Location
London

Salary
£47,628

About the Role
Why Southwark?
Southwark is one of London’s most vibrant and diverse boroughs, where over 120 languages are spoken. We are a large, ambitious, and forward-thinking council with a strong track record of delivering high-quality services to our residents. We’re working towards Southwark 2030 — a shared vision for a fairer, greener, and safer borough where everyone can thrive. Our green spaces are among our most valued assets, and we’re committed to sustainability, biodiversity, and excellence in public service across housing, highways, and parks. At Southwark, you’ll join a passionate and supportive team where your work will have a visible and lasting impact.

As an Arboricultural Officer, you’ll play a key role in managing Southwark’s tree stock across housing estates, highways, parks, and open spaces. Your responsibilities will include:
- Delivering a customer-focused arboricultural service borough-wide
- Managing and monitoring internal and external contractors to ensure quality and health & safety compliance
- Planning and scheduling cyclical and proactive tree surveys and inspections
- Using the Confirm asset management system to issue and track work orders
- Responding to resident and stakeholder enquiries in a timely and professional manner
- Supporting the development of strategy and policy, including contributions to the Tree Management Strategy
- Monitoring budgets and contributing to financial reporting for works valued up to £1.5 million.
This is a highly visible role where you’ll collaborate across departments and with community groups to ensure Southwark’s urban trees are healthy, safe, and sustainably managed.

Experience
Qualified – Minimum Level 4 qualification in arboriculture (or equivalent experience)
Experienced – Proven background in contract management, tree surveying, and arboricultural service delivery
Knowledgeable – Strong understanding of tree health, legislation, safety standards, and best practices in urban tree management
Tech-savvy – Comfortable using systems like Confirm (training provided) and preparing reports and analysis
Collaborative – Skilled at building effective relationships with contractors, residents, and colleagues
Flexible and reliable – Willing to travel across the borough and work outside normal hours when needed.
A full UK driving licence is essential.

About you
We are looking for someone who is passionate about urban forestry and committed to delivering high-quality services to the community.

Qualifications
No additional qualifications are required beyond the Level 4 in arboriculture.