Tree Surveyor - Reading Borough Council - ref. x74740723
A full UK driver’s licence is required for the role
Join us here at Reading Borough Council, and you can look forward to a rewarding new role as part of a friendly and supportive team. We work together, helping each other to make lives better for people in our communities. If you’d like to be part of our growing future, we can offer excellent training and development, not to mention a range of great benefits.So be part of an organisation that will genuinely value you and your contribution to our success. Get in touch now.
Reading Borough Council Arboricultural Unit is currently looking for an experienced Tree Surveyor to join our growing team responsible for the maintenance of trees on public land and commercial work for private customers and clients.
About the role
You will help with the day-to-day management of the Unit and carry out formal inspections of trees, and record these on the Council’s database. You will undertake technical assessments of trees, providing specialist advice, and resolving enquiries from clients.You will also get involved in organising work schedules to ensure that work identified during inspections is carried out, and there is scope for helping to manage the Council’s tree planting programme.
You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.
Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:
Work Together as one team - champion and inspire a culture which ensures that all employees across the organisation work together to provide excellent outcomes for Reading
Drive Efficiency - create an environment in which resources are used efficiently and employees’ skills are developed and used effectively
Be Ambitious - aspire to deliver excellence and inspire and support others to reach their potential
Make a Difference to Reading - inspire a culture in which the customer is the focus and where change is welcomed as an opportunity
About you
A detailed and up to date technical knowledge of your subject is key. You will have extensive experience in tree surveying.
Your main responsibilities will include updating and managing tree inspection records, offering sound expert advice relating to tree management and safety, advising Council planners and insurers, and being a credible witness in the case of insurance claims.You will also assist the Tree Officer in assessing work, managing a team of arborists, and providing quotations for commercial work.
Must be able to demonstrate extensive experience in tree surveying and maintaining a databaseAble to produce quotations, work specifications and to monitor quality of subsequent work
Experienced user of a wide range of hand held power tools, particularly chainsaws, hedge trimmers, stump grinders and mobile elevating work platformsExperience in Grounds Maintenance staff supervision, including managing or overseeing work schedules, inspecting the quality of work, and dealing with staff management issues
Able to understand and follow procedures with knowledge of Health and Safety legislation relating to tree maintenance operations
Able to demonstrate confidence in dealing with staff, contractors and customersComputer literate and able to use email, Microsoft Word, Excel, a database, or similar packages.
Specific requirements
NVQ Level 3 Arboriculture, Arboricultural Association Technician’s Certificate, or all of the following: NPTC Certificates of Competence in Chainsaws and Related Operations
NPTC Certificate of Competence in Felling and Processing trees over 380mmNPTC Certificate of Competence to Climb Trees and Perform Aerial Rescue
NPTC Brushwood Chipper & Stump Grinding Operations
NPTC PA2A Ground Crop Sprayer Pesticide Application
Professional Tree Inspection qualification.
Training in Health & Safety Legislation and Regulations including risk assessment, safety inspection and accident investigation
Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends.
Must possess a full UK Driving Licence.
Must be physically fit and able to assist the arborist teams with tree works at times of emergency or peak workload
Our offer
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.
A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leaveLocal Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted, and a salary sacrifice scheme to help lower the cost of your nursery fees
Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax
To arrange a confidential discussion on this position please contact Streetscene Services Manager, chris.camfield@reading.gov.uk
Closing Date: 2 March 2025Interview Date: TBC