.

What we offer you

We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

• a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
• membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
• flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
• a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
• a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

How to apply

Apply for this job online. Please complete the on-line application form.

Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.

If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Jane Crowther (Forestry Manager) on 0113 378 3271 or Jane.Crowther@Leeds.gov.uk.

We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds and the communities we serve. Leeds City Council is an Inclusive employer, ranked 70 on the Stonewall top 100 employers 2023 list. We are also an Age friendly employer, a Mindful employer and a Disability Confident leader.

All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six month probationary period.

This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.