Neighbourhood Operative Level 4 (Arbor)
About The Role
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the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action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:
•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 (Arbor) you'll help manage and protect the city'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 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:
- 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.
- Undertake sectional dismantling and aerial tree work using ropse, harnesses and work positioning systems.
- Operate chainsaws from the ground and within the tree canopy.
- Operate and maintain arboricultural machinery including:
- Chainsaws
- Woodchippers
- MEWPs
- Assist in responding to emergencies, including storm damage, fallen trees and highway obstructions.
- Establish and maintain safe work zones using traffic management and site safety controls.
- Ensure all work complies with Health and Safety legislation and council policies.
For an informal discussion, please contact the hiring manager, John Larrigan, at john.larrigan@machester.gov.uk to arrange a convenient time to discuss the role. This route is for enquiries only and should not be used to submit applications.
About the Candidate
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
About Us
Working for Manchester City Council is a chance to make a real difference in a diverse city. You’ll help improve lives and support our local communities. Working together, we can create better public services for everyone.
Benefits we offer
- Up to 26 days’ annual leave, rising to 31 days after five years’ service
- Buy up to two extra weeks’ leave
- Up to 3 days’ volunteering leave
- A 35-hour work week for full-time roles
- We review pay each year and recognise three trade unions
- A defined benefit pension scheme
- Enhanced parental and carers leave
- Employee discounts and perks
Learn more at Careers - Manchester City Council
Our commitment to inclusion
At Manchester City Council, we're dedicated to creating a workplace that fully reflects the diversity of our local communities. We actively encourage applications from people of all ages and backgrounds and are particularly keen to hear from applicants from ethnic minority communities and disabled people, who remain underrepresented in parts of our workforce.
GM Elevate Programme
If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme, please indicate this within the 'Personal Statement' section or 'Supporting Statement' section of your application.
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