Are you passionate about working outdoors and looking to build a rewarding career in arboriculture while learning on the job? Join the University Parks team within Estates Services at the University of Oxford as an Apprentice Arborist, and earn while you learn in a world-renowned environment.
Location: Oxford University Parks
Salary: £26,686 per annum
Contract: Full time, Fixed-term Apprenticeship (2 years)
Hours: 36.5 hours per week
The University Parks team is responsible for maintaining and enhancing the University’s beautiful green spaces and historic tree collections. From iconic parks to departmental grounds and private client sites, the team delivers high-quality arboricultural and horticultural services that are admired and enjoyed by thousands of visitors each year. Working alongside skilled arborists, gardeners, horticulturists, and tree specialists, you’ll be part of a professional team that takes pride in caring for some of Oxford’s most valued landscapes.
What We Offer
As an apprentice at the University of Oxford, you will be fully supported from day one. You will work alongside experienced professionals in a friendly and collaborative environment, with additional support from the central apprenticeship team and access to a network of apprentices across the University. You will also have opportunities to develop your skills, confidence, and career prospects within the arboricultural sector.
This apprenticeship provides full training and hands-on experience while you work towards a recognised qualification. If you enjoy working outdoors and want to build a practical, rewarding career, we encourage you to apply.
About the Role
This is an exciting opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience while completing a Level 2 Arborist Apprenticeship through Windsor Forest College.
You will work across a variety of sites, learning essential arboricultural skills through a combination of in-house training and day-release or distance learning with a reputable college provider.
Working with experienced colleagues, you will learn to:
- Carry out tree care and maintenance activities
- Operate chainsaws and arboricultural machinery safely and effectively
- Assist with aerial pruning and dismantling operations
- Identify tree species, pests, and diseases
- Support tree planting, establishment, and aftercare
- Undertake basic tree inspections
As your skills develop, you will progress towards supporting aerial operations using mobile elevated work platforms and ultimately working as a climbing arborist using rope and harness techniques.
You will also gain experience using specialist equipment such as brushwood chippers, stump grinders, and other ground-based machinery.
College attendance and successful completion of the apprenticeship qualification is an essential requirement of this role.
About You
We welcome applications from individuals who are enthusiastic, reliable, and eager to build a career in arboriculture. You don’t need prior professional experience - just a genuine interest in trees and outdoor work, and a willingness to learn.
You will be able to demonstrate:
- GCSEs in English and Maths (Grade 4/C or equivalent)
- A strong interest in trees, horticulture, plants, or the outdoor environment
- Willingness to learn and develop practical skills
- Ability and enthusiasm to work outdoors in all weather conditions
- A positive and hardworking approach
- Willingness and ability to work at height and undertake physically demanding work
Application Process
Your application will be judged solely on the basis of how you demonstrate that you meet the selection criteria stated in the job description.
Only applications received via the Find an Apprenticeship website by 12 noon on 8 June 2026 will be considered. Interviews are expected to take place on 23 June 2026.
To apply for this apprenticeship please review the attached job description and click the link below to apply.
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