At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to provide professional tree care and maintenance across Leicestershire.
- Company: Leicestershire County Council, committed to community service and environmental care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the environment while developing your skills in arboriculture.
- Qualifications: Experience in tree surgery and relevant certifications required.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with a focus on equality, diversity, and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 34000 £ per year.
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
- Occasionally 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
- Primary identification of tree species, including Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) to assess the general condition of the tree, and understand basic fungal brackets
- Safe working practices when using plant and machinery
- Legislation including driver’s hours, PPE and manual handling and Aerial Rescue procedures
- 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 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 Telephone: 0116 305 7301 OR John Benson, Works Manager North Tel: 0116 305 5365.
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 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.
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.
Tree Surgeon employer: Nottingham City Council, Leicestershire County Council, East Midlands Group
Contact Detail:
Nottingham City Council, Leicestershire County Council, East Midlands Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Tree Surgeon
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Leicestershire County Council and their forestry team. Understanding their values and recent projects can help you connect during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with tree surgery techniques like crown lifting and felling. Use specific examples to demonstrate your expertise and how it aligns with what they need.
✨Tip Number 3
Ask questions! Prepare some thoughtful questions about the role and the team dynamics. This shows you're genuinely interested and helps you figure out if it's the right fit for you.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Make sure to submit your application early and follow the instructions carefully. A well-prepared application can set you apart from the crowd!
We think you need these skills to ace Tree Surgeon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: When writing your application, make sure to highlight your relevant qualifications and experience. We want to see how your skills match up with what we're looking for, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Make it specific to the role of Tree Surgeon by addressing the criteria listed in the job description. We love seeing how you connect your past experiences to what we need.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we appreciate a friendly tone, remember to keep it professional. Share a bit about yourself and why you're passionate about arboriculture, but also ensure your application reflects your professionalism.
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We might close the vacancy early if we get enough applications, so get yours in as soon as you can through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nottingham City Council, Leicestershire County Council, East Midlands Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of arboriculture and forestry practices. Be ready to discuss specific techniques like Crown Lifting and Dead Wooding, as well as safety regulations. This shows you're not just qualified but genuinely passionate about the work.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with a team, be prepared to share examples of how you've collaborated in the past. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and maintain a positive attitude, even in challenging situations.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Safety
Safety is paramount in this line of work. Be ready to talk about your understanding of safe working practices, relevant legislation, and any certifications you hold. This will reassure the interviewers that you take safety seriously.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions that show your interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about training opportunities or how the team approaches challenges in the field. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.