At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and maintain trees across the borough, ensuring safety and health.
- Company: Join Walsall Council, dedicated to community and environmental care.
- Benefits: Enjoy outdoor work, competitive pay, and opportunities for skill development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with varied tasks and potential for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while working in nature.
- Qualifications: Experience in arboriculture and knowledge of health and safety practices.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Highways, Transport and Operations are seeking skilled and motivated individuals for the role of Tree Surgeon (Arborist). This is a key operational post supporting the management and maintenance of the borough's tree stock, from individual street trees to groups and woodlands. This role offers varied and rewarding outdoor work across the borough.
If you have strong practical skills, enjoy working at height, and can use a wide range of arboricultural tools and machinery, we would welcome your application. As a Tree Surgeon, you will carry out a full range of arboricultural operations. This includes planting, crown raising, reductions, thinning, dismantling, felling, and stump grinding, all completed to industry standards and best practice (BS3998).
You will also support routine inspections, assess tree condition, and make recommendations in line with national standards and local policies. The role involves planned maintenance and reactive work, including emergency call‑outs during severe weather or incidents where trees pose a risk to public safety.
You will operate a wide variety of equipment such as chainsaws, chippers, pole saws, climbing gear, stump grinders, and fleet vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes. Daily tasks include safe site set‑up, compliance with streetworks and highway safety requirements, maintaining equipment, and recording work using digital systems. Strong customer focus is also essential, as you will respond to enquiries and help maintain good communication with residents and partners.
Average 37 hours per week, Monday to Sunday, under annualised hours arrangements. Participation in the stand‑by and call‑out rota is required. Bank Holiday working may apply under service agreements.
- Ability to work at height and outdoors for long periods
- Experience in arboriculture, including practical and procedural knowledge
- Knowledge of Health & Safety, including risk assessments and safe systems of work
- Experience using arboricultural machinery and equipment
- Relevant NPTC qualifications (e.g. CS30, CS31, CS38, CS39, CS40, Chipper Operations)
This post is covered by the Government's Code of Practice on the English Language Fluency Duty for public sector workers. The post holder will be required to communicate verbally with customers and provide advice and/or information in accurate spoken English.
For this role the successful candidates must undergo a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) check. BPSS is the minimum standard to ensure the identity and integrity of an employee who has access to official information using secure networks linking central government and local authorities. A BPSS check involves four main elements: Identity Check, National and Immigration Status, Employment History (last 3 years) and Verification of Criminal Record (unspent convictions only).
At Walsall Council, we appreciate that AI can be a useful tool for ideas or guidance. However, we encourage you to make sure your application reflects your own voice and experiences. Over‑reliance on AI can make responses feel less personal, and we really want to understand what makes you unique. Your experiences, skills, and perspective are what set you apart, so please ensure your application as a whole – particularly your 'Supporting Information' – reflects your own voice.
Tree Surgeon (Arborist) in Brownhills employer: Walsall Council
Walsall Council is an excellent employer for Tree Surgeons, offering a dynamic work environment that combines outdoor activity with community engagement. Employees benefit from a strong focus on professional development, access to a variety of arboricultural tools, and the opportunity to make a tangible impact on local green spaces. With a commitment to safety and best practices, our supportive culture fosters teamwork and encourages personal growth, making it a rewarding place to build your career in arboriculture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Tree Surgeon (Arborist) in Brownhills
✨Get Hands-On at Local Events
Hit up local horticulture fairs, plant shows, and farmer’s markets. These gatherings are a goldmine for networking and usually attract employers looking for passionate candidates. Chat with the vendors and fellow enthusiasts; you never know who might know about a full-time opening at a place like Walsall Council.
✨Join Gardening Clubs and Online Communities
Become part of local gardening clubs or online forums where like-minded folks share tips and job leads. These communities can often clue you in on upcoming vacancies. Remember, people in these groups often work in the industry and can help us get our foot in the door at places like Walsall Council.
✨Show Off Your Green Thumb
Consider creating a public portfolio showcasing your gardening projects, designs, or any unique plants you've cultivated. A well-documented journey through your horticulture experiences can make you stand out when chasing full-time roles. It’s basically your way of shouting, 'Look at what I can do!' to potential employers.
✨Apply Early and Often!
The horticulture field can be competitive, especially for full-time roles. Keep an eye on seasonal hiring trends and don’t hesitate to apply as soon as positions open up. Check out our website regularly for openings at Walsall Council; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Tree Surgeon (Arborist) in Brownhills
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb:In horticulture, it's all about showcasing your hands-on experience. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant gardening, landscaping, or plant care roles you've held. Also, don’t forget to mention any specific skills like plant identification or pest management that make you a great fit for the position at Walsall Council.
Include Certifications and Training:If you've got any horticulture-related certifications, such as in organic gardening or landscape design, be sure to include them. This will set you apart from other applicants and show that you’re committed to expanding your knowledge in the field, which is crucial for a full-time role like Tree Surgeon (Arborist).
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Walsall Council is looking for. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on or challenges you've overcome in previous horticultural roles to demonstrate your suitability for the full-time position.
Be Ready to Talk Numbers:When applying for a full-time role in horticulture, it's helpful to quantify your achievements. Did you increase crop yields or reduce waste in a previous job? Highlight these metrics in your CV to give hiring managers at Walsall Council a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Walsall Council
✨Get to Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge! Be prepared to discuss specific species, their growth requirements, and potential pests. Remember, the role involves practical horticultural skills – so don’t be shy about sharing your hands-on experience with various plants and gardening techniques.
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
If you've worked on garden designs, landscaping projects, or community gardens, bring along a portfolio showcasing your work. Visuals speak a thousand words, and this will help us see your creativity and practical skills in action. Plus, don’t forget to have a few stories about challenges you faced and how you overcame them!
✨Be Ready for a Plant Quiz
Prepare for some technical questions related to horticulture! We may ask you about soil types, plant propagation methods, or pest management strategies. This helps us assess your depth of knowledge and problem-solving skills – so don’t skip the revision!
✨Passion for Sustainability
Horticulture often revolves around sustainability practices, so be ready to discuss any experience you have with eco-friendly gardening methods or sustainable designs. This role at Walsall Council might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
