Location
Manchester

Hours
35 Hours Per Week

Salary
£37,563 per annum

About the Role
As a Neighbourhood Operative Level 4 (Arbor), you will help manage and protect Manchester's diverse and valuable tree population. Reporting to the Arboriculture Team Lead, you will play a key role in delivering a safe, sustainable, and resilient urban forest. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to Manchester's environmental ambitions while maintaining and enhancing the city's green infrastructure.

Your duties will include carrying out tree pruning, crown reduction, crown lifting, crown thinning, formative pruning, pollarding, and felling operations in accordance with industry best practice and current arboricultural standards. You will undertake sectional dismantling and aerial tree work using ropes, harnesses, and work positioning systems. You will operate chainsaws both from the ground and within the tree canopy, and maintain arboricultural machinery including chainsaws, woodchippers, and MEWPs.

You will assist in responding to emergencies such as storm damage, fallen trees, and highway obstructions. Establishing and maintaining safe work zones using traffic management and site safety controls will be essential. All work must comply with Health and Safety legislation and council policies.

This is a full-time, permanent role with a 35-hour work week. The closing date for applications is 11.59pm, 21 October 2026. The interview method will be face to face. Successful candidates must evidence their legal right to work in the UK before employment commencement. The role requires pre-placement health assessment and references covering a 3-year history where possible.

Experience
Proven experience in undertaking all aspects of tree maintenance and arboricultural operations. Strong practical arboricultural skills and a thorough understanding of industry best practice and health and safety requirements. Experience working safely and effectively as part of a team is essential.

About you
Knowledgeable and customer-focused with a commitment to delivering high-quality tree works. Ability to maintain accurate records and provide a professional service to residents, colleagues, and stakeholders. Strong communication, analytical, planning, problem-solving, creative, ICT, research, and intelligence skills are required.

Qualifications
Must hold a current full UK driving licence, B+E as a minimum.
Must hold the following NPTC qualifications or current equivalents:
- Unit 201: Chainsaw maintenance and cross-cutting (CS30)
- Unit 202: Tree felling and processing (CS31 or current equivalent)
- Unit 203: Tree climbing and Aerial Rescue Operations (CS38)
- Using a Chainsaw from a Rope and Harness (CS39)
- Aerial rigging (CS41 or current equivalent)
- Signing, lighting, and guarding (Chapter 8)
- Level 3 award for first aid at work

Additional Requirements
Must always hold a full valid driving licence as driving council vehicles is required. Pre-placement health assessment (PPHA) is mandatory. References covering 3 years' history are required where possible.