ArbJobs has been at the heart of the UK arborist community for over two decades, connecting skilled professionals with the right opportunities. In this interview, we speak with Nick Pott, the founder of ArbJobs, to learn about the platform's origins, how it supports arborists and employers, and his insights on the future of the industry.
What inspired you to create ArbJobs?
Kakapo syndrome! No I am not ill, I just made it up, the Kakapo is a rare endangered bird from New Zealand. Before the internet arborist life was very much like that of the poor Kakapo, isolated and insular. The industry has always been quite small, but networking to find qualified staff back in the 90's was nigh on impossible. The internet was just starting to gain momentum, so I set up ArbJobs to create a hub to link employers and staff.
How does ArbJobs support arborists in finding work?
We were trail blazers in 1999, jobs boards were not really a "thing" we just wanted to post job opportunities all in one place so arborists could find them and speak to the employer directly. We have and always will give arborists applicants free access to the site. But to make things easier we built in an alert system where they can select jobs in counties and regions of interest and get alerted when new jobs come in.
What are the most common jobs posted?
I guess that aligns with the industry requirements, there are far more climbers than tree officers so we see more climber jobs. However, companies use us to help market jobs like tree surveyors and arboricultural consultants, as our fixed advert rates work out far more cost effective than recruitment agency placement fees.
What makes ArbJobs different from any other jobs board?
I guess it would be our longevity and standing in this specialist niche in our industry. I set ArbJobs up for one reason to promote arb jobs and it's what we have always done. Companies wanting arborist staff know we appeal to arb industry workers. Sure there are huge multi million pound jobs boards out there who attract way more site traffic but I don't want to attract non industry workers who have never seen a chainsaw and think a tree is just a big shrub.
What are the benefits for industry employers posting jobs on ArbJobs?
Like I said it's our specialist nature. I'm not from recruitment or tech I am from the arb industry so I understand its nuances. With an ArbJobs account employers have access to their job adverts 24/7, 365 days a year with the ability to amend, update and review campaigns as required. We have created an easy to use three stage job template that includes all the necessary information for a job advert. Applicants can directly contact an employer and the employer has immediate access to applicant information. Myself and my team are also on hand to help guide or advise site users, try reaching an industry aware contact at Indeed or Total Jobs!
How has ArbJobs evolved?
Wow where do I start? I guess it mirrors how computers have evolved. When I started we had to dial up by phone line to connect to the internet companies would send me a cheque or cash via the post with a scribbled advert to put out on the site. Computers now fit in your pocket information is sent via Wi-Fi and high speed fibre optics everyone wants instant, fast access. We have always continued to invest in ArbJobs evolution. The site itself has undergone six main rebuilds to keep up with tech and I can't see that stopping, just like the industry we continue to evolve and adapt.
What do you get with an ArbJobs campaign?
Well, it really depends what package you select there are currently two main options in our pricing structure. What you are getting is a very targeted audience. All we run are arborist vacancies there is no other reason to visit our site. You are getting access to free advice and guidance on creating a recruitment campaign. We strive to keep our rates affordable and competitive yet we spend tens of thousands each year on marketing and SEO work to ensure applicants know where to find your vacancies. We like to think employers are not just buying an advert they are supporting an arborist community service.
How has the arborist industry changed since you started?
I think the industry has moved forwards in huge leaps in professionalism, training and equipment. Salaries in our industry have mostly been driven by the competitive nature of domestic work. This continues to cap industry salary potential. Despite that the need to ensure ground staff can also rescue a climber has enhanced their experience and skill and pushed ground staff salaries much closer to that of climbers and in general due to competition for the best arborist staff we have mostly seen salary increases across the board. Sadly some employers have failed to notice this trend despite us presenting seven years of UK salary analysis data.
What are the common challenges arborists face when looking for work and how does ArbJobs solve them?
The industry has always been quite volatile with transient staff constantly on the move for a variety of reasons. I like to think we haven't encouraged this behaviour, and we do try to promote consolatory reviews before leaving an employer. However when someone has decided to move then we offer immediate access to multiple jobs here in the UK and in the international marketplace. We also offer advice on gaining international VISA's. We try to make applying for a vacancy as easy as possible as this benefits the applicant and the employer.
What trends do you see in the arboricultural jobs market in 2026?
I fear the UK industry could start to struggle as more young experienced climbers up sticks to move abroad. UK training and HSE are some of the best in the world, and experienced staff are highly sought after in Sweden, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. With the increased cost of living and housing, you can't really blame them. At the same time School leavers are not interested in the hard work and low pay. Whilst struggling arb companies are not wanting to train new starters. So if you think there has been a staff shortage the last few years I think the worst may be ahead.
What advice would you give to someone looking at starting a career in arboriculture?
Find a good company or college willing to invest the time and money in training you. Expect poor wages during training, but train hard put in the hours, either practical or academic your efforts during training will put you ahead of your peers. Ultimately, giving you more career options and better opportunities in your career.
What are your goals for ArbJobs in 2026 and how do you see the platform growing or improving?
Alongside continuing to try and offer a great user service to the industry, we are already working on plans to further develop the site and I hope some of these will start to become more apparent by the end of 2026. I can't say too much at this time but we are already developing new ideas to help improve the site for both employers and applicants. We are looking beyond 2026 towards 2030 at how users will access the site and what additional services we can provide to enhance the user experience.