Technical Officer

The Arboricultural Association is seeking to recruit a Technical Officer to play a key role in shaping and delivering the Association’s work.

Working alongside the team and reporting to the Senior Technical Officer, you will help deliver the Association’s strategic objectives for 2025–27 and beyond. You will be involved in supporting and producing a range of technical outputs, including guidance, training, events, and publications, while promoting the Association and its members. This is an opportunity to influence industry standards and contribute to the advancement of arboriculture across the UK and internationally.

This role would suit someone who:

• Demonstrates strong experience in arboriculture or a closely related field, with technical knowledge or experience of contracting practice and skills
• Is motivated to help deliver our mission to inspire, support, and promote the tree care community
• Is an effective hybrid worker comfortable working within a member-focused non-profit environment.

Role specification

The role of Technical Officer may include:

• Monitor and analyse research, policy, and industry developments relevant to arboriculture
• Help develop and deliver technical outputs, including guidance and standards, accreditations, training, events, and publications
• Promote evidence-based practice through translation of research and emerging knowledge into industry guidance, standards, and policy positions
• Maintain and develop member and industry engagement with the Association through facilitation of projects and working groups
• Collaborate with industry partners, employers, and institutions to develop and share knowledge and encourage positive change
• Provide technical support and advice to members, partners, and the public
• Embed arboricultural expertise throughout the Association’s work by supporting colleagues across teams
• Assist with the organisation and delivery of Association events and meetings
• Represent the Association at regional, national, and international events, including delivering presentations where appropriate

Person specification

The successful candidate will meet the following essential and/or desirable criteria:

Qualifications and experience

Essential

• Minimum level 4 qualification or equivalent through experience
• A good understanding and knowledge of arboriculture in the UK
• Experience of working in arboriculture or a related environmental industry e.g., in contracting, consultancy or non-profit

Desirable

• A BSc in arboriculture, urban forestry or a related discipline
• A record in contributing to and delivering strategic objectives
• Experience working with local government
• Experience working with government agencies
• Experience in environment or land-based education
• Experience managing or engaging with volunteers

Skills and behaviours

Essential

• Excellent and effective written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to act with discretion
• Project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Collaborative team player, adaptable to changing organisational needs
• IT proficiency, including effective remote collaboration and use of Microsoft Office

Desirable

• Experience using CRM systems
• An ability and willingness to travel in the UK and internationally as required

Working details

Salary: £38,000-£42,000

We expect this to be a hybrid role. This would entail mostly home working, with the need to attend our Stonehouse office 1-2 times a month and external meetings or workshops as necessary.

This is a full-time, permanent position (37.5 hours per week), although slightly reduced hours may be considered.

The role includes standard employment benefits, along with 20 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays, increasing by one additional day per year up to 25 days per annum.

About the Association

The Arboricultural Association is the UK’s leading organisation for tree care professionals and supporters, representing more than 3,000 members nationally and internationally.

We work to inspire, support and promote the tree care community for a society that better appreciates and cares for trees. As a charitable organisation, we advance the science of arboriculture for the public benefit by raising standards through accreditation, training, events, publications, partnerships, and advocacy.