Arborist Climber

Worcester City Council; Worcester; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Worcester City Council in Worcester is seeking an experienced Arborist Climber to manage trees across the city. This safety-focused role requires working at height, using chainsaws and specialist arboricultural equipment, and making sound on-site decisions in busy public environments.

You will plan and deliver complex tree works, brief colleagues, manage safe working zones and respond to changing conditions.

Qualifications

• Experience in professional arboriculture, including regular aerial tree work.
• Current, relevant climbing, aerial rescue, MEWP and chainsaw qualifications required.
• Knowledge of arboricultural standards and health and safety procedures.
• Ability to plan high risk work while protecting public and property.

Responsibilities

• Climb trees and carry out arboricultural operations in line with training and safety systems.
• Use chainsaws and power tools to maintain trees and process timber.
• Plan access and manage work in areas with highways, footpaths and hazards.
• Set up safe working areas and traffic management.
• Brief colleagues and supervise work to required standard.
• Maintain records and use tree software.
• Provide arboricultural advice to the public and colleagues.

Skills

Arboriculture experience

Aerial work

Chainsaw operation

MEWP & aerial rescue

Driving licence

Job description

Worcester City Council is looking for an experienced and safety focused Arborist Climber to help manage and maintain trees across the city. This is a skilled, practical role for someone who is confident working at height, using chainsaws and specialist arboricultural equipment, and making sound on site decisions in busy public environments.

You will help plan and deliver complex tree works, brief and guide operational colleagues, manage safe working zones and respond effectively when conditions, staffing or equipment change. The post combines regular Aerial work with practical problem solving machinery care, accurate work records and professional contact with the public.

What you will do

• Climb trees and carry out arboricultural operations within your training, competence and safe systems of work.
• Use chainsaws, hand tools, powered equipment and specialist machinery to maintain trees and safely process and extract timber.
• Plan access and tree work in locations affected by highways, busy footpaths, neighbouring property, restricted drop zones and other hazards.
• Set up and manage safe working areas, including traffic management and exclusion zones where required.
• Assess tree form and condition on site and make appropriate decisions about pruning, shape, structure, biodiversity and habitat features.
• Brief colleagues on the planned task, provide practical instruction and oversee work to ensure it is completed safely and to the required standard.
• Prepare and contribute to dynamic risk assessments and safe working practices, monitoring compliance throughout the job.
• Adapt work plans in response to unexpected tree condition, weather, staffing, access or mechanical issues, escalating significant changes when necessary.
• Drive and tow equipment between sites, including a mobile elevated work platform or woodchipper where trained and authorised.
• Inspect, clean and maintain machinery, climbing equipment and power tools in line with required checks and relevant LOLER and PUWER arrangements, reporting defects promptly.
• Record work completion, incidents, hazards and equipment defects using council systems and specialist tree software.
• Provide practical arboricultural advice to colleagues and respond professionally to enquiries while working in public places.

What we are looking for

• Practical experience of professional arboriculture, including regular aerial tree work.
• Current, relevant arboricultural climbing, aerial rescue, MEWP and chainsaw qualifications appropriate to the duties of the post.
• Sound knowledge of arboricultural standards, safe tree work practice and the application of health and safety procedures.
• Ability to plan and complete high risk work while protecting colleagues, the public, traffic and nearby property.
• Good judgement and confidence in solving operational problems on site and recognising when an issue must be escalated.
• Experience of using and caring for climbing equipment, chainsaws, woodchippers and other arboricultural machinery.
• Ability to brief and guide colleagues clearly and work effectively with council teams, contractors and partner organisations.
• Ability to maintain accurate digital records and use mobile devices, online systems and specialist tree software.
• A full driving licence and the ability to drive and tow the vehicles and equipment required for the role, subject to the relevant licence categories.
• A strong commitment to public service, biodiversity and high quality tree care.

Working environment

This is a physically demanding outdoor role. You should expect to climb trees regularly, work at height and in awkward positions, lift and carry equipment, use vibrating and powered tools, and work in changing weather and ground conditions. Appropriate personal protective equipment, hearing protection and task specific safety controls will be required and provided.

Why join us?

You will join a committed operational service carrying out visible, skilled work that helps keep Worcester’s trees, highways, paths and public open spaces safe and well managed. The role offers variety, responsibility and the opportunity to apply your arboricultural expertise for the benefit of local communities, biodiversity and the city’s urban forest.

Worcester City Council is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from people who share our commitment to safe, inclusive and high-quality public services.