Arborist

Our Public Sector client based in Sunderland requires an Arborist to join their busy Environmental Services Team. The role is due to run through to April 2026, with an hourly rate of -14.82 per hour.

37 hours per week, Monday to Thursday 07:30 - 15:30, Friday 07:30 - 15:00

Call out is on a rota basis and is for 1 week, starts Monday 07:30 to the following Monday.

The role will be to carry out a wide range of tree care and maintenance operations across Sunderland, ensuring the Council''s tree stock is safe, healthy, and managed in accordance with best practice, legislation, and sustainability goals. The post holder will support the delivery of high-quality arboricultural services for the benefit of residents, visitors, and the environment.

Key Responsibilities
* Undertake all aspects of arboricultural work, including tree pruning, felling.
* Operate chainsaws, wood chippers, MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms), and other specialist machinery safely and efficiently.
* Carry out aerial tree work using rope and harness in compliance with industry standards.
* Ensure safe working practices at all times, protecting colleagues, the public, and property.
* Provide advice and information to members of the public when required in a courteous and professional manner.
* Participate in emergency call-out and storm response duties as part of the arboriculture service team.
* Undertake routine maintenance and checks of vehicles, tools, and equipment.
* Keep accurate records of works undertaken in line with Council procedures.

Essential Skills & Qualifications
* Relevant NPTC / LANTRA Certificates in Chainsaw Operation, Climbing & Aerial Rescue, Chainsaw from a rope and harness, chainsaw from a MEWP and Tree Felling.
* Experience in arboricultural operations, including aerial tree work.
* Good understanding of health and safety legislation, including LOLER and PUWER.
* Ability to work as part of a team and independently with minimal supervision.
* Physically fit and able to carry out demanding outdoor work in all weather conditions.
* Full UK driving licence (with C1 E desirable).

Desirable
* Additional NPTC / LANTRA units (e.g. single and multiple windblown, assisted felling, felling large trees, pesticide application).
* Experience working within a local authority or similar public service environment.
* Knowledge of tree law, preservation orders, and conservation legislation.
* Understanding of tree pests, diseases, and biodiversity issues.

Key Attributes
* Commitment to high standards of workmanship, safety, and customer service.
* Flexible and reliable with a proactive attitude.
* Ability to remain calm and professional in challenging or emergency situations.

Special Conditions
* Requirement to participate in emergency call-out rota (including evenings and weekends).
* Requirement to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
*Requirement to wear protective clothing and use specialist PPE

Please apply in writing with your CV in the first instance to (url removed)

Barker Ross Group values diversity and promotes equality. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010. We encourage and welcome applications from all sections of society and are more than happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and/or additional arrangements as required to support your application.

For the purposes of the Conduct Regulations 2003, when advertising permanent vacancies we are acting as an Employment Agency, and when advertising temporary/contract vacancies we are acting as an Employment Business.