Team Leader / Arborist / Tree Surgeon

The Team Leader is responsible for managing and leading a team of arborists and ground crew in performing tree work, maintenance, and removal services. This role involves planning and executing projects, ensuring safety compliance, and delivering high-quality service to clients. The Team Leader will utilise their extensive knowledge of tree work practices to mentor team members, coordinate daily operations, and ensure efficient and safe work environments.

Responsibilities

• Team Leadership and Supervision: Lead, supervise, and motivate a team of arborists and ground crew. Assign tasks and responsibilities, ensuring team members understand and execute their roles. Responsible for the workload and allocated job sheets. Monitor team performance and provide feedback for continuous improvement. Provide training and mentorship to enhance team skills and knowledge. Work as part of a team undertaking a full range of tree work including pruning, felling, shaping, planting of trees, stump grinding etc using full safety and climbing equipment and to BS3998:2010 or current standards. Undertake tree works outside normal working hours as and when required in response to out-of-hours emergency call-outs. Groundsman duties as and when required.
• Project Planning and Execution: Plan and coordinate tree care projects, including pruning, removals, and health assessments. Ensure all projects are completed efficiently, on time, and to client satisfaction. Conduct site inspections to determine work requirements and develop project plans. Organise and delegate to the staff on-site with the correct tools and equipment to ensure the job is carried out as efficiently and safely as possible in the given time frame. Ensure that the business is run as smoothly as possible and all staff work efficiently as part of a team.
• Safety and Compliance: Enforce safety protocols and ensure team compliance with industry standards and company policies. Conduct safety briefings and site-specific risk assessments before starting projects. Monitor work sites for potential hazards and implement corrective measures. Day-to-day health and safety compliance. Respond to emergencies and manage on-site incidents effectively. Ensure that work is carried out effectively to achieve quality and financial objectives, ensuring the safety of all members of staff and the public at all times. Responsible for undertaking arboricultural works following legislation, especially concerning working on or close to the highway. Ensure appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn at all times and by all staff.
• Quality Control: Maintain high standards of workmanship and service quality. Inspect completed work to ensure it meets company standards and client expectations. Address any issues or complaints promptly and professionally. Document before/after photos on council contract work.
• Client Interaction: Communicate with clients to understand their needs and provide professional advice on tree care. Assist with quotes and estimates for tree work projects. Ensure client satisfaction by delivering exceptional service and addressing any concerns.
• Vehicles, Machinery, Equipment, Tools and Site Management: Ensure all tools and equipment are properly maintained and in good working condition. Oversee the setup and dismantling of rigging and climbing systems. Manage site preparation, debris removal, and clean-up activities. Utilise all mechanical equipment, machinery and hand tools following relevant arboricultural operations. Maintain all mechanical equipment and machinery used in connection with the work in a clean condition and set up machinery before use to ensure effective operation. Drive allocated vehicles following the requirements of the Highway Code. Check the vehicle and related plant items daily before leaving the depot.
• Documentation and Reporting: Ensure risk assessments are in order, that site organisation and work are to the required standard and report any defective systems/equipment that could prejudice safe work. Maintain accurate records of work performed, including tree hazard identification and site conditions. Prepare reports on job progress, team performance, and safety compliance. Document any incidents or accidents and report them to management.

Qualifications

• Preferred academic qualifications: Level 3 in Arboriculture. Felling and processing trees up to 380mm in diameter (CS31) Felling and processing trees over 380mm diameter (CS32/CS33) Accessing a tree using a rope and harness and aerial tree rescue operations (CS38) Aerial cutting of trees using free fall techniques (CS39) MEWP Chainsaw from MEWP Woodchipper.
• Desirable qualifications and training: IOSH working safely City & Guilds NPTC Level 3, Aerial tree pruning (CS40) Forestry Commission OPM Safety Critical Medical (SEQOHS Accredited) Register of Land-based Operations (ROLO) Construction Skills Certification Scheme and Landscaping (CSCS/LISS).
• Essential Health and safety qualifications: First Aid at Work or Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) A current full clean driving licence and ability to operate company vehicles.
• Preferred wider skills: Excellent interpersonal communication. Leadership and decision-making. Delivering projects within allotted timeframes and budgets. Time management and organisation. Teamwork, patience and collaboration. Adaptability and flexibility. Conflict resolution and negotiation. Advanced tree climbing and rigging techniques. Safety management and risk assessment. Problem-solving and decision-making abilities. Customer service and client relations. Technical knowledge of arboricultural equipment and practices.
• Preferred experience: Minimum of 5 years climbing experience. Relevant Arboricultural experience.

Working Conditions: Outdoor work in various weather conditions. Physical demands including climbing, lifting heavy objects, and working at heights. Exposure to potentially hazardous equipment and materials. Flexible hours, including potential for weekend and emergency work.