Somerset Council
County Highway Arboriculturist
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Salary: Grade 9, ranging from £41,771 - £46,142 per annum. Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week. Contract: Permanent Closing date: 2nd September 2026
Role Purpose:
You’ll be responsible for leading and managing the strategic and operational delivery of highway tree management across Somerset. This will include developing and implementing policies, procedures, and risk-based inspection programmes. You will ensure compliance with legislation, health and safety requirements, and industry standards. You will also be required to provide expert arboriculture advice to internal colleagues, elected members, and external partners.
The role provides overall leadership for the planning, commissioning, and delivery of tree maintenance and inspection programmes, including the management of budgets, contractors, and staff. You’ll be ensuring effective performance monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and the resolution of complex issues such as insurance claims and emergency incidents.
Key responsibilities:
- Manage all highway tree management, inspections, and maintenance, including establishing policies and procedures and Health and Safety.
- Manage the Highway Trees Project and be responsible for a £1m works budget which is allocated for the tree maintenance works.
- Manage a team of 3 staff, direct, supervise, and train staff, and undertake regular performance reviews.
- Provide arboriculture advice within the service and liaise with Highways and Development control on the adoption of new landscaped areas.
- Manage pre-planned and reactive works programmes and coordinate emergency tree surgery works in the event of severe weather events.
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What you’ll bring:
- Level 6 professional qualification in arboriculture or equivalent level of experience.
- Professional tree inspection qualification.
- The ability to travel independently to areas that may not be covered by public transport.
- 5 years’ experience of professional experience post qualification of tree assessment prescribing appropriate Arboricultural management.
- Knowledge of tree-related legislation and law.
- Knowledge of pests, diseases, and planning process related to trees.
About the team:
The Highway Tree Team manages and maintains trees on highway land throughout the county, ensuring public safety while protecting and enhancing Somerset's tree population. The team undertakes inspections, responds to tree-related issues, commissions maintenance works, and provides professional arboricultural advice to support the safe and sustainable management of roadside trees.
Why Join Us?:
At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.
- Generous annual leave of 30 days per year, plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most generous and secure pension schemes.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.
- Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
- Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.
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Find out more about working at Somerset Council: https://www.somerset.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/working-at-somerset-council/
Additional information
- 30 days of annual leave (additional to bank holidays)
- This role involves frequent travel across rural areas of Somerset and lone working on occasion.
- This role is subject to a standard DBS check.
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for VISA sponsorship.
For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Paul Sweetman – Service Manager - Highway Risk, via email at paul.sweetman@somerset.gov.uk.
We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.
You can find a copy of the job description here: Service Manager - Flood & Coastal Management - Job Description - RP266 - 1286AB.pdf
If you currently work for Somerset Council, please apply via the internal SuccessFactors careers page.
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