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    Arborist Climber (Emergency, Highways & Commercial Operations)

    Job Type:

    Full time

    Posted:

    Location(s):

    Kent

    Job Description:

    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.”​

    Job 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 Responsibilities

    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

    Ground & Support Works

    • 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

    Essential Skills & Experience

    • Minimum 2 years’ commercial arboriculture experience
    • 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
      • 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

    • NRSWA Unit O1 (Signing, Lighting & Guarding)
    • 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 003933 (CS32) – Felling Medium Trees
    • 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

    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.