Tree Surgeon

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Forestry Tree Surgeon to join the team that is an Arboricultural Association ARB Approved contractor, helping to deliver a best value, customer-focused service throughout Leicestershire and occasionally surrounding counties.

If successful, you will help provide a comprehensive and professional arboriculture service for all trees under the jurisdiction of Leicestershire County Council, and other clients in the private sector in the County of Leicestershire and surrounding counties.

Responsibilities include:

• Tree works such as Crown Lifting, Dead Wooding, Crown Reductions, Pollarding and Felling
• Occasional young tree and shrub maintenance
• Tree and shrub planting
• Public rights of way maintenance

You will be required to attend training courses, conferences, seminars or other meetings to undertake Continuous Professional Development relating to Arboriculture Association Standards. The role may involve working outside of normal hours, including nights, weekends and public holidays, in all weather conditions to meet service needs.

Note: This role is a “safety critical post” and may be subject to random drug and alcohol testing in line with policies and procedures.

To apply, you must have:

• The following qualifications: National Highways Sector Scheme 12 / National recognised Certificate in Arboriculture / Horticulture; relevant NPTC units including Maintain & Operate Chainsaw, Tree Felling, Tree Climbing, Use of Chainsaw from rope & harness, and Conduct Aerial Rescue; Pesticides Application Certificate PA1 & PA6; Valid Driving Licence; Mobile Elevated Work Platform license.
• Extensive knowledge of forestry and arboriculture specifications, materials, and workmanship requirements.
• Ability to identify tree species (including Visual Tree Assessment to assess general tree condition) and understand basic fungal brackets.
• Extensive knowledge of safe working practices when using plant and machinery, legislation including driver’s hours, PPE, manual handling and Aerial Rescue procedures.
• Knowledge of Chapter 8 Traffic Management Regulations, RIDDOR, Noise at Work Regulations and Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974 including COSHH.
• Ability to follow Industry Code of Practice for Arboriculture related to Working at Height Operations, pruning, free-fall dismantling, rigging, crane, MEWP and ladders; able to carry out safe aerial rescue operations both drills and on live sites.
• Ability and willingness to work with the team, use initiative in planning and prioritising, and respond confidently to customers and colleagues with understanding and diplomacy while maintaining professionalism.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; well organized, able to prioritise own workload, and able to remain calm and positive in challenging circumstances; ability to constructively challenge poor performance or behaviour.
• An understanding of, and commitment to, equality, diversity and inclusion.

In addition, you are expected to share the commitment to our values and will be asked to evidence them as part of the selection process. Reasonable adjustments will be considered for applicants with a disability.

Interested in Flexible Working? We are keen to support employees to balance their working life with other commitments. Wherever possible, we will consider flexible working options.

For more information or an informal discussion, please contact:

• Mark Aylott, Supervisor, Forestry — Telephone: 0116 305 7301
• John Benson, Works Manager North — Tel: 0116 305 5365

Leicestershire County Council is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. Applicants with a disability who meet the criteria will be offered an interview under the Disability Confident Employer Scheme.

To apply, please click the apply button and upload a supporting statement explaining how you meet the criteria in the About You section. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications. Please submit your application as early as possible.