Arboriculturist

The salary range for this position is £41,585- £45,135 per annum based on a full-time, 36-hour working week.

We have an exciting job opportunity within the Countryside Team, for an Arboriculturist to deliver tree risk across our Land & property portfolio. The post is based at Merrow Depot, Guildford, but travel for site visits, tree inspections, surveys and meetings around Surrey’s beautiful countryside is a key part of the role.

Our Offer to You

• 26 days’ holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years’ service (prorated for part time staff)
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Up to 5 days of carer’s leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
• A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents.

About the Role

Working within a team of Arboricultural & Countryside professionals, you will provide an effective tree risk inspection service delivering works in line with the Council’s Tree Risk Management Policy, providing advice and services to the teams requiring these services. To manage the workload the ability to prioritise, co-ordinate work with other officers and provide accurate reports on tree risk will be key.

With safety, public access and biodiversity at the forefront of your work, you will meet tight deadlines and offer training and mentoring to ranger teams for lower-level inspections.

Your Application

In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:

• That you are qualified to at least Level 4 Arboricultural qualification (or related field) and hold a valid and up to date LANTRA 3-Day Professional Tree Inspection Certificate
• Proven experience in commercial arboricultural or horticultural and it’s management
• A proven record in site investigations, tree inspection reports, works programming, auditing, reporting and communicating in a clear written and verbal style.
• Experience in working with, and alongside residents and key stakeholders

As part of the application process, you will be asked to upload your CV and answer four questions which will help us assess your application.

1. Please tell us about a significant project or programme that you have delivered, in line with an organisational strategy, policy or strategic objective.

2. Please tell us about a time when you had to manage competing demands on your time and how you managed and overcame this.

3. Please tell us about a recent project that you have worked on or delivered in one of the following areas:

• Arboriculture and tree management (Surveys, reports, investigations for example)
• Contractor management
• Public, Councillor, Stakeholder/customer engagement

4. Please tell us about the personal qualities you possess that can bring to this role that will enable you to be successful.

Answers to these questions will be scored and used for shortlisting purposes. Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description & Our Life at Surrey handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey.

Contact Details

Please contact us for any questions relating to role requirements, flexible working requests, transferable skills or barriers to employment. For an informal discussion please contact Debra Lee by e-mail at [email removed]

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 15th August with interviews to follow.

An enhanced DBS ‘Disclosure and Barring Service’ check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) will be required for this role.

Surrey has both urban and rural areas and the successful applicant will be expected to have a valid driving licence to drive in the UK and access to a vehicle and be willing to travel across a wide geographical area.

Local Government Reorganisation

Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.

Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents! Please see more information here: Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation - Surrey County Council

Our Commitment

We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum shortlisting criteria, as displayed on the advert, we guarantee you an interview.

Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we’re committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.