Job Description
A hands‑on role that keeps Gateshead moving.
Who we are and what we stand for
Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might just be the perfect match.
We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time.
We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.
At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.
Work outdoors. Work with purpose. Work with pride.
Our Environment & Fleet Management team provide a wide range of integrated services to help keep the environment in which the people of Gateshead live, work and spend their spare time in a clean, safe and attractive condition. This includes parks and green spaces like our beautiful Saltwell and Watergate Parks, as well as other green spaces and countryside management. We’re also responsible for vehicle and fleet management across the Council, keeping the fleet on the road and enabling much wider programmes of work, as well as several other areas of responsibility.
Help us protect and enhance our shared spaces.
Do you enjoy working outdoors, take pride in your community, and want a role where your efforts have real impact? This is a great opportunity to contribute to a cleaner and greener Gateshead. As an Arboriculture Supervisor, you’ll play a vital role in managing and maintaining trees within the Borough of Gateshead, help to keep Gateshead clean, welcoming, and well-maintained for everyone who lives, works, and visits here. Working as part of a friendly, hands‑on team, you’ll support the day-to-day delivery of an essential frontline service. From helping maintain our green spaces to ensuring our streets stay safe and tidy, your work will make a visible difference across the borough.
What you'll get to do:
- The daily Supervision of the Arboriculture Team who are both proactive and reactive in managing the tree stock within the Borough.
- Allocation of required tree works to teams which will require planning and communication.
- Deal and respond to complaints in a professional and timely manner .
- Provide support to Management in providing a strategic approach to maintaining and managing trees within the Borough.
- Ensure that all Health & Safety policies and procedures are being adhered to within the Arboriculture Team
- The development of staff within the Arboriculture team which will include identifying training requirements
- Be part of a rota that provides an out of hours service.
- To create and maintain effective working relationships through the provision of a customer focused service
- To adhere to all safety requirements within the Council’s Health and Safety policy including; working at height, use of personal protective equipment, manual handling and lifting, COSHH and fire prevention.
- To maintain good conduct, attendance and timekeeping, and a good quality of work at all times.
- Such other responsibilities allocated which are appropriate to the grade of the position.
What you'll bring:
- Experience of supervising within an Environmental Services setting with relevant qualifications at NVQ Level 2 or equivalent
- Experience and knowledge of working within the Arboriculture industry including the inspection of trees
- Experience of dealing with varying workloads and managing priorities
- Ensuring compliance with health and safety legislation
- Hold a full manual UK driving licence
- Problem solving experience and skills
- Good IT skills including knowledge of using Microsoft Office, Word, Access, Outlook and Excel systems
- Expressing ideas and information clearly, and in a way which helps people to understand the message
- Ability to communicate clearly and politely and deal with enquiries from various stakeholders.
What’s in it for you
- Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
- Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary – we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
- Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
- Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
- Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
- Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
- Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).
Our commitment to you
We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
How to apply
You can apply online using the apply now button below. Within the form, you’ll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications.
We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying.
If you have any questions about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via recruitment@gateshead.gov.uk.
Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.
Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.