Overview
This is an exciting opportunity to join our tree team within South Stafffordshire 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
Responsibilities
* 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, NPTC CS39 – use of a chainsaw from a rope and harness; 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.
Qualifications
* 3 years practical experience in arboriculture and climbing operations, working with clients and other stakeholders to deliver quality services and leadership experience in a tree team on the ground.
* Essential: NPTC CS30 – chainsaw maintenance and cross cutting, CS31 – felling small trees, CS38 – tree climbing and aerial rescue, CS39 – use of a chainsaw from a rope and harness. Desirable: NPTC CS41 – Aerial Tree Rigging, NPTC Level 2 Certificate of competence - Wood Chipper and Stump Grinder.
* Practical knowledge of safe working practices for arboricultural operations.
Benefits and other information
* A key attribute that we are seeking in the successful applicant is the ability to coordinate a methodical and rational approach to a work programme; the role requires dealing with members of the public in a polite and courteous manner.
* Our benefits include: hybrid working, flexible opportunities, training opportunities including ASPIRE talent management programme, Codsall Community Hub facilities, and access to the LGPS pension scheme and other benefits described below.
* You must hold a full driving licence as the role requires the post holder to drive the council’s fleet of operational vehicles.
Closing and contact
Closing date for applications: Midnight on 17th September 2025
Interview date: 23rd September 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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