Arborist - Forestry & Vegetation Management

H.W. Martin Group; Greater London; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension

Life assurance

Company vehicle

Employee assistance programme

Job summary

HW Martin Fencing and Forestry Ltd is seeking an experienced Arborist to join our vegetation team. You will undertake arboricultural works across railway and infrastructure environments, performing tree work, vegetation clearance and related site activities to high safety standards.

You will be part of a skilled operations crew, focusing on safe practices, quality workmanship and continuous professional development, with national travel as required and outdoor work in varied conditions.

Qualifications

• Recent experience in arboriculture or vegetation management.
• CS30-equivalent chainsaw maintenance qualification.
• CS31-equivalent felling and processing qualification.
• Experience with brushcutters and wood chippers.
• Strong understanding of risk assessments and safe working practices.
• Commitment to health and safety standards.
• Good communication and teamwork abilities.

Responsibilities

• Undertake arboricultural and vegetation works across railway and infrastructure environments.
• Perform tree work and vegetation clearance to high safety standards.
• Work as part of an experienced operations team and contribute to quality outcomes.
• Adhere to company procedures, risk assessments and safe systems of work.

Skills

Chainsaw maintenance

Felling and processing trees

Brushcutter operation

Risk assessment

Health and safety awareness

Team collaboration

Outdoor work endurance

Full UK driving licence

Tools

Chainsaw

Brushcutter

Woodchipper

Job description

Job Title: Arborist (Forestry & Vegetation Management)

Company: HW Martin Fencing and Forestry Ltd

Locations: Midlands/National

Salary: Competitive with benefits – Company pension, Life assurance, Company Vehicle, Employee Assistance Programme

Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

About HW Martin Fencing and Forestry Ltd

As specialists in fencing and vegetation management, we are used to working with leading civil engineering contractors, highway authorities and rail networks. Since 1996, we have concentrated much of our resources on the railway industry and have steadily increased our share of work to the point where we are now a principal contractor on over three quarters of the railway network. We have also been providing a comprehensive range of vegetation management services and solutions for over 20 years. In recent years, we have introduced a dedicated ecology department and are now able to provide a complete package for ecological and vegetation management that enhances our capability to provide an efficient holistic service.

The Role

We're looking for an experienced and motivated Arborist to join our operational vegetation team, undertaking arboricultural and vegetation management works across railway and infrastructure environments. This is a varied, hands‑on role involving tree work, vegetation clearance and associated site activities. You'll work as part of an experienced operational team and will be encouraged to contribute, take pride in the quality of your work and continue developing your skills and experience. You'll be responsible for completing works safely and to a high standard, in accordance with company procedures, industry standards, risk assessments, task briefings and safe systems of work.

What we are looking for:

• Recent experience within arboriculture, vegetation management or a similar operational environment.
• Chainsaw Maintenance and Cross‑cutting, formerly CS30, or an equivalent qualification.
• Felling and Processing Trees, formerly CS31, or an equivalent qualification.
• Experience using brushcutters, strimmers and woodchippers.
• A good understanding of risk assessments and the implementation of safe working practices.
• A positive approach to health and safety, industry guidance and technical standards.
• Good communication and team‑working skills.
• A positive, practical and dependable approach to work.
• The physical capability to undertake a demanding outdoor role.
• A full UK driving licence.

About you:

Ideally, you'll have recent practical experience within arboriculture, vegetation management, infrastructure or a similar operational environment. You'll be confident and competent using a range of tools and equipment and have a good understanding of safe working practices. You'll take pride in completing work to a high standard, approaching every task with care and attention to detail. You'll be self‑motivated, dependable and committed to supporting the wider team. We're looking for someone who can build positive working relationships with clients and colleagues and who brings a practical, methodical approach to problem‑solving. Due to the nature of the role, you'll need to be comfortable working outdoors in physically demanding conditions.

Flexibility regarding national travel, working hours and operational requirements will also be required.

Desired but not essential:

• PTS, Personal Track Safety.
• Medium Tree Felling, formerly CS32, or an equivalent qualification.
• Aerial Rescue and Aerial Cutting of Trees with a Chainsaw.
• Experience in climbing, rigging or sectional dismantling.
• Experience operating a range of plant and equipment across different sectors.
• Previous experience within railway, infrastructure or another safety‑critical environment.

For the right person, we can provide training and development to support progression within the role, including opportunities to develop climbing and aerial‑work competencies.

Equal Opportunities

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from any suitably qualified persons.

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