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- Tasks: Join our tree team to manage and execute high-quality arboricultural operations.
- Company: South Staffordshire Council, a highly regarded employer with a focus on community service.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a top-class pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your skills in arboriculture.
- Qualifications: 3 years of arboriculture experience and relevant NPTC qualifications required.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment with excellent career progression opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
This is an exciting opportunity to join our tree team within South Staffordshire 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.
Our 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.
- 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 7 November 2025
Interview date: 13 November 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
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on South Staffordshire Council and their tree operations. Understanding their values and recent projects can help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When discussing your experience, highlight specific examples of your arboricultural work, especially any leadership roles you've had. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them memorable.
✨Tip Number 3
Ask questions! Prepare some thoughtful questions about the role and the team dynamics. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to engage with the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your professionalism. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Street Scene Operative - Level 5 (Tree Surgeon)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your practical experience in arboriculture and climbing operations. We want to see how you've led a tree team and delivered quality services, so don’t hold back on those details!
Tailor Your Application: Read through the job description carefully and tailor your application to match. Use the same language and keywords that we’ve used to show us you’re a perfect fit for the role.
Demonstrate Your Qualifications: List all relevant qualifications clearly, especially those NPTC certifications. We need to know you’ve got the skills to handle chainsaws and other equipment safely and competently.
Be Professional and Personable: Remember, we value a polite and courteous approach when dealing with the public. Make sure your application reflects your ability to communicate effectively and professionally.
How to prepare for a job interview at We Manage Jobs(WMJobs)
✨Know Your Arboriculture Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of arboricultural practices, especially the specific techniques and equipment mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss your experience with chainsaws, woodchippers, and climbing operations, as well as any relevant qualifications you hold.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since the role involves supervising a tree team, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight your ability to coordinate tasks and manage resources effectively, ensuring that operations are completed to a high standard.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
The job requires dealing with the public, so think of instances where you've interacted positively with clients or stakeholders. Emphasise your polite and courteous approach, and how you handle any issues that arise during operations.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your practical knowledge and safe working practices in arboriculture. You might be asked to explain how you would approach a specific tree operation or deal with equipment maintenance, so have some scenarios ready to discuss.
