Technical Arborist

Job summary

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 & 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

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £30,105, Forestry Commission contributes £8,721 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This is a Temporary Appointment till 30/06/2027 with the possibility of extension or permanency but no guarantee.

How to apply…

We cannot accept applications via email. Please follow the steps outlined below. Any CVs and/or personal statements sent outside the system will not be considered for shortlisting.

You will be asked to write a 200 word statement on your relevant experience and career history, along with a personal statement of no more than 500 words. You will be assessed on both during sifting. More details about how to apply are listed on the application form.

The Behaviours being assessed at interview are –

• Seeing the big picture
• Making effective decisions
• Working together
• Delivering at pace

You may also be assessed on Experience, Strength based questions, and/or the Technical Success Profile at the interview. The technical element could include a presentation, practical or written task.

Successful candidates will undergo a criminal record check and the government baseline personnel security standard check.

If you require any reasonable adjustments, please email [email removed].

If you're planning to use AI to support your application, please ensure you've read our guidelines here first.

Read more about our application process and working with us on the Forestry England website.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check.People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Medical

Successful candidates will be expected to have a medical.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with