Arboriculturist

Salary details: £ - £

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Derbyshire County Council's Conservation, Heritage and Design Service as our Arboriculturist. 

This is a pivotal role within the Authority and offers the opportunity to play a leading role in the management of an extensive and diverse tree resource spanning the highway network, countryside sites and wider Council estate. As our principal arboricultural specialist, you will provide expert professional leadership across the organisation, supporting the management of tree-related risk, helping to shape service development, and ensuring that arboricultural best practice is embedded throughout our operations. 

A significant focus of the role will be leading the Council's response to Ash Dieback, one of the most significant challenges currently facing tree owners and highway authorities across the country. You will provide professional leadership for the Council's approach to surveying, risk management, programme delivery and long-term strategic planning, helping to ensure that Derbyshire continues to respond effectively to this evolving challenge whilst maintaining public safety and preserving the wider benefits that trees provide. 

You will lead and support a skilled team of Tree and Woodland Inspectors, technical support staff and specialist officers, acting as the senior source of arboricultural expertise and advice across the service and the Council's trusted expert adviser on arboricultural matters. Working closely with colleagues across Highways, Corporate Property, Countryside and other services, you will help shape, develop and transform our tree management service, building capability within the team, improving systems and processes, and supporting the delivery of a modern, resilient and effective service. 

The role combines technical authority, leadership and strategic influence. Alongside overseeing arboricultural operations and programmes of work, you will contribute to service planning, mentor and develop staff, support complex decision-making, and provide advice on significant, high-profile or sensitive tree-related matters. 

We are seeking an experienced arboricultural professional with excellent technical knowledge, strong leadership skills and a genuine commitment to developing people and services. You will have substantial experience of arboricultural surveying, tree risk management and contractor management, together with the confidence to provide clear and authoritative advice to colleagues, stakeholders and senior decision-makers. 

Experience of managing trees within a local authority or other large landholding organisation would be highly advantageous. In particular, we are keen to hear from candidates with experience of highway tree management, including a strong understanding of the responsibilities, challenges and legal framework associated with managing tree risk adjacent to the public highway. Knowledge of highway authority duties, large-scale tree inspection programmes, and the management of Ash Dieback and other significant tree health issues within a highway environment would be especially valuable. 

In return, you will have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on Derbyshire's tree and woodland resource, influence policy and practice across the organisation, and play a key role in shaping the future direction of an important and evolving service. 

Support & Benefits:

• Generous Annual Leave Scheme (27 days increasing to 32 days after 5 years’ service): Ensuring a healthy work-life balance.
• Flexi Time Scheme: Up to two days flexi leave every four weeks (pro rata for part-time employees), subject to service needs.
• Local Government Pension Scheme: Providing financial security.
• Wellbeing Support Framework: Includes OH physician services, physiotherapy, CBT, and in-house counselling.
• Employee Wellbeing Support: Fast track physiotherapy, confidential psychological support services, Employee Assistance Programme, and “Wisdom” app.
• Training and Development: Opportunities for professional qualifications and ongoing training.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Promoting a healthy lifestyle.
• Electric/Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme: Encouraging environmentally friendly commuting options.
• Our Derbyshire Rewards: a package of benefits and discounts.
• & much more

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Tom French, Nature-based Solutions Principal Advisor.  Tom.French@derbyshire.gov.uk

Provisional Interview Date: week commencing 9th November 2026 

Apply now and take the next step in your arboricultural career. By joining Derbyshire County Council, you'll benefit from our generous annual leave entitlement, Local Government Pension Scheme, flexible and hybrid working opportunities, and a wide range of employee benefits and discounts.

Apply now and take the first step towards a fulfilling career with us! By joining Derbyshire County Council you will have access to a range of amazing rewards and employee benefits, including our generous annual leave scheme, excellent local government pension and fantastic employee discounts. To discover more detail about the rewards and benefits available to you, click here

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This role currently offers hybrid working options which will be subject to service needs, there'll be an opportunity to discuss working arrangements for this position at interview.

Important: Derbyshire County Council holds a sponsorship licence, but this role does not offer visa sponsorship. Please apply only if you already have the right to work in the UK without sponsorship, as applications that do not meet this requirement will be rejected.

We welcome applications from individuals who share our values — being Collaborative, Innovative, Empowered and Accountable. These values describe who we are and what we stand for as a council. They help shape our culture, encourage consistent behaviour and guide how we work together to make a positive difference for both our employees and the residents we serve.