Technical Arborist

About the Job

As part of the Westonbirt Tree Team, you will maintain & develop the arboretum for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations, in alignment with Westonbirt’s vision to be a world leader in trees, through conservation, education and participation. Be a champion of our health & safety culture demonstrating our value of ‘look out and look after’ in our work.

Job Description

Arboricultural Operations:

• Aerial operations including tree climbing, section felling, rigging and pruning
• Arboricultural operations as part of a team – tree and shrub planting, establishment checks, pruning, dead wooding, wood-chipping, stump-grinding, mulching, tree protection, accurate recording of information and mapping.
• Practical use of a wide range of chainsaws, tools, equipment, machinery and vehicles.
• Assist with care of young plants of high conservation value within our propagation unit.
• General grounds maintenance – sward management, grass mowing, herbicide application.
• Careful adherence to written work programmes and accurate recording with the use of tablets.
• Monitor for pests and disease throughout the collection while undertaking daily tasks.
• Carry out all work in accordance with the highest biosecurity standards
• Respond to any public enquiries in a professional and helpful way.
 
Teamwork and health and safety: 

• Operate and maintain tools and resources to required standards and make sure work on site meets our health and safety standards.
• By effectively liaising with colleagues and stakeholders, plan, implement and deliver efficient work programmes that help meet Forestry England’s aims and objectives.
• Engage proactively and respond constructively to existing and prospective customers and present the highest standards of professionalism when representing Westonbirt and Forestry England
• Carrying out risk assessments working to high health and safety standards which are guided by FISA (Forest Industry Safety Accord).

Person Specification

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

• Practical experience in aerial arboricultural operations  
• General understanding of forestry, arboriculture, nature conservation, outdoor recreation and countryside related issues.  
• Competently use a range of hand tools.  
• Awareness of health and safety systems relevant to practical countryside work e.g. risk assessments, Forest Industry Safety Accord (FISA) guides and lone working systems.  
• Competent IT user with experience in MS Office suite of applications.  
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, and ability to work effectively alone and as part of a team. 

Qualifications

Essential

 City & Guilds NPTC Level 3 Award or equivalent in Aerial Chainsaw use from a Rope and Harness
• Full UK driving license; however, the Forestry Commission is willing to consider any proposals put forward by applicants that would allow them to do the job by any other means.

Desirable  

• Arboriculture or land management qualification.
• Further NPTC and Lantra qualifications in Arboricultural based skills.
• First aid at work + forestry (F).
• GCSE in Maths and English or functional skills equivalent

For full details and how to apply head to the full job listing here.