Arborist

Hours: Full-time (36.5 hours per week)

Contract type: Permanent

About the role

The Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum inspires people with the scientific wonder of plants through internationally important living collections. You will join a small, enthusiastic arboriculture team, helping to maintain and develop the Arboretum's outstanding collection while contributing to a welcoming visitor experience. You will undertake a wide range of arboricultural operations including tree inspection, pruning, climbing, habitat management and grounds maintenance. You will also support public events, educational activities, volunteers and trainees, maintain equipment to a high standard, and work safely in accordance with industry guidance while helping to conserve biodiversity.

This is a permanent, full-time position, working 36.5 hours per week.

About You

You will hold an ND, NVQ or NCH qualification in Arboriculture or a related subject together with proven practical arboricultural experience. You will have knowledge of a wide range of woody plants and hold the relevant NPTC chainsaw and climbing qualifications, including CS30.1, CS30.2, CS31, CS38 and CS39. You will be an effective team player with a strong commitment to safe working practices and excellent standards of customer service. Experience within a public arboretum or botanic garden, a full clean driving licence and additional qualifications such as MEWP, pesticide application or basic tree inspection would be advantageous.

What We Offer

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days of annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans

Diversity

Our staff and students come from all over the world, and we proudly promote a friendly and inclusive culture. Diversity is positively encouraged, through diverse groups and champions, as well as a number of family-friendly policies, such as the right to apply for flexible working and support for staff returning from periods of extended absence, for example, shared parental leave.

We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment processes are inclusive and accessible. If you require the job description or any other materials in an alternative format, or if you would like to request any adjustments to support you through the application or interview process, please contact the recruitment team at recruitment@glam.ox.ac.uk.

How to apply

You will be required to upload your CV and a supporting evidence form using the attached template as part of your online application. Your supporting evidence form should list each of the essential and desirable selection criteria, as listed in the job description, and explain how you meet each one. Both documents must be submitted to be considered.

We aim to provide a supportive working environment and are happy to discuss training and professional development opportunities. Please contact recruitment@obg.ox.ac.uk with enquiries relating to the role. General queries about the recruitment and application process should be directed to the Recruitment team within our Human Resources department (recruitment@glam.ox.ac.uk).

Only applications received online by 12.00 midday (BST) on Monday 10^th August 2026 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place on Thursday 3^rd September 2026.

Advert information