Heritage Trees Arborist - Theme Park Safety & Care

OCS UK & Ireland is a leading facilities management company with 50,000+ colleagues and a turnover in excess of £2bn. We deliver innovative, award‑winning services within facilities management, hard services, cleaning, security and catering. Our mission is to make people and places the best they can be for our colleagues, customers and the communities we serve. Our commitment to doing business the right way is rooted in our TRUE values – Trust, Respect, Unity, and Empowerment.

Shift Pattern: Monday to Friday; however flexibility is required to meet the needs of the business. The Arborist will be responsible for the care, maintenance, and preservation of trees across the Chessington World of Adventures resort, including listed and protected species. This role ensures that all arboricultural work complies with legal and safety standards while maintaining the aesthetic and environmental integrity of the park. A key responsibility will be managing tree growth that impacts ride areas, ensuring guest safety and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Tree Care & Maintenance: Inspect, prune, and maintain trees, including listed and heritage species, in accordance with arboricultural best practices and conservation regulations. Diagnose and treat tree health issues such as disease, pests, and structural weaknesses.
• Ride Area Safety: Monitor and manage branches or foliage encroaching into ride zones, ensuring compliance with ride clearance and safety standards. Coordinate with ride operations teams to schedule work that minimizes disruption to guests.
• Compliance & Documentation: Ensure all work on listed trees adheres to local authority and heritage guidelines. Maintain accurate records of inspections, treatments, and interventions.
• Equipment & Safety: Operate and maintain chainsaws, climbing gear, and other arboricultural equipment safely and efficiently. Follow all health and safety protocols, including working at height and use of PPE.
• Collaboration: Work closely with horticulture, landscaping, and technical teams to support overall park presentation and safety. Liaise with external contractors and local authorities when required.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Recognised arboricultural qualification (e.g., Level 2/3 in Arboriculture or equivalent).
• UK driving licence is essential.
• Proven experience in tree surgery, pruning, and maintenance of mature and listed trees.
• Competence in chainsaw use and climbing (NPTC or LANTRA certifications).
• Strong understanding of tree preservation orders and heritage regulations.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience working in theme parks or similar environments.
• Knowledge of wildlife and habitat conservation.

Personal Attributes

• Safety‑conscious with attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good communication skills for liaising with multiple departments.

This role involves working outdoors in all weather conditions and at height. Weekend and holiday work may be required during peak season.

We are an equal opportunities employer and rely on a diverse workforce with a broad range of knowledge, skills, and backgrounds to deliver our goals. We offer an inclusive and welcoming environment and actively encourage applications from all individuals regardless of race, gender, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or age.