Full job descriptionArborist / Forestry Operative
Location: Melton Depot
Hours:
*Monday to Thursday: 7:00am to 4:00pm
*Friday: 7:00am to 3:30pm
Join Our Arboriculture Team
We are seeking a skilled and safety-focused Arborist / Forestry Operative to join our established team based at our Melton Depot. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced arboriculture professional who enjoys working outdoors, operating specialist equipment, and helping to maintain safe and healthy trees across the highway network and surrounding environments.
Working as part of a dedicated team, you will undertake a wide range of forestry and arboriculture activities, ensuring all work is carried out to the highest industry standards and in compliance with current legislation and best practice.
Key Responsibilities
*Carry out tree surgery operations including crown lifting, crown reductions, dead wooding, bracing and tree felling.
*Undertake young tree and shrub maintenance, planting activities and public rights of way maintenance when required.
*Operate and drive specialist plant and arboricultural equipment, including wood chippers, chainsaws and pole saws.
*Conduct routine inspections, maintenance and safety checks on vehicles, machinery and specialist equipment.
*Ensure compliance with relevant regulations including drivers’ hours, vehicle loading requirements, LOLER and PUWER standards.
*Support emergency response operations during severe weather and environmental incidents, helping to clear and make safe affected highways.
*Carry out maintenance and servicing of arboriculture equipment to ensure safe operation.
*Use service detection equipment to identify underground utilities and prevent damage during operations.
*Complete arboricultural audits and assessments, including rigging and tree surgery competency reviews.
*Perform aerial tree work and carry out aerial rescue operations in both training and live site environments.
*Ensure all work complies with BS3998:2010 Tree Work Recommendations and current industry best practice.
About You
You’ll be an experienced arboriculture professional with a strong commitment to safety and quality.
Essential Requirements
*Previous experience within arboriculture, forestry or tree surgery.
*Competence in tree climbing and aerial rescue operations.
*Experience using chainsaws, wood chippers, pole saws and associated arboricultural equipment.
*Knowledge of Arboricultural Best Practice and BS3998:2010 standards.
*Understanding of working at height regulations and safe rigging techniques.
*Ability to carry out equipment inspections and maintenance.
*Full UK driving licence.
*Strong awareness of health, safety and environmental procedures.
Desirable
*Relevant NPTC/LANTRA arboriculture qualifications.
*MEWP certification.
*Towing licence and experience operating specialist plant.
*Knowledge of LOLER and PUWER inspection requirements.
*Previous experience working on highway contracts or public sector environments.
What We Offer
*Early finish every Friday.
*Opportunity to work across a varied range of arboriculture and forestry projects.
*Ongoing training and professional development.
*Modern equipment and a strong safety culture.