Chargehand Forester / Arborist

How To Apply

Please upload your CV and complete a personal statement of no more than 500 words.

Read our guidance for further advice on completing your application.

If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the roles please contact Jane Crowther, Forestry Manager on 0113 3788186 or email Jane.Crowther@Leeds.gov.uk or email Matthew Roberts, Forestry Operations Manager at Matthew.Roberts@leeds.gov.uk

We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.

This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.

If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Please ensure you are eligible before applying.

Job Description

Job purpose: Practical tree works including aerial and ground-based works in support of the Urban Forestry Section through staff supervision, site management and active participation, plus emergency tree work as required. This is a physical, outdoor job requiring individuals to work in all weather conditions, with large amounts of lifting involved.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and motivate a team as allocated on tasks within the scope of the Forestry Section. Tasks will include tractor driving, the use of chainsaws, operating the full range of forestry plant and machinery and will involve physical, manual work, site specific risk assessment, climbing, felling, vegetation control and tree establishment.
• Undertake all aspects of practical Arboriculture and Forestry to the highest Industry standards.
• Provide help during severe weather (designated storm occurrences) and to react to emergency calls after hours for all tree emergencies including; the removal of part or whole downed trees or tree limbs. This will mean contributing to a compulsory standby rota, which will be in place 7 days a week/365 days a year.
• Responsible for the security of all tools and equipment used by the post holder and crew, and to ensure that the repair and maintenance is undertaken.
• Be a key holder with responsibility for accessing sites 24 hours a day whilst on emergency call outs.
• Utilise digital platforms (tree management software, e.g. Confirm and Survey 123) as standard to record and update works orders and jobs, take photographs, support and train team members in entering data and regular usage. Report all structural and other tree defects and ensure information is recorded on tree management software. Record all incidental damages and complaints.
• Committed to the implementation and maintenance of the United Kingdom Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS).
• Follow procedures and practices to comply with Lifting Operations and Lowering Equipment Regulations (LOLER) and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER). To produce effective site-specific risk assessments and maintain appropriate records to comply with legal requirements.
• Uphold the Leeds City Council’s Health and Safety Codes of Practice and to be responsible, when undertaking work, for their own safety and that of colleagues and members of the public.
• Liaison with Line Managers and Forestry operatives to assist in the production of effective Risk Assessments, Method Statements and maintain appropriate records to comply with legal requirements.
• Undertake any training as may be deemed necessary to enable duties to be carried out to the highest industry standards and to keep up to date with industry trends.
• Ensure the security, safe usage and appropriate use are of all Arboricultural/Forestry and Agricultural machinery, tools and equipment. Load and unload the works vehicles in a safe manner and ensure all plant and equipment is transported safely. To undertake routine maintenance on equipment and daily checks.
• Actively supervise apprentice arborists, arborists and ground workers as required, providing advice on best practice, health and safety and general wellbeing.
• Assist in the provision of weekly data and production of performance figures and KPI’s. Attend regular training and maintain a high level of CPD.
• The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.

Qualifications

demonstrating numeracy and literacy skills (GCSE C or above in English and Maths or equivalent), a full clean driving licence to enable use of council vehicles, if you do not hold a full clean HGV or C1 + E driving licence be willing to work towards. Appropriate professional qualification or willing to work towards a Level 2 qualification in Arboricultural, Forestry or Woodland Management qualification or similar (ISA Certified Arborist, European Tree Worker), NPTC (City and Guilds) Certificates CS30 through to 48 or their superseded/current equivalents. PA1-6. If you do not hold a recognised industry qualification appropriate to the post e.g. ISA Certified Arborist you must be willing to work towards this.

Essential requirements

Candidates will only be shortlisted if they can demonstrate that they meet all the following essential requirements.

• Substantial practical experience in a working arboricultural, forestry or woodland operational setting.
• Willing to lead and work as an experienced team member
• Willing to work on a compulsory on-call rota, outside normal working hours.
• Lead on health, safety matters and risk assessments.

Essential Behavioural & Other Characteristics

• Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct
• Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Leeds Ambitions of health and wellbeing, inclusive growth, thriving strong communities and a resilient sustainable city
• Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council