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- Tasks: Lead tree management and champion urban forestry for a greener Plymouth.
- Company: Plymouth City Council, committed to sustainability and community engagement.
- Benefits: Flexible working, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on climate change and enhance local biodiversity.
- Qualifications: Experience in tree management and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to creating healthier neighbourhoods.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Plymouth
Grade: H/I (Career Graded expected appointment at H)
Help Plymouth grow greener - lead our tree estate management. We’re looking for a passionate Natural Environment Principal to manage and champion the city’s trees, woodlands, and urban forestry practice. The Council owns a significant tree estate with over 70,000 trees so this is a unique opportunity to shape the future of Plymouth’s green infrastructure, delivering works that ensure safety, enhance biodiversity, tackle climate change, and create healthier neighbourhoods for everyone.
What You’ll Do
- Lead the management of the Council’s trees and woodlands and a team of arborists to ensure our urban forest is safe, well managed and is fit for future generations.
- Engage communities and stakeholders providing clear and transparent information on our tree works.
- Grow the service and its capacity to be digitally integrated across service areas in the Council and able to communicate our work publicly.
- Champion best practice in arboriculture, ensuring management of the tree estate plays a role in delivering environmental social, and economic goals.
- Support investment for green growth, supporting innovative funding strategies and business cases to secure further funding to care, and value Plymouth’s tree canopy.
What We’re Looking For
- A natural leader with significant experience in tree and woodland management, including strong stakeholder engagement.
- Strong communication skills to inspire the team and effectively collaborate with partners, residents, and decision-makers.
- An organiser capable of working in a dynamic team environment and across multiple stakeholders.
- A commitment to sustainability and a vision for a greener, healthier Plymouth.
Why join us?
- Play a key role in delivering Plymouth’s Plan for Nature and People as well as our Plan for Trees.
- Work on improvements in the Plymouth tree estate that supports efforts to combat climate change, improve air quality, and create vibrant habitats.
- Enjoy a flexible working pattern and the chance to work directly with communities and partners.
- Be part of a supportive team committed to wellbeing and professional development.
Ready to support and grow Plymouth’s urban forest? Apply now and help us create a city where trees and people thrive together.
The Disclosure & Barring Service Check requirement for this post is: Basic Check.
We are a flexible employer and provide a variety of working arrangements tailored to the needs of each role.
Plymouth City Council is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, care experience, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex or sexual orientation. As part of our commitment to promoting equality we offer guaranteed interviews to those who meet the essential criteria and are considered disabled, care experienced or are an Armed Forces Service Leaver within the last two years.
Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.
Closing date: Wednesday 07 January 2026
Natural Environment Principal (Arborist) in Plymouth employer: PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL
Contact Detail:
PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Natural Environment Principal (Arborist) in Plymouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend local events, and connect with fellow arborists. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for trees and sustainability during interviews. Share your ideas on how to enhance Plymouth’s green infrastructure and engage communities. This will demonstrate that you’re not just looking for a job, but you genuinely care about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interview by researching Plymouth’s tree estate and current projects. Being knowledgeable about their initiatives will impress the panel and show that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to a greener Plymouth.
We think you need these skills to ace Natural Environment Principal (Arborist) in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for trees and urban forestry shine through. We want to see how much you care about creating a greener Plymouth and how your experience aligns with our goals.
Be Clear and Concise: Make sure your application is easy to read and straight to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, especially those that relate to tree management and community engagement.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Natural Environment Principal, you'll be leading a team. So, don’t forget to showcase your leadership experience and how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past.
Tailor Your Application: Take the time to tailor your application specifically for this role. Mention how your background in arboriculture can help us achieve our vision for a healthier Plymouth. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
How to prepare for a job interview at PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL
✨Know Your Trees
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of tree species, their management, and the specific challenges faced in urban forestry. Being able to discuss Plymouth's unique tree estate and how you can enhance its biodiversity will show your passion and expertise.
✨Engage with the Community
Prepare to talk about your experience in stakeholder engagement. Think of examples where you've successfully communicated tree management plans or engaged communities in environmental initiatives. This will demonstrate your ability to inspire and collaborate effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Natural Environment Principal, you'll be leading a team. Be ready to share your leadership style and how you've motivated teams in the past. Highlight any experiences where you've championed best practices in arboriculture or managed projects that had a positive impact on the environment.
✨Discuss Digital Integration
Since the role involves growing the service's digital capacity, think about how technology can enhance tree management. Prepare to discuss any relevant experience you have with digital tools or strategies that could help communicate your work and engage the public effectively.
