At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our tree team to manage and execute high-quality arboricultural operations.
- Company: South Staffordshire Council is a highly regarded organisation, voted UK Council of the Year 2022.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a top-class pension scheme with excellent training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 3 years of arboriculture experience and relevant NPTC qualifications are essential.
- Other info: Work from our award-winning Codsall Community Hub with great facilities and free parking.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Overview
This is an exciting opportunity to join our tree team within South Stafffordshire Council (South Staffs Treeworks) undertaking tree operations on Council and commercial land to the highest quality.
The Council’s Street Scene Team is one of the most prominent services provided by the Council and is highly regarded by Elected Members and residents alike. Our arboricultural function boosts our Street Scene delivery whilst also providing a commercial side to our maintenance operations.
Operating from our depot in Bilbrook the Street Scene Operative (Arboricultural) role is to provide several functions through the Council’s operational services. Primarily the postholder will be assisting with arboricultural (both internal and commercial) works.
Work Pattern: Mon-Fri (Saturday working on rota every 8th week)
The person
Reporting to the Tree Team Manager, the postholder will be required to:
- To assist with the management of the Council’s Arboricultural and Commercial operations, including external works. Providing high quality Arboricultural operations, Forestry and Grounds Maintenance service to the South Staffordshire Council and its clients.
- To Supervise the tree team to ensure that all operations are completed on time and to the highest standard and report any issues to the Team Inspector and Tree Team Operational Manager.
- To undertake all aspects of Arboriculture and Forestry with particular emphasis on climbing and high-level tree work operations to industry standards in accordance with the needs of the particular tree species and their associated environment.
- To organise resources required to complete a task, transporting everything to site to ensure a high-performance rate and minimizing wastage as much as possible and in so doing achieving set targets.
- To undertake training and instruction as may be required by management to ensure the safe and efficient performance of the service.
- To participate in routine machinery maintenance, ensuring correct and safe use of equipment and vehicles: to maintain and report on the level of equipment spares and the completion of maintenance records.
- Ability to use safely, maintain and direct the use of appropriate plant, equipment and machinery i.e. chainsaws, woodchippers and stump grinding equipment, in a safe and competent manner.
Applicants should have at least 3 years practical experience of working in arboriculture and climbing operations, working with clients and other stakeholders to deliver quality services and have previous experience leading a tree team on the ground.
It is essential that the successful candidate will be able to demonstrate qualifications in:- NPTC CS30 – chainsaw maintenance and cross cutting, NPTC CS31 – felling small trees, NPTC CS38 – tree climbing and aerial rescue, and NPTC CS39 – use of a chainsaw from a rope and harness are also desirable. NPTC Unit CS41 – Aerial Tree Rigging, NPTC Level 2 Certificate of competence – Wood Chipper and Stump Grinder. The successful candidate will also be able to demonstrate practical and knowledge of relevant safe working practices for arboricultural operations.
A key attribute that we are seeking in the successful applicant is the ability to co-ordinate a methodical and rational approach to a work programme / instructions in order to deliver a professional service, and an ability to deal with members of the public in a polite and courteous manner. It is critical that the successful applicant can demonstrate the Council’s values and be willing to attend training courses / CPD in order to improve personal skills and knowledge.
You must hold a full driving licence as the role requires the post holder to drive the council’s fleet of operational vehicles.
Benefits
Voted UK Council of the Year 2022 and assessed as a ‘very impressive Council’ in a 2022 Peer Review, South Staffordshire Council is a great place to learn, progress your career and make a difference, and is recommended as a place to work by 97% of our employees. Our benefits include:
- Great leadership, culture and working environment. We take your wellbeing seriously and provide some fantastic training opportunities including ASPIRE our talent management programme.
- Our hybrid working provides you with some great flexible working opportunities, in line with the council’s needs. You get to collaborate in our brand-new award-winning Codsall Community Hub and combine this with some virtual working from home.
- Codsall Community Hub boasts electric vehicle charging points, a café, a nursery, a GP surgery and more.
- Free car parking at our Community Hub which is located close to Codsall and Bilbrook Train Stations and M54/M6.
- 26 days annual leave rising to 30 days after 5 years continuous service
- The LGPS, our top-class pension scheme with a 21.8% Employer Contribution. You can find out more here: https://www.lgpsmember.org/your-pension/the-essentials/key-features/
- Access to the Viv-up Employee Benefits Scheme which provides discounts for supermarkets, recreational activities etc.
- Generous flexitime (up to 24 days a year) and a buying of annual leave scheme
- 10 bank holidays
Closing date for applications: Midnight on 17th September 2025
Interview date: 23rd September 2025 at the Council Offices in the Codsall Community Hub WV8 1PX]
Any questions please Contact Darren Allen on 07973 775894 or email d.allen@ssttaffs.gov.uk
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Street Scene Operative - Level 5 (Tree Surgeon) employer: We Manage Jobs(WMJobs)
Contact Detail:
We Manage Jobs(WMJobs) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Street Scene Operative - Level 5 (Tree Surgeon)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific qualifications required for the role, such as NPTC CS30 and CS31. Make sure you can confidently discuss your experience with these certifications during any informal conversations or networking opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Connect with current or former employees of South Staffordshire Council on platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide insights into the work culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when applying.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to demonstrate your leadership skills, especially if you've led a tree team before. Think of specific examples where you successfully managed a project or resolved issues, as this will be crucial in interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest trends and best practices in arboriculture. Being knowledgeable about new techniques or equipment can set you apart from other candidates and show your commitment to professional development.
We think you need these skills to ace Street Scene Operative - Level 5 (Tree Surgeon)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in arboriculture and tree surgery. Include specific details about your qualifications, such as NPTC certifications, and any leadership roles you've held in previous positions.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that addresses the key responsibilities of the Street Scene Operative role. Emphasise your ability to manage teams, your practical experience with tree operations, and your commitment to safety and quality service.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your application, provide examples of past projects or tasks where you successfully led a tree team or completed high-level tree work. This will demonstrate your capability to meet the job's requirements.
Highlight Soft Skills: Don't forget to mention your interpersonal skills, especially your ability to communicate effectively with the public and other stakeholders. This is crucial for the role and should be evident in your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at We Manage Jobs(WMJobs)
✨Showcase Your Experience
Make sure to highlight your practical experience in arboriculture and climbing operations. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those where you led a team or dealt with clients.
✨Demonstrate Safety Knowledge
Since safety is paramount in this role, be ready to talk about your understanding of safe working practices in arboriculture. Mention any relevant qualifications you hold, such as NPTC certifications, and how you've applied them in past roles.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to the equipment and machinery you'll be using, like chainsaws and woodchippers. Brush up on your technical knowledge and be ready to explain how you maintain and operate these tools safely.
✨Exhibit Strong Communication Skills
As you'll be dealing with the public and coordinating with your team, it's essential to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively. Prepare examples of how you've handled interactions with clients or resolved conflicts in a professional manner.