Neighbourhood Operative Level 4 (Arbor)

Working Hours: 35 Hours Per Week

Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent  

Closing Date & Closing time: 11.59pm, 21 October 2026

Interview Method: Face to Face 

Legal Right to Work: In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application. However, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action

This role is subject to -

References - where possible we require 3 years' history.

Driving Licence – The successful candidate must always hold a full valid driving licence  as you will be required to drive a vehicle adhering to council regulations.

 Medical Clearance - Pre-placement health assessment (PPHA) 

 Qualificaition: 

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 helping to maintain and enhance the city's green infrastructure. 

The successful candidate will have a strong background in undertaking all aspects of tree maintenance and arboricultural operations, with the skills and experience required to deliver high-quality tree works across the Council's tree stock.

In this role your duties will include:

For an informal discussion, please contact the hiring manager, John Larrigan, at [email protected] to arrange a convenient time to discuss the role. This route is for enquiries only and should not be used to submit applications.  

We are looking for a knowledgeable and customer-focused arboriculture professional with a strong background in undertaking all aspects of tree maintenance and arboricultural operations. You will possess excellent practical arboricultural skills, a thorough understanding of industry best practice and health and safety requirements and experience working safely and effectively as part of a team. The ideal candidate will be committed to delivering high-quality tree works, maintaining accurate records, and providing a professional service to residents, colleagues and stakeholders.

We’ll use the following essential criteria to decide which candidates to invite to assessment. Use your personal statement to provide evidence of how you meet each one, supported by relevant examples:

• Communication Skills
• Analytical Skills
• Planning and Organising
• Problem Solving and Decision Making
• Creative Skills
• ICT Skills
• Research and Intelligence

If you’re invited to assessment, we’ll look at a wider range of the role requirements. For more detail, please see the role profile.  

Use of AI 

You may use AI to support your application, but all examples must be your own and based on real experience. Applications may be withdrawn if content is misleading or presents someone else's experience as your own. Internal candidates may also face disciplinary action. 

Guaranteed Assessment Scheme 
We guarantee progression to the assessment stage for applicants who meet the essential criteria used for shortlisting and are eligible under the scheme. Learn more 

Support and Adjustments  
If you're successful in securing a role, we'll make every effort to provide the support, equipment and reasonable adjustments you need to carry out your duties. Where needed, we'll consider adapting aspects of the role. Learn more