At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team to maintain footpaths, hedgerows, and planting schemes across Leicestershire.
- Company: Dynamic forestry service focused on customer satisfaction and environmental care.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, hands-on experience, and opportunities for skill development.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with potential for career growth in the forestry sector.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on the environment while working outdoors with a supportive team.
- Qualifications: NRSWA qualification, arboriculture/horticulture certificate, and valid driving licenses required.
Our client is currently looking for a Forestry Operative to join them initially until March 2027. You will be based out of the Melton Depot. Working hours are: 7am – 4pm Mon – Thursday, 7am – 3.30pm Friday.
Job Purpose
To work as part of a team to deliver a best value, customer-focussed service throughout Leicestershire and occasionally, surrounding counties. You will take the lead in a small team working flexibly, efficiently and effectively to maintain footpaths, hedgerows, verges, and planting and maintenance schemes in accordance with statutory requirements.
Activities included in this job specification are:
- Ground works relating to tree felling and surgery; Planting and maintenance; Hedge trimming and layering; Planting schemes; Strimming.
Duties & Responsibilities
To lead a small team to undertake various ground-based forestry works following safe working procedures, and using equipment and power tools. To utilise existing knowledge and skills, and gain experience in new technical practices following safe working procedures. The list below is indicative of the types of work, but is not exhaustive:
- Ground-based forestry works (e.g. processing felled trees, foliage clearance); tree and shrub planting; tree and shrub maintenance; public rights of way maintenance; strimming and verge maintenance;
- Drive/operate specialist plant to perform all highways operations, and use equipment such as chippers, chainsaws, hedge cutters etc to meet contractual requirements;
- Carry out daily routine maintenance to appropriate vehicle and plant, complying with relevant legislation (e.g driver’s hours regulations, European Drivers Regulations, safe loads and weights) to ensure safe and continued use;
- Carry out various maintenance activities on arboriculture equipment to enable their safe and continued use;
- Use appropriate equipment and procedures to detect and locate underground services to protect operatives and prevent damage to apparatus.
Qualifications
- New Roads and Streetworks Act (NRSWA) Qualification (Operatives)
- National Highways Sector Scheme 12D (T1/T2)
- National recognised Certificate in Arboriculture / Horticulture.
- Pesticides Application Certificate PA1 & PA6.
- First Aid Certificate
- Valid Driving Licence
- Valid Large Goods Vehicle Licence and CPC Trained with current DQC Card
Forestry Operative in Melton Mowbray employer: Jt Recruit
Leicestershire County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters professional growth and development. With a focus on strategic asset management, employees benefit from a supportive culture that values innovation and collaboration, while enjoying the flexibility of a hybrid working model. This role not only provides the opportunity to manage a diverse portfolio but also contributes to the community's development, making it a rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Forestry Operative in Melton Mowbray
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Local Farms
Don’t be shy about visiting local farms and agricultural businesses — many of them often need extra hands, especially during busy seasons. Take a trip to farmers' markets, community gardens, and agricultural fairs; you’ll make connections and might hear about temporary roles before they’re advertised.
✨Join Agricultural Community Groups
Get involved in local farming networks or online communities dedicated to agriculture. These platforms often share job openings, volunteer opportunities, and events. Plus, building relationships in these circles can lead to recommendations and insider information about temporary gigs.
✨Seasonal Hiring Peaks – Be Prepared
Keep an eye on the seasonal hiring windows; many farms look for temporary workers during harvest time. Be proactive! Reach out to farms directly before peak season and express your interest in helping during those busy periods. It's all about timing!
✨Showcase Your Skills on Our Website
When you find a role you like, make sure to apply through our website! Highlight any relevant skills or experiences, such as volunteering or coursework related to agriculture, which can make you stand out in your application for temporary positions with companies like Jt Recruit.
We think you need these skills to ace Forestry Operative in Melton Mowbray
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience with Plants:In agriculture, it’s all about hands-on experience, right? Make sure your CV showcases any relevant work you've done with crops, livestock, or even through volunteering. If you’ve held a position that involved tilling the soil or caring for plants, mention specifics so we can see your skills in action!
Highlight Your Physical Stamina:Temporary roles in agriculture can be physically demanding. Don't hesitate to mention any relevant physical capabilities or previous tough gigs you’ve tackled. This gives us confidence that you’re up for the challenges the job might throw at you!
Tailor Your Application to the Weather!:When applying for a temporary gig at Jt Recruit, it's super important to let us know your availability, considering that agricultural work can sometimes be influenced by seasons or weather patterns. Make it clear when you can jump in, whether that’s for a few weeks or a month!
Bring along Any Certifications:If you have any cool certificates related to agriculture, like health and safety or machinery operation, be sure to include these in your application. They can really set you apart and show that you’re not just a regular applicant—you're someone who comes prepped and ready to contribute!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jt Recruit
✨Show Off Your Practical Skills
In the agriculture field, hands-on experience is key. Be ready to chat about any specific tools or machinery you've worked with, whether it’s tractors, irrigation systems, or general farm equipment. If you’ve got experience with crop management or livestock care, flaunt that too!
✨Understand Seasonal Dynamics
Temporary roles in agriculture often revolve around peak seasons, so brush up on how the seasonal cycles affect agricultural work. Familiarise yourself with the planting and harvesting schedules for different crops. This shows that you're not just looking for a job; you understand the industry's rhythm!
✨Flex Your Adaptability
Temporary roles require a bit of flexibility as the tasks can change rapidly. Be ready to discuss past experiences where you had to pivot quickly, whether it was dealing with sudden weather changes or shifting priorities. Employers love seeing that we can adapt and tackle unexpected challenges!
✨Mindful of Safety Regulations
In agriculture, health and safety are paramount. Brush up on relevant safety regulations and be prepared to discuss how you've contributed to a safe work environment in previous positions. Demonstrating your knowledge of these practices will show your commitment to maintaining a secure workplace.
