Arborist

Office of Public Works; Dublin; On-site; EUR 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Office of Public Works invites applications for the Craft Arborist position based at Whitefields, Phoenix Park, Dublin. The role requires a Craft Arboriculture qualification, valid certifications (NPTC/City & Guilds/Lantra), and a clean Irish driving licence with access to transport.

Applicants should have at least 3 years’ post-qualification arboricultural experience and Safe Pass credentials. The OPW stresses safety, supervision of staff/students, and engagement with the public in this

Qualifications

• Minimum Advanced Level 6 Certificate in the Craft of Arboriculture.
• Evidence of craft and exams completed successfully with copies submitted.
• Valid in date competence-based certification for tree felling, pruning, cross cutting, wood chippers, pole pruners etc.
• Certificates from NPTC/City & Guilds/Lantra or similar are acceptable.
• Minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience (post qualification).
• Full, clean Irish driving licence, category B & W*, and use of own transport.

Responsibilities

• Identify and implement safety standards and risk assessments for tree care operations.
• Operate a range of arboricultural equipment safely and in accordance with manufacturer instructions.
• Carry out ground-based arboriculture operations to industry standards with appropriate tools and safety measures.
• Plan and conduct tree surveys and specify remedial work.
• Supervise staff and students, and coordinate with management on scheduling and projects.
• Maintain health and safety records, PPE usage, and training compliance.
• Liaise with the public, provide information, and deliver talks or tours as requested.

Education

Advanced Level 6 Certificate in the Craft of Arboriculture

Equivalent Irish/Foreign qualification recognised on the NFQ

Apprenticeship with craft and exams completed

Job description

The Office of Public Works (OPW) invites applications from eligible candidates for appointment to the position of Craft Arborist in the Phoenix Park and associated sites, based at the Whitefields, Phoenix Park, Dublin, D08 KDC4.

Eligibility Requirements (at the closing date of the competition)

• A minimum Advanced Level 6 Certificate in the Craft of Arboriculture.

Note: ** Irish or Foreign qualification (in a similar field of study) recognised as equivalent to the above qualifications on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications.

Note: Apprenticeship served in the above, evidence of craft and exams completed successfully will be necessary and copies should be submitted with your application.

• Valid in date competence-based certification for carrying out operational duties such as tree felling, pruning, cross cutting, wood chippers, pole pruners etc.

Above are examples but candidates must be able to provide valid certification for tree surgery operations from NPTC/ City & Guilds, Lantra or similar.

• A minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience (post qualification);

• A full, clean and current Irish driving licence, category B & W* and use of own transport;

Note: * (1) If your Irish driving licence is restricted to driving cars with an automatic transmission only (denoted by the code 78 appearing on the licence), you are not eligible.

(2)From 1 January 2021 if you are resident in Ireland and hold a UK/NI driving licence it is no longer valid to drive on here in Ireland. It is not legal for driving purposes and must therefore be exchanged.It is vital that you have a valid driving licence and that you are legally allowed to drive in Ireland by exchanging a UK/NI licence for an Irish driving licence. Further information available on: www.ndls.ie.

• A current Safepass card**

Note: ** Where a current safe pass card is not available, proof of successful completion of the Safe Pass Course prior to the closing date will be accepted.

• A clear copy of their Employment Permit, if applicable (a non-EEA national, unless exempted, requires an employment permit to work in Ireland).*3

Note: Eligible candidates must be:

1. A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; or
2. A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or
3. A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or
4. A non-EEA citizen who has a stamp 41 or a Stamp 5 visa;

Please note that a 50 TEU visa, which is a replacement for Stamp 4EUFAM after Brexit, is acceptable as a Stamp 4 equivalent. To qualify candidates must be eligible by the date of any job offer.

All non-EU/EEA citizens must hold a valid work permit prior to and for the duration of their contract. The work permit must allow you to work full time for the Office of Public Works. It is the responsibility of individual employees to ensure that you have a valid work permit. If at any stage during your contract you cease to hold a valid work permit you must immediately advise the Office of Public Works and your employment will cease with immediate effect.

Responsibilities and Principal Duties (Craft Arborist)

The following list of duties is not exhaustive but indicative of the role of Craft Arborist with the OPW:

• Identify and implement the appropriate safety standards and risk assessment for tree care operations.
• Maintain and operate a range of hand, power and mechanised arboricultural equipment in a safe and efficient manner and in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
• Complete a range of ground-based arboriculture operations in a safe and efficient manner using a range of hand, power and mechanised tools and equipment to industry standards, ensuring legislative and regulatory compliance.
• Identify the potential hazards and remedial actions associated with arboriculture operations while minimising environmental damage and using correct and appropriate methods for disposing of waste.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the legislation that regulates pest and disease control.
• Identify important and common pest / disease / disorders and mechanical injury affecting woody plants.
• Understand the invasive strategies of common pests and diseases and the mechanisms to control.
• Plan the steps necessary to conduct an appropriate tree survey including specifying remedial work.
• Be aware of the different techniques in the maintenance and care of trees and their appropriate application to recognised industry standards.
• Planting, cultivation and maintenance of trees, including tree collections and propagation of trees (where appropriate);
• Prepare and update records and surveys of tree collections, in conjunction with management team (including identification, verification, labelling, documentation);
• Supervise and participate in the carrying out of developmental work in conjunction with the management team;
• Participate in work scheduling and note actions to be taken;
• Plan daily/ weekly work programmes and implementation of project;
• Maintain a record of daily work being carried out and plan both daily and weekly work programmes;
• Ensure that work is carried out in an efficient and safe manner, and that personal health and safety of staff, students and members of public is not compromised. Complete all relevant health & safety record keeping including risk assessments, safety methodologies, job safety plans etc.;
• Ensure that personal protective clothing supplied is worn as tasks dictate, STC boots, chainsaw PPE etc. compulsory at all times;
• Supervision and allocation of work to General Operatives/horticultural assistants, etc.;
• Supervision, training and assessment of students/apprentices, keeping of absence records in conjunction with management team;
• Supervision of contractors;
• Ensure the attendance and good timekeeping of staff and students;
• Arrange and participate in practical skills training and assessment of students;
• Liaise with the public, disseminate information, answer queries and give guided tours and lectures as requested;
• Attend and successfully achieve the required standard in all training as deemed necessary;
• Attend trade shows, conferences, courses, as deemed necessary;
• Deputising for the Chargehand (Head) Gardener/Foreperson as deemed necessary;
• Carrying out the instructions of the Chargehand (Head) Craft Gardener, Foreperson, Management, etc.;
• Report writing e.g. Accident/Incident;
• Delivering Health & Safety in line with OPW Policy and Safety Statement;
• Carry out other duties/works deemed by management as reasonable and appropriate to the grade and to the position.