Arborist - Streetscene Operative

Apply online using the online application form. You are not able to save your application part way through, so please ensure you have all information to hand. Contact our People team if you have any questions regarding the online application form or require further support (humanresources@newcastle-staffs.gov.uk).

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a qualified arborist to join our arborist team.

This is a varied role in an arboriculture team looking after Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council's tree stock throughout the borough:

• the role will include tree planting, coppicing, felling, dismantles, rigging, reductions, pollarding, veteranisation, crown lifts etc and emergency call outs (on a rota basis)
• the Arboriculture team has a focus on delivering excellent service standards to tight deadlines in this essential, high-profile service area
• the service makes a real difference to the way the Borough looks and reduces the risk associated with tree health and locations

The arboriculture team is part of our Sustainable Environment Directorate. We are an award-winning service, regularly achieving green flag status for several of our parks and achieving gold status in Britain in Bloom.

Requirements

Have you a proven track record with two years minimum experience as a practicing arboriculture operative with the necessary qualifications which demonstrate your ability to undertake the role? Are you a team player who is willing and able to work as part of a team and be flexible to undertake other tasks as the service area requires? Are you an individual who has health and safety at the core of everything you do in the work-place. If so, we want to hear from you.

You must have a positive 'can do' attitude with a proactive solution-based approach for this varied role for where there is only room for team players. An ability to communicate clearly and accurately with operational colleagues, managers, customers is essential. The post holder is required to hold a full current valid driving licence to drive vehicles between 3,500 and 7,500kg (MAM) (with a trailer up to 750kg). Alternatively you will have the ability to gain this level of licence within 12 months of your employment commencing.

We know that services at the frontline improving the environment are changing, and that providing 'green skills' for staff is an investment in the future. The culture here is all about getting the best out of our team by providing a range of benefits to everyone. We expect good teamwork, and focus on being accountable, respectful of everybody and achieving our goals.

This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and, as such, appointment will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of criminal records via the Disclosure and Barring Service before the appointment is confirmed. This will include details of cautions, reprimands or final warnings, as well as convictions.

Why work for us?

Newcastle-under-Lyme is a borough with big ambitions. We've already started our transformation, however, we still need to find better ways of doing things because we are determined to do the very best we can for our communities.

If our vision is to be the best, then we need the best people working for us. Our people are at the heart of what we do and have the freedom to innovate, grow and develop. We recruit people who share our vision and values; people who have the drive to deliver our ambitious council plan.

Our People offer

We reward our people with a competitive range of benefits including:

• access to the local government pension scheme
• minimum 24 days annual leave plus 5 extra days after 5 years' service
• flexible working options and family friendly policies
• local and national high street discounts
• free car parking
• wellbeing support including £12.50 per month Jubilee2 membership
• green travel scheme including cycle to work and electric car salary sacrifice
• free employee 24 hour employee assistance and counselling services, flu vaccination service and health checks
• development and training opportunities

Contact

Should you wish to have an informal discussion in relation to this opportunity contact Jen Hough, Arboriculture Manager on 01782 717717 extension 4628.

Closing date

5pm Tuesday, 1 December 2026.

Should we receive a large number of applications, then this post could close sooner than the date stated.

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted within two weeks of the closing date.

Interview date

Anticipated week commencing 7 December 2026.

While we value diverse backgrounds and experiences, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship. Applicants must be able to prove they have the Right to Work in the U.K.