Arborist

Ashford Borough Council; Ashford; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Ashford Borough Council is seeking a passionate Arborist to preserve and manage trees across the borough. This full-time role involves planting, pruning, and operating specialized equipment to provide an environmentally conscious tree service. A supportive team offering flexible working arrangements and extensive benefits awaits the right candidate.

Benefits

Competitive remuneration package

Generous annual leave with flexi time

Training and development opportunities

Free life insurance

Supportive relocation package

Hybrid working opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in tree works and ground maintenance.
• Hands-on experience with tree work and ground maintenance equipment.

Responsibilities

• Carrying out all aspects of tree work, including planting, pruning, felling, and preservation.
• Operating chainsaws, chippers, and other specialist equipment.
• Contributing to the ongoing care and maintenance of the borough's tree stock.

Skills

Tree works

Chainsaw operation

Ground maintenance

Education

Chainsaw Certificates: CS30/31, CS38 & CS39

Job description

Job Title: Arborist

Location: Ashford, Kent

Salary: Up to GBP14.31 per hour

Job Type: Full time, Permanent

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

Closing Date: 24th July 2025

Are you passionate about preserving and protecting our natural environment?

We are looking for someone who has experience of tree works and basic chainsaw /groundwork and who thrives outdoors.

You will be responsible for cultivating and managing trees, hedgerows, and shrubs across our borough-whether in urban neighbourhoods or serene countryside spots.

Your day-to-day work will include planting, pruning, felling, and preserving trees. From operating heavy machinery to assisting with inspections, you will be essential to delivering a safe, effective, and environmentally conscious tree service, along with:

• Carrying out all aspects of tree work, including felling, planting, pruning, and preservation
• Operating chainsaws, chippers, and other specialist equipment
• Contributing to the ongoing care, maintenance, and assessment of the borough's tree stock

Supporting our arboricultural service plan you will play an active role in helping to identifying emerging risks or damage caused by trees and provide advice on tree-related issues to protect public safety and property.

About you:

To be competent in this role it is essential that you have Chainsaw Certificates: CS30/31, CS38 & CS39 and demonstratable hands-on experience with tree work and ground maintenance equipment.

You will be part of a supportive and forward-thinking team committed to sustainable land management and public safety. We provide training opportunities, robust health and safety support, and the chance to make a visible impact in your local community.

Benefits:

Hybrid Working - We are an organisation that puts people first and understands how important employee wellbeing is. We want to help you to balance your working life and home life and offer flexible ways of working to help structure your life in a positive and productive way; both at home and in the office. This maximises personal development and collaborative working.

Competitive remuneration package - We offer an excellent salary linked pension scheme, generous annual leave with flexi time, free life insurance, supportive relocation package and opportunities for training and development.

Additional Information:

With devolution news and talks evolving across the country for local authorities, we understand that there may be some uncertainty for those currently serving within the sector. Although Kent and Medway have not been included in the Devolution Priority Programme, discussions continue in this area. Kent, Medway and all District and Borough Councils in the South East will continue to work closely with each other to deliver vital services to our communities. This is an exciting, but stable time to join our organisation.

Ashford Borough Council recognises the need to ensure the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults when they come into contact with the services we provide

We welcome applications form the Armed Forces Community

Please click the APPLY button and you will be redirected to the council's website to complete your application.

Candidates with experience or relevant job titles of; Tree Surgeon, Arborist, Arboricultural Officer, Tree Maintenance, Garden Maintenance Officer, Ground Maintenance Operative, Gardener, Experienced Gardener, Maintenance, General Maintenance, Garden Designer, Landscape Gardener, Grounds, Gardener, Garden Maintenance, Grounds Maintenance, Landscaper, Tree Inspector, Tree Surveyor, Tree Cutter, Grounds Maintenance Operative, Gardener, Horticulturalist may also be considered for this role.