The UK arboriculture sector is thriving, with over 20,000 professionals contributing to urban greening, forestry management, and tree care across the nation. As demand grows due to environmental initiatives and infrastructure projects, qualified arborists and tree surgeons are in high demand. Whether you're a trainee starting out or an experienced climber seeking advanced roles, finding the right opportunity requires knowing where to look. At Arbortec Forestwear, we've been equipping arborists, climbers, and foresters with top-quality chainsaw apparel, boots, and tree-climbing gear for over 30 years. Our vision is to innovate and deliver the ultimate protective equipment to keep you safe on the job. In this guide, we'll explore the best places to find arboricultural jobs in the UK, including job boards, agencies, and tips to boost your career.
Arboricultural Job Boards
Specialist job boards are often the best starting point for tree surgery jobs in the UK, as they focus on industry-specific vacancies.
Arbjobs.com
Launched in 1999, Arbjobs.com is the UK's first dedicated jobs board for arboriculture and tree surgery. It features roles such as apprentice placements, climbers, surveyors, consultants, and team leaders, with opportunities in the UK and internationally. The site has facilitated thousands of placements over 26 years and boasts over 9,000 registered users. Visit [www.arbjobs.com] to browse listings.
Pros:
- Industry-specific vacancies tailored to arborists.
- Easy direct application system.
- Simple job alert messaging.
- Often higher salaries than general sites, with recent data showing averages up to £35,730 in London.
- Comprehensive blog with career guidance, training advice, and UK salary guides from 2018 to 2025.
- Free registration for job seekers.
Cons:
- Limited to arboriculture, so fewer non-specialist roles.
Horticulturejobs.co.uk
This platform includes arboriculture alongside horticulture and landscaping jobs, making it a great resource for tree surgeons. Listings often feature team leader and gardener roles involving tree management. Members of the Arboricultural Association get 20% off advertising here. Check out [www.horticulturejobs.co.uk]
Pros:
- A broad range of green sector jobs.
- Access to a large candidate database for employers.
Cons:
- Not exclusively arboriculture-focused.
Other Specialist Boards
Consider [Greenjobs.co.uk] for global and UK arboriculture vacancies, or company-specific sites like Glendale Services for arborist roles across regions.
Non-Specialist Job Boards
General platforms cast a wider net but may require more filtering for tree surgery jobs.
Indeed and Totaljobs
These massive portals list a variety of arboricultural roles, with salaries ranging from £27,000 to £45,000 based on experience. Search for "arborist jobs UK" or "tree surgeon vacancies" on [uk.indeed.com] or [www.totaljobs.com].
Pros:
- Wide regional reach.
- Varied job types and competitive salaries.
- Free to use for job seekers.
Cons:
- Convoluted registration.
- Not industry-focused, leading to repeated or expired listings.
- Constant email notifications post-registration.
A must for networking, LinkedIn hosts arboriculture groups and job postings. Follow companies like SSE for utility arborist roles.
Specialist Recruitment Agencies
Agencies handle the legwork but often charge employers a fee, which can affect hiring decisions. They're ideal for freelance or hard-to-find placements.
CTC Recruitment
The UK's only agency dedicated solely to arboriculture, with over 20 years' experience. They offer full support for roles from ground staff to consultants, with over 100 UK vacancies and international options. Visit [ctcrecruitment.co.uk].
Pros:
- Expert vetting and matching.
- Access to exclusive freelance gigs.
Cons:
- Indirect employer contact.
- Selectivity due to fees.
Other agencies include those listed on Agency Central for arboriculture/forestry, or specialist firms like Evolution Tree Works for self-employed climbers.
Professional Associations and Their Role
Associations provide networking, training, and job resources.
Arboricultural Association (AA)
The UK's leading body for tree care, based in Gloucestershire. Their Job Finder promotes fair pay and quality roles, linking to Arbjobs, CTC, Horticulturejobs, and Indeed. They offer careers advice, training, and the Approved Contractor scheme. Explore [www.trees.org.uk].
Other groups: Institute of Chartered Foresters or the ISA UK chapter for certifications.
Essential Qualifications and Skills for Arborist Jobs
To secure arboricultural jobs in the UK, employers prioritise safety and expertise. Key qualifications include:
- Entry-Level: NPTC or LANTRA certificates in chainsaw use, aerial rescue, and felling.
- Apprenticeships: Level 2 Arborist, Level 4 Arboriculturist, or Level 6 Professional Arboriculturist.
- Advanced: ABC Level 4 Diploma in Arboriculture, BTEC in Forestry, or ISA Certified Arborist.
- Mandatory: Level 3 Emergency First Aid, safe use of brushwood chipper, and traffic management.
Skills like climbing proficiency and knowledge of tree health are crucial. Invest in quality gear, such as our chainsaw boots, to meet safety standards.
Regional Hotspots for Tree Surgery Jobs
Job availability varies by region:
| Region | Key Areas | Average Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| South East | London, Sussex, Kent | £35,730 | High demand in urban areas |
| Midlands | Birmingham, Northampton | £30,000–£35,000 | Utility and commercial work |
| Scotland | Edinburgh, rural areas | £28,000–£32,000 | Forestry focus; more SSE roles. |
| North East | Newcastle | £27,000–£30,000 | Emerging hotspots for tree management. |
Source: Regional salary data compiled from Indeed and summarised using AI.
London and the South East offer the highest pay due to urban density.
Freelance and Self-Employment Options
For flexibility, consider freelance arborist opportunities in the UK. Platforms like Arbtalk's Freelancers Directory connect you with gigs. Indeed lists freelance roles with salaries up to £42,500. Self-employed tree surgeons average £37,010 annually. Ensure you have insurance and certifications; agencies like CTC can source part-time work.
Other Routes to Opportunities
- Networking & Events: Industry events such as the ARB Show or local Arboricultural Association branch meetings often reveal upcoming job opportunities.
- Social Media & Forums: Facebook groups, LinkedIn communities, and specialist arb forums are increasingly used by employers to share vacancies.
- Apprenticeships: The Arborist Apprenticeship standard is available through government training portals for those starting their career journey.
Application Tips and Success Stories
Tailor your CV to highlight qualifications and safety training. Prepare for interviews by demonstrating climbing skills and wear reliable tree-climbing gear for demos. Network at events like the AA Arb Show.
One success story: An arborist started as a trainee via Arbjobs.com and now leads a South East team, attributing growth to early investment in protective apparel.
Inspirational Life Experiences from Arborists
If you're new to the industry, hearing real stories from fellow arborists can provide motivation and insights into the day-to-day realities of the job. Here are some personal accounts from our blog that highlight diverse paths in arboriculture:
- How I Found My Path as a Female Arborist: Arbortec Ambassador Nora Cordier – Nora shares her journey breaking into a male-dominated field and the gear that supported her climb.
- Tree Surgeon UK: A Woman’s Path to Arboriculture – Explore one woman's inspiring transition into tree surgery, with tips for aspiring female arborists.
- Real Stories from Real Arborists – A collection of authentic experiences from professionals in the field, offering practical advice for newcomers.
These stories emphasise the passion, challenges, and rewards of arboriculture, and they might just inspire your own career move.
Conclusion
Finding arboricultural and tree surgery jobs in the UK is easier with these resources. Start with specialist boards like Arbjobs.com, leverage agencies for tailored support, and upskill through associations. For the latest chainsaw clothing and accessories to prepare for your next role, browse our range at Arbortec Forestwear. Stay safe and climb high! If you're hiring or job-hunting, share your experiences with us. Click Here: