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
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:
• Must hold a current UK driving licence, B+E as a minimum
• NPTC Units: 201: Chainsaw maintenance and cross-cutting (CS30)
• NPTC Unit 202: Tree felling and processing (CS31 or current equivalent)
• NPTC Units: 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
• Or current equivalents
As a Neighbourhood Operative Level 4 (Arborist), you'll undertake a wide range of arboricultural operations and tree maintenance activities across Manchester's parks, highways, housing estates, cemeteries and woodland areas.
You'll help the Grounds Maintenance and Neighbourhoods Service maintain a safe, healthy and sustainable tree stock across the city, ensuring residents, businesses and visitors benefit from clean, green and safe neighbourhoods. Your work will contribute to Manchester City Council's wider ambition of creating neighbourhoods where people choose to live, work and visit.
In this role you will:
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Carry out tree pruning, dismantling, planting and felling operations in line with industry standards and best practice.
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Undertake aerial tree work, emergency response activities and operate arboricultural equipment including chainsaws, woodchippers and MEWPs.
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Complete risk assessments, maintain work records and update digital asset management systems and tree inventory data.
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Work with colleagues, stakeholders and partner organisations to deliver high-quality neighbourhood services.
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Support planned maintenance programmes, statutory work and emergency arboricultural operations across the city.
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.