Natural Environment Principal (Arborist)
Natural Environment Principal – Arborist
Location: Plymouth
Grade: H/I (Career Graded expected appointment at H)
Help Plymouth grow greener - lead our tree estate management.
We’re looking for a passionate Natural Environment Principal to manage and champion the city’s trees, woodlands, and urban forestry practice. The Council owns a significant tree estate with over 70,000 trees so this is a unique opportunity to shape the future of Plymouth’s green infrastructure, delivering works that ensure safety, enhance biodiversity, tackle climate change, and create healthier neighbourhoods for everyone.
What You’ll Do
Apply now and help us create a city where trees and people thrive together.
The Disclosure & Barring Service Check requirement for this post is: Basic Check.
We are a flexible employer and provide a variety of working arrangements tailored to the needs of each role.
For all enquiries about the role please contact Kathryn Deeney on Kathryn.Deeney@plymouth.gov.uk
Plymouth City Council is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, care experience, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex or sexual orientation.
As part of our commitment to promoting equality we offer guaranteed interviews to those who meet the essential criteria and are considered disabled, care experienced or are an Armed Forces Service Leaver within the last two years.
Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK
Closing date: Wednesday 07 January 2026
Location: Plymouth
Grade: H/I (Career Graded expected appointment at H)
Help Plymouth grow greener - lead our tree estate management.
We’re looking for a passionate Natural Environment Principal to manage and champion the city’s trees, woodlands, and urban forestry practice. The Council owns a significant tree estate with over 70,000 trees so this is a unique opportunity to shape the future of Plymouth’s green infrastructure, delivering works that ensure safety, enhance biodiversity, tackle climate change, and create healthier neighbourhoods for everyone.
What You’ll Do
- Lead the management of the Council’s trees and woodlands and a team of arborists to ensure our urban forest, is safe, well managed and is fit for future generations.
- Engage communities and stakeholders providing clear and transparent information on our tree works.
- Grow the service and its capacity to be digitally integrated across service areas in the Council and able to communicate our work publicly.
- Champion best practice in arboriculture, ensuring management of the tree estate plays a role in delivering environmental social, and economic goals.
- Support investment for green growth, supporting innovative funding strategies and business cases to secure further funding to care, and value Plymouth’s tree canopy.
- A natural leader with significant experience in tree and woodland management, including strong stakeholder engagement.
- Strong communication skills to inspire the team and effectively collaborate with partners, residents, and decision-makers.
- An organiser capable of working in a dynamic team environment and across multiple stakeholders
- A commitment to sustainability and a vision for a greener, healthier Plymouth.
- Play a key role in delivering Plymouth’s Plan for Nature and People as well as our Plan for Trees.
- Work on improvements in the Plymouth tree estate that supports efforts to combat climate change, improve air quality, and create vibrant habitats.
- Enjoy a flexible working pattern and the chance to work directly with communities and partners.
- Be part of a supportive team committed to wellbeing and professional development.
Apply now and help us create a city where trees and people thrive together.
The Disclosure & Barring Service Check requirement for this post is: Basic Check.
We are a flexible employer and provide a variety of working arrangements tailored to the needs of each role.
For all enquiries about the role please contact Kathryn Deeney on Kathryn.Deeney@plymouth.gov.uk
Plymouth City Council is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, care experience, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex or sexual orientation.
As part of our commitment to promoting equality we offer guaranteed interviews to those who meet the essential criteria and are considered disabled, care experienced or are an Armed Forces Service Leaver within the last two years.
Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK
Closing date: Wednesday 07 January 2026