The son of Robert Jobling, Joseph was born in Newcastle and received tuition from his father before becoming a professional artist. He worked in oils and watercolours and his subjects included landscapes and bird paintings. He exhibited at the Laing art Gallery,Newcastle, and the Bewick Club, Newcastle. His work included scenes around the North Shields fish quay and around the area in which he lived which was Whitley Bay. A popular Northumbrian artist, his work is still in demand.