Arborist (Emergency, Highways & Commercial Operations)

Ferns Group; England; Remote; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension

Free parking

On‑site parking

Referral programme

Job summary

Ferns Group is seeking an Arborist Climber to deliver safe, efficient arboricultural operations across emergency and planned works. You will join a on-call rota and contribute to grounds maintenance, landscaping, and planting when required.

A strong focus on safety, chain-saw use, and MEWP operations is essential. The role requires a minimum of 2 years’ commercial arboriculture experience, a Full UK driving licence, NPTC/LANTRA certificates, and a proactive, team‑oriented approach to on‑site

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years’ commercial arboriculture experience.
• Full UK driving licence.
• NPTC / LANTRA CS30/31 – Chainsaw Maintenance & Cross-Cutting, CS38 – Tree Climbing & Aerial Rescue, CS39 – Chainsaw from Rope & Harness and Manually Fed Wood‑Chipper.
• Willingness to participate in an on‑call rota.
• Strong health & safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Carry out aerial tree work including climbing, pruning, dismantling, and emergency make‑safe works
• Operate and maintain arboricultural equipment including chainsaws, woodchippers, rigging systems & powered pole pruners
• Maintain high standards of site safety, housekeeping, and public protection
• Undertake ground operations including cross-cutting, brash handling, chipping, and site clearance
• Support grounds maintenance, landscaping, and planting works when required

Skills

Climbing proficiency

Tree pruning

Safety awareness

Communication

Tools

Chainsaws

MEWP operation

Rigging systems

Woodchipper operation

Job description

Join a dynamic team that are working hard today to leave an indelible mark on the landscape of tomorrow.

Ferns Group are a family run business with over 25 years’ experience as an established Utilities and Reinstatement company, specialising in Telecoms Civils, and tailored reinstatement services.

Our Mission is “to be the preferred choice in our field by adding value to our business partners without compromise to quality, safety or the environment.”

Overview

To work as a competent Arborist Climber delivering safe, efficient arboricultural operations including emergency response, planned tree works, and supporting activities such as grounds maintenance, landscaping, and planting when required. The role requires flexibility, professionalism, and readiness to participate in an on‑call rota.

Key Responsibilites

Arboricultural Operations

• Carry out aerial tree work including climbing, pruning, dismantling, and emergency make‑safe works
• Use chainsaws from rope & harness and from MEWP where required
• Deal safely and competently with windblown, storm-damaged, and failed trees
• Undertake work on medium-sized trees and assist on larger dismantles under supervision
• Operate and maintain arboricultural equipment including: Chainsaws, Woodchippers (manually fed), Rigging systems & Powered pole pruners
• Perform aerial rescue when required
• Maintain high standards of site safety, housekeeping, and public protection
• Undertake ground operations including cross-cutting, brash handling, chipping, and site clearance
• Support grounds maintenance, landscaping, and planting works when operationally required
• Assist with fencing, turfing, and environmental works where needed
• Follow all RAMS, method statements, and safe systems of work

Emergency & On‑Call Duties

• Participate in an out-of-hours on‑call rota
• Respond to emergency call-outs within required timescales
• Accurately record works completed and provide photographic evidence where required
• Minimum 2 years’ commercial arboriculture experience
• Strong understanding of health & safety and safe working practices
• Confident and competent climber
• Practical experience carrying out aerial tree work and ground operations
• NPTC / LANTRA certificates: CS30/31 – Chainsaw Maintenance & Cross-Cutting, CS38 – Tree Climbing & Aerial Rescue, CS39 – Chainsaw from Rope & Harness and Manually Fed Wood‑Chipper
• Full UK driving licence
• Willingness to participate in an on‑call rota
• Strong understanding of health & safety and safe working practices

Desirable Skills & Qualifications

• EUSR (CSCS)
• Forestry First Aid at Work
• MEWP IPAF 1B and/or 3B operation experience
• CS47 – Chainsaw from a MEWP
• NPTC 003926 – Powered Pole Pruner Operations
• NPTC 003937 – Windblown & Storm‑Damaged Trees
• Experience working in highways or public realm environments

Training support available for the right candidate.

Personal Attributes

• Safety‑focused and professional at all times
• Reliable, flexible, and willing to support wider operational needs
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
• Good team player with a positive attitude
• Able to follow instructions and work independently when required

Additional Information

• The role involves a mix of emergency, reactive, and planned works
• There are strong opportunities to increase earnings through overtime, standby, and call‑outs
• Flexibility across arboriculture, grounds maintenance, and landscaping is essential

This position offers a rewarding opportunity for individuals passionate about green spaces and sustainable landscape management. We welcome applicants who are eager to learn, reliable, and committed to maintaining high standards of safety and quality.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

• Company pension
• Free parking
• On‑site parking
• Referral programme

Ferns Group are dedicated to diversity in the workplace and committed to treating all our employees and job applicants equally. We embrace equal opportunities, including working with the prison service, and are opposed to discrimination on any grounds.

All applicants must have rights to work in the UK and be willing to undertake the relevant pre‑employment screening checks should your application be successful.