Tree and Woodland Inspection Assistant/Driver

Tree and Woodland Inspection Assistant / Driver (Relief Worker)

Location: County Hall, Matlock, with travel throughout Derbyshire

Derbyshire County Council is looking to recruit a pool of Tree and Woodland Inspection Assistant / Drivers to support the delivery of our highway tree inspection programme.

This is a flexible relief worker opportunity, providing driving and practical support to our Tree and Woodland Surveyors whilst they undertake inspections of trees adjacent to the highway network.

About the Role

The Council’s Tree and Woodland Team is responsible for inspecting and managing trees on highways and other Council-owned land across Derbyshire.

To ensure inspections can be carried out safely and effectively, Surveyors are supported by dedicated drivers who allow them to focus entirely on tree inspection activity whilst maintaining safe working practices on the highway network.

As a Tree and Woodland Inspection Assistant / Driver, your role will primarily involve:

• Driving a Council pickup truck along planned inspection routes
• Driving carefully and at reduced speeds to support visual inspection of roadside trees
• Maintaining full attention on road safety whilst Surveyors undertake inspections
• Pulling over and parking safely when more detailed inspections are required
• Remaining with the vehicle or accompanying Surveyors on foot, as appropriate
• Providing general non-technical assistance when required

No arboricultural knowledge or inspection experience is required.

About You

We’re looking for people who:

• Hold a full UK driving licence
• Are confident driving larger vehicles such as pickup trucks
• Are comfortable driving in live traffic environments
• Have good communication and organisational skills
• Can work safely, reliably and professionally as part of a team
• Enjoy working outdoors in a variety of locations and weather conditions

Previous experience in arboriculture or tree inspection is not required.

Working Pattern

These are relief worker positions with no guaranteed hours.

Successful applicants will join a pool of drivers who may be contacted when support is required.

Demand is expected to be highest during the spring and summer inspection season, when each of our Tree and Woodland Surveyors may require driver support for several days each week. Demand is likely to reduce significantly outside of these peak periods.

Assignments will typically be for a full working day, generally falling within the hours of 9:00am to 5:00pm, although start and finish times may vary depending on operational requirements and travel arrangements.

There is no obligation to accept work offered, and availability can be discussed as opportunities arise. During busy periods there may be opportunities to work several days in a week, whilst at other times there may be little or no requirement for support.

About Us

You’ll be joining Derbyshire County Council’s Tree and Woodland Team, part of the Conservation, Heritage and Design Service.

The team delivers a county-wide programme of tree inspection, risk management and woodland stewardship, helping to keep Derbyshire’s highways and public spaces safe whilst protecting and enhancing our natural environment.

Interested?

Applications should be submitted by registering and completing an application form.

For an informal discussion about the opportunity, please contact:

Tom French
Nature Based Solutions Principal Advisor
Tom.French@derbyshire.gov.uk

Please note: We anticipate appointing multiple individuals to a relief worker pool. Inclusion in the pool does not guarantee work will be available, but provides an opportunity to be considered when driver support is required.

Provisional Interview Date: Week Commencing 7 August 2026