Tree Officer (Arboriculture)

About The Role

Working Hours: 35 Hours Per Week

Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Additional Payments: Essential Car Allowance

Closing Date & Closing time: 11.59pm, 21 October 2026

Interview Method: Face to Face 

Legal Right to Work: In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application. However, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action

This role is subject to -

References - where possible we require 3 years' history. Essential Car Documentation- This post is a designated Essential Car User. Therefore, you must always hold a full valid driving licence and provide your own car for use at work. You will receive the Essential Car User Allowance. Qualifications - Please See About the Candidate Section Medical Clearance - Pre-placement health assessment (PPHA Manchester City Council is seeking an experienced and motivatedTree Officer to help manage and protect the city's diverse and valuable tree population. Reporting to the Senior Tree Officer, you will play a key role in delivering a safe, sustainable and resilient urban forest. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to Manchester's environmental ambitions while helping to maintain and enhance the city's green infrastructure. The successful candidate will have a strong arboricultural background, excellent communication skills and experience using GIS-based tree management systems to maintain accurate records and support informed decision-making. Key Responsibilities 

As a Tree Officer, you will be responsible for a varied workload relating to the inspection, maintenance and protection of council-owned trees across Manchester. Duties will include: 

• Undertaking tree inspections, surveys and condition assessments across a wide range of location types such as highways, Parks, River Valleys, Housing and open land. 

• Identifying and specifying arboricultural works in accordance with industry best practice and relevant legislation. 

• Providing advice on all tree-related enquiries from residents, councillors, developers and other stakeholders. 

• Investigating complaints, insurance claims and incidents involving trees. 

• Monitoring contractor performance and ensuring works are completed to the required specification and quality standards. 

• Providing arboricultural advice on planning applications and development proposals that may affect trees. 

• Contributing to the delivery of Manchester's Tree Strategy and wider environmental objectives. 

• Maintaining accurate records using GIS and tree management software, preferably some knowledge of using Tree Plotter which is our current system of choice. 

• Assisting with emergency responses relating to dangerous trees following severe weather events and other urgent situations. 

About the Candidate

We are looking for a knowledgeable and customer-focused arboriculture professional who can make sound technical decisions and effectively manage competing priorities. 

You will have experience in tree inspection and management, along with a commitment to maintaining high standards of public safety and environmental stewardship with a desire for continued learning. 

 Qualifications 

Applicants should hold: 

•  A minimum Level 2 Certificate in Arboriculture (or equivalent qualification) with a commitment to progressing to a level 4. 

• PTI Professional Tree Inspection – Lantra (desirable but not essential with an expectation to work towards) 

• 0039-36 - City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate of Competence in Emergency Treework Planning 

• Quantified Tree Risk Assessment (QTRA) Practitioner qualification. 

• City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award (CS30/31) in Chainsaw Maintenance and Felling Small Trees. 

Essential Requirements 

• Practical experience within an arboricultural or tree management environment. 

• In depth Knowledge of relevant legislation, industry standards and best practice guidance relating to trees. 

• Experience using GIS and tree management systems. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 

• Ability to manage a varied workload and work independently. 

• Full, clean UK driving licence. 

Training and Development 

Manchester City Council is committed to supporting the professional development of its employees. 

You will receive ongoing support and on-the-job learning opportunities, including access to specialist teams and further professional development relevant to the role. 

About Us

Working for Manchester City Council is a chance to make a real difference in a diverse city that leads change and improves lives. Whether you’re supporting communities or improving public services, you’ll help create opportunities and shape a better future for everyone

Benefits we offer

• Up to 26 days’ annual leave, rising to 31 days after five years’ service
• Buy up to two extra weeks’ leaveUp to 3 days’ volunteering leave
• A 35-hour work week for full-time roles
• We review pay each year and recognise three trade unions
• The UK’s largest local government pension scheme
• Enhanced parental and carers leave
• Employee discounts and perks
• Good Employment Charter member

 For more information about working for Manchester Council, please visit Careers - Manchester City Council 

Creating an Inclusive Team at Manchester City Council 

Manchester City Council values equality and works to provide a fair and inclusive environment for a workforce that is as diverse as the communities it serves. We want to further increase the diversity of our workforce, in particular the number of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic staff and disabled staff at all levels of the Council. This advert is open to all applicants, and we would particularly welcome applications from candidates identifying with one or both of those characteristics.

Guaranteed Assessment Scheme 

We guarantee assessments for applicants who meet the recruiting panels minimum shortlisting requirementfor the role and identify with at least one of the criteria below:

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care, or have previously been in care.
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term condition
• Have you completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme or any MCC positive action programmes?

When You Join Us 

We’re a Disability Confident Employer, offering:

• A workplace adjustment hub which provides specialist support, advice and guidance to