Tree Surgeon in London

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Forestry Tree Surgeon to join our team that is an Arboricultural Association ARB Approved contractor, helping to deliver a best value, customer-focussed 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.

Activities for this job role include:

• Tree works including 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 nature of the work may involve carrying out activities outside of normal working hours, including nights, weekends and public holidays, in all weather conditions to meet the needs of the service.

Responsibilities

The following qualifications are required:

• National Highways Sector Scheme 12 / National recognised Certificate in Arboriculture / Horticulture
• Relevant NPTC, ("CS") Units including Maintain & Operate Chainsaw, Tree Felling, Tree climbing, Use of Chainsaw from rope & harness & Conduct Aerial rescue
• Pesticides Application Certificate PA1 & PA6
• Valid Driving Licence
• Mobile Elevated Works Platform license

OR Demonstrable evidence of the skills and experience required, together with a commitment to attain the essential qualifications.

Extensive knowledge of forestry and arboriculture specifications, materials, and workmanship requirements and of the primary identification of tree species, including Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) to assess the general condition of the tree, and understand basic fungal brackets.

Extensive knowledge of safe working practices when using plant and machinery, of legislation including driver’s hours, PPE and manual handling and Aerial Rescue procedures.

Knowledge of Chapter 8 Traffic Management Regulations, RIDDOR Regulation, Noise at Work Regulations and Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974 including COSHH.

The ability to abide by the Industry Code of Practice for Arboriculture – specifically relating to Working at Height Operations, including pruning and free fall dismantling, rigging, crane, MEWP and ladders and be able to carry out safe and effective aerial rescue operations both drills and on live sites.

The ability and willingness to work with everyone in the team, to use own initiative in planning and prioritising and to respond confidently to customers & colleagues with understanding & diplomacy whilst maintaining an objective & professional stance.

Core communication skills both written and verbal, are well organised, are able to prioritise own workload, can remain calm & positive in challenging circumstances and can constructively challenge poor performance and/or behaviour.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

You must also have an understanding of, and commitment to, equality, diversity and inclusion. In addition, we also expect you to share our commitment to our values and will ask you to evidence when you have demonstrated them as part of the selection process. Reasonable adjustments will be considered for applicants with a disability.

Flexible Working

We are keen to support employees to balance their working life with other commitments. Wherever possible, we will consider working arrangements that suit an individual’s personal circumstances whilst still meeting the needs of the Council.

Contact for Information

For more information or an informal discussion, please contact: Mark Aylott, Supervisor, Forestry or John Benson, Works Manager North.

How to Apply

Leicestershire County Council is an inclusive organisation which is on a journey to embed and celebrate equality, diversity and inclusion at every level. We warmly welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, as having a diverse workforce with different perspectives and ideas is fundamental to our values and enriches the services we offer our communities.

Applicants with a disability who meet the criteria listed in the "About You" section above will be offered an interview under the Disability Confident Employer Scheme. To apply for this job, please click on the apply button. You will need to upload a supporting statement as part of your application which explains how you meet the criteria listed in the "About You" section above.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

At Leicestershire County Council, we’re committed to making a real difference in people’s lives. Our aim is to work with communities and partners to deliver public services that make Leicestershire the best possible place to live and work for everyone.