Arboriculturalist

Do you have working knowledge of trees and looking to gain more transferable skills? Check out the below opportunity... We are looking for someone with a working knowledge of trees to join our Local Highway Operations Service as an Arboriculturalist. Salary: £37,336 to £40,221 per annum. Working Pattern: 37 hours per week. Contract Length: Permanent. Location: Clapham Depot will be your office base. West Sussex is the second most wooded County in England, with many of these trees in council ownership. The Arboriculture Team provides technical and legal guidance on arboriculture issues and manages customer requests and enquiries. You will be able to work independently undertaking inspections and assessing highway trees in all seasons. We are looking for someone who has a thorough knowledge of trees, along with the ability to anticipate problems and form solutions. You will have a high level of customer-focused skills. What we need from you: Sound communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to anticipate problems, plan solutions and make sound problem-solving decisions. Ability to meet set deadlines and to understand when problems need to be referred upwards. Computer literate. Practical and theoretical knowledge of trees and their habitats, including their roots, types of soil, weather patterns and need for irrigation; advanced knowledge of how to care, treat and maintain trees. Good understanding of the range of benefits trees deliver, whilst appreciating the impacts they play in the overall infrastructure. Specialist qualification in forestry, arboriculture, or related discipline or experience working as an Arboriculturalist, or with trees in a related discipline, such as landscaping or forestry. Reward and benefits As an employer we recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive and dynamic working environment where employees can achieve their full potential, achieve a healthy work-life balance, and are rewarded for the work they do. In addition to working within a great team and a brilliant opportunity you will receive: A competitive salary. 27 days annual leave bank holidays. Ability to gain 13 extra days through flexible working A generous pension scheme. Training and development opportunities, including coaching and mentoring. A range of discounts including Samsung, Argos, Wickes, TUI, Deliveroo and Asos. Discounted membership at selected local sports and fitness centres. Employee assistance programme. A range of commuting and business travel discount and initiatives. For a full list of the benefits offered to you as a West Sussex County Council employee, go to our Rewards and Benefits page. Further information The reference number for this role is EIE01230 . For an informal conversation or for further information regarding the role, please contact Brian Lambarth, Routine Maintenance Team Manager, at To apply, upload your CV and cover letter explaining how you meet the key skills in the job description attached. This will be a physically demanding role, requiring site visits during working hours to remote locations, undertaking both routine and ad hoc site inspections, frequently by the roadside. You will raise jobs giving estimated time of works and on occasion may have to liaise with contractors, members of the public and other stakeholders. West Sussex County Council is an equal opportunities employer committed to promoting an environment that is inclusive and free from all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination and values the diversity of its people. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and take every possible step to ensure that no individual will be disadvantaged. For information regarding your eligibility to apply for this role under our Disability or Veteran's Guaranteed Interview Scheme, this can be found