The salary range for this position is £40,296- £43,735 per annum based on a full-time, 36-hour working week.
We have an exciting job opportunity within the Countryside, Natural Capital Team, for an Arboriculturist and are looking for someone with the below qualities. This role is a permanent position and the successful applicant will require an enhanced DBS check as working on SCC maintained schools will be a requirement.
The post is based at Whitebeam Lodge, Merrow Depot, Guildford (contractual work base), but travel for site visits, tree inspections, surveys and meetings around the county is required, therefore a valid/full driving licence and access to own vehicle is a requirement of the role.
Rewards and Benefits
* 26 days' holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 30 days after 5 years' service
* Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
* An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
* Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
* Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
* A generous local government salary related pension
* Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
* 2 paid volunteering days per year
* Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
About the Team
Surrey County Council's Natural Capital Group owns or manages over 10,000 acres of countryside. It also maintains over 2,000 miles of public rights of way and promotes visitor services provided on the Basingstoke Canal.
About the Role
Working within a team of Arboricultural & Countryside management professionals, you will provide an effective tree risk inspection service to the Natural Capital teams Countryside Access and Land & Property teams, providing arboricultural advice and services to the teams requiring them.
This role encompasses a variety of key responsibilities that you will support and deliver. These include conducting scheduled and reactive tree risk surveys, as well as general tree inspections related to planning and development, on Council-owned or managed properties across the County. You will assist with the proactive inspection of ash trees as part of an ash dieback monitoring programme on the Countryside Estate and other Council landholdings.
Additionally, you will communicate with suppliers regarding the necessary arboricultural and grounds maintenance work arising from scheduled surveys, ensuring efficiency and budget adherence. Engaging with members of the public, Councillors, and internal staff regarding tree management is also a key part of the role.
You will maintain accurate records that demonstrate compliance with the corporate tree risk management policy and relevant legislation. Furthermore, you will contribute to the development of corporate policies and standards related to tree management, grounds maintenance, or 'Green Estate' management. An understanding of the Council's 'Greener Futures' strategy and the role trees play within it, particularly in relation to tree planting and the ecosystem services or Natural Capital value they provide, is essential.
Shortlisting Criteria
To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your application will clearly evidence the following:
* That you are qualified to at least Level 4 Arboricultural qualification (or related field) and hold a valid and up to date LANTRA Professional Tree Inspection Certificate- Professional Tree Inspection certificate LANTRA 3 day course.
* That you have experience in commercial arboricultural/horticulture and its management
* That you are proficient in site investigations, tree inspection reports, works programming, auditing and communicating in a clear and concise written and verbal style.
* That you can articulate tree risk management, arboricultural impacts & requirements on development, including landscaping enhancements.
As part of the application process, you will be asked to upload your CV and answer four questions which will help us assess your application. Please refer to the job description document when answering, which can be found attached below.
Closing date for applications is 23:59 on Sunday 30th March 2025 with in person interviews thereafter.
Our Commitment
Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applicants where:
* The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application
* The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form
Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.