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- Tasks: Lead a team in tree surgery and oversee city-wide arboricultural projects.
- Company: Join Nottingham City Council, dedicated to enhancing urban landscapes.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holidays, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the community while working outdoors and mentoring others.
- Qualifications: NPTC qualifications in arboriculture and experience in team leadership required.
- Other info: We promote equality and welcome diverse applicants to join our team.
The predicted salary is between 31586 - 34314 £ per year.
Overview
Head Arborist – Nottingham City Council
Location: Nottingham City, Woodthorpe
Salary: £32,597 – £35,412 per annum
Department: Commercial & Operations | Parks and Open Spaces
Grade: F
Responsibilities
- Lead a team of arborists, apprentices, and volunteers in performing vital tree surgery operations such as crown lifting, dead wooding, tree felling, and related arboricultural tasks.
- Plan and oversee arboricultural projects across the city in line with the Urban Forest Strategy.
- Ensure high standards of health, safety, and compliance with all relevant guidelines.
- Mentor your team, motivate them to achieve excellence, and foster community involvement in tree-related activities.
- Maintain a positive public perception of Nottingham City Council Tree Services.
- Take on emergency tree works, including responding to environmental incidents like storms.
What you’ll bring
- Strong technical expertise in arboriculture, including relevant NPTC qualifications (e.g., chainsaw, aerial rescue operations, and tree felling).
- Proven experience in staff supervision, project management, and delivering quality results.
- Excellent communication skills to motivate teams and engage with the public.
- A valid driving licence and a passion for working in all weather conditions.
What we offer
- A competitive salary between £32,597 – £35,412
- Opportunities for career development and additional training
- Generous holiday package: 25 days annually + bank holidays
- Option to purchase up to 28 days additional holiday tax-free
- Full PPE and equipment provided
- Support for continuous professional development
- Enhanced pension contributions
Equality and Diversity
Our commitment: We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applicants from all backgrounds.
How to Apply
Submit your CV and cover letter outlining how your skills, knowledge, and experience meet the requirements of the role.
For informal enquiries, contact Rob Haque at rob.haque@nottinghamcity.gov.uk or call 0115 915 2704.
Additional Information
Apply now and help make Nottingham a Great City!
Closing Date: 31st October 2025
You can find the job description for this post here.
At Nottingham City Council we believe that work is what you do, not where you do it. We offer different working arrangements, including hybrid working. Further information on Worker Types can be found on the additional information for applicants page.
Please note there may be occasions where we close the advert before the closing date and we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Interviews will be held: TBC
If you have any technical issues when completing your application, please contact our Employee Service Centre: https://emss.org.uk/support
By applying to this job, you agree to our Terms & Conditions.
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Head Arborist employer: Nottingham City Council
Contact Detail:
Nottingham City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Arborist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Nottingham City Council's Urban Forest Strategy. Understanding their goals and initiatives will help you align your experience and ideas with their vision during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the arboriculture field, especially those who have worked with or for local councils. They can provide insights into the role and may even refer you internally.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific projects you've managed that demonstrate your leadership skills and technical expertise. Be ready to share how you motivated your team and achieved successful outcomes.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your communication skills by engaging with the community on social media or local events related to tree care. This will highlight your commitment to public engagement and community involvement.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Arborist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in arboriculture, including any NPTC qualifications. Emphasise your leadership skills and project management experience to align with the role of Head Arborist.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, clearly outline how your skills and experiences meet the job requirements. Use specific examples from your past work to demonstrate your technical expertise and ability to lead a team.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, mention any experiences where you successfully engaged with the public or motivated a team. This will help illustrate your fit for the position.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in a leadership role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Nottingham City Council
✨Show Your Passion for Arboriculture
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for trees and the environment during the interview. Share personal experiences or projects that highlight your commitment to arboriculture, as this role requires a genuine passion for the field.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head Arborist, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on mentoring and motivating staff. Highlight any specific achievements that showcase your leadership abilities.
✨Know the Urban Forest Strategy
Familiarise yourself with Nottingham's Urban Forest Strategy and be ready to discuss how you would implement it. Showing that you understand the city's goals and challenges will demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about your technical expertise in arboriculture, including NPTC qualifications. Be prepared to discuss specific techniques and safety protocols related to tree surgery operations, as this knowledge is crucial for the position.