Tree Surgeon (Arborist) - Ref: EE14625 in Brownhills

Salary: G6; £31,537 - £34,434 (pay scales under review)

Contract: 12-month fixed term

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
• 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.

Selection Process and Requirements:

Essential requirements include:

• 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)

The selection process will include an interview.

Hours of work: 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.

Closing Date: 6th March 2026

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).

Information for Applicants:

Important note: When completing your online application form, you will be asked to enter supporting information. You must enter a detailed supporting information statement describing how your skills, abilities, and experience meet the specific criteria included in the employee specification. If you do not include a supporting information statement, you will not be shortlisted. Please also ensure that you complete the work history and qualifications sections of your application form. Please do not add a CV as we do not accept them.

We kindly request that recruitment agencies do not contact us regarding this job vacancy. We are not accepting Agency applications or referrals at this time.

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.

Here at Walsall, we want to attract the best talent. That’s why - as well as a satisfying and rewarding job - we offer a range of attractive benefits. Working arrangements in most jobs are flexible (you may work flexitime, full or part-time and job sharing is usually available) and you can expect generous holiday entitlements, a first-class pension scheme, and plenty of opportunities for training and personal development.

Living in Walsall: Part of the Black Country, famous for its enterprising and industrial past, Walsall is reinventing itself to become a progressive modern community. The borough is centred around the major town of Walsall, but also includes five smaller and distinctive district centres (Bloxwich, Aldridge, Willenhall, Darlaston, and Brownhills), together with numerous villages.

Walsall Council is committed to Safer Recruitment. To achieve our commitment, we will ensure continuous development and improvement of robust recruitment processes and procedures that promote a culture of safeguarding amongst our workforce.