Principal Arboricultural Officer in Hereford

This is an exciting time to join the Highways and Public Realm team at Herefordshire Council. We are transforming how highways and public realm services are delivered across Herefordshire, bringing them back under direct Council control for the first time in years. From June this year (2026), we will be working in a new way that gives us greater flexibility, more local accountability, and a sharper focus on quality and value for money. By joining us now, you will be part of a team shaping the future of essential services that residents rely on every day from maintaining roads and green spaces to keeping our streets clean and safe. We can offer the chance to make a real difference in your community, work with a dedicated team, and help deliver improvements that matter. If you are looking for a role where you can take pride in what you do and be part of positive change, we would love to hear from you.

What will you be doing? In this role you will know your oak from your ash and your honey fungus from your jelly ear. You will be responsible for managing the tree stock across the public realm estate, ensuring compliance with legislation. When not out and about, you will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies and plans, as well as overseeing works orders that have been raised to our partner contractors.

• Be educated to degree level or equivalent in Arboriculture or a related field and/or substantial work experience.
• Be a member of the Arboricultural Association or other relevant professional body and hold a LANTRA Professional Tree Inspection qualification.
• Have knowledge/experience of tree survey, inspection and management techniques and practices.
• Have a comprehensive knowledge of relevant highway legislation and key tree management legislation and controls including Tree Preservation Orders, Conservation Areas, Felling Licences, Planning Conditions and Hedgerow Regulations.

• Degree level or equivalent in Arboriculture or a related field and substantial work experience.
• Membership of the Arboricultural Association or other relevant professional body.
• LANTRA Professional Tree Inspection qualification.
• Experience of tree survey, inspection and management techniques.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and controls.

Those who indicate that they have a disability. This is part of our commitment to the 'Disability Confident' scheme. Those who indicate in their application that they are an Armed Forces Veteran or Reservist. This is part of our pledge to support the Armed Forces Covenant. Those who indicate in their application that they are a Herefordshire care leaver. This is part of our commitment to supporting young people leaving our care.

We take our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults seriously and expect all of our staff, visitors and volunteers to share in this commitment. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children & young people and vulnerable adults. If you are offered this position, it will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

• Salary range: £46,142 - £50,269
• Enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Clear career progression pathways
• 31 days' annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays; purchase an additional 10 days per annum during the request period
• Flexible working options including job-sharing, part-time hours and agile working
• Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 access to support and counselling
• Payment of professional membership fees (based on role requirements)
• Access to a range of retail, leisure, holiday and health benefits (savings, cash back, discounts)