Arboriculturist

Arboriculturist

Job Purpose

The Arboriculturist supports and oversees tree work operations, seed harvesting, processing, propagation, and tree establishment activities while ensuring full compliance with industry standards, legislation, and company procedures.

The role combines operational arboriculture duties with on-site supervision responsibilities, ensuring that teams work safely, efficiently, and in accordance with company policies, environmental responsibilities, and legal requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Seed Sourcing & Collection

  • Identify and source high-quality seeds from approved sites including native populations, ensuring consideration of provenance and genetic suitability.
  • Evaluate seed viability prior to acquisition and ensure appropriate testing where required.
  • Undertake ethical seed collection in line with environmental guidance and regulatory requirements.
  • Maintain accurate records of seed origin, habitat conditions, collection dates, and parent plant characteristics to ensure traceability in line with the Forestry Reproductive Material regulations.
  • Ensure compliance with local, regional, and international regulations governing seed collection and transport.
  • Manage seed collection teams, ensuring health and safety procedures are followed and operations are conducted efficiently.
  • Act as the primary point of contact when working away from the main unit.

Seed Processing & Storage

  • Clean, dry, extract, grade, and process seeds using appropriate manual and mechanical techniques.
  • Label, catalogue, and maintain accurate inventory management systems.
  • Store seeds under appropriate environmental conditions, monitoring temperature and humidity to maintain longevity.
  • Maintain detailed seed bank records and routinely inspect storage facilities.
  • Supervise staff involved in seed processing to ensure safe systems of work are followed.

Propagation & Tree Establishment

  • Develop and implement management plans covering orchids, seeds, cuttings and grafting.
  • Prepare soil and growing media tailored to individual species.
  • Oversee transplanting and early-stage establishment, applying the principles of tree planting and establishment.
  • Identify and manage pests, diseases, and disorders of trees, including recognising the risks and impacts of tree decay fungi.
  • Carry out formative pruning techniques for young trees and target pruning techniques for mature trees in accordance with industry best practice.
  • Recognise a variety of tree species using common names and understand the importance of accurate identification.
  • Represent the company on-site and at company events, promoting awareness of the environmental, social, and ecosystem benefits of trees, including improved air quality and enhanced biodiversity.

Operations & Site Supervision

  • Supervise and guide teams on-site, ensuring work is conducted safely, efficiently, and in compliance with company policies and legislation.
  • Organise and delegate tasks upon arrival at site to ensure efficient workflow.
  • Ensure teams are equipped with appropriate equipment and that tools are maintained in line with manufacturer guidance and maintenance requirements.
  • Enforce correct use of PPE for operations.
  • Recognise health and safety needs onsite and ensure all staff work safely at all times.
  • Complete and review site-specific and dynamic risk assessments, implementing appropriate control measures to maintain a safe working site.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the use of MEWPs where required.
  • Manage collections and tree work arisings using appropriate machinery and safe working techniques.
  • Carry out branch removal using hand tools and perform correct target pruning final cuts.
  • Work safely at height and ensure staff under supervision operate safely on trees when using ladders and MEWPS.
  • Ensure staff competency in equipment use and provide guidance and training as required.
  • Communicate technical information clearly and effectively to colleagues, clients, and stakeholders using appropriate communication techniques.

Operational & Administrative Duties

  • Oversee loading and unloading of vehicles and ensure safe handling of equipment and materials.
  • Record daily collections (GRN) and maintain accurate operational documentation.
  • Maintain tools, vehicles, and work areas in a clean and serviceable condition.
  • Manage team finances when working away from the main unit, where applicable.
  • Report concerns, incidents, hazards, or operational issues promptly to the line manager.

Environmental & Professional Standards

  • Demonstrate awareness of legislation and codes of practice relating to protected trees and conservation areas.
  • Maintain a professional standard of appearance, language, and behaviour at all times.
  • Work effectively within a team environment while providing leadership and direction.
  • Take responsibility for completing allocated tasks reliably and to agreed standards.
  • Maintain a safety-focused mindset to protect self, colleagues, and the public.
  • Ensure environmental sustainability considerations into all operational activities.

Qualifications & Skills

  • Strong leadership and team management skills.
  • Knowledge of arboriculture equipment and maintenance requirements.
  • Knowledge of PPE requirements for arboriculture operations.
  • Awareness of health and safety legislation, industry standards, and codes of practice.
  • Ability to complete risk assessments and implement effective control measures.
  • Practical experience in arboriculture, seed handling, propagation, and tree establishment.
  • Ability to complete tree work arisings using appropriate machinery.
  • Competence in pruning techniques and working at height.
  • Good organisational, communication, and record-keeping skills.
  • Ability to work independently and manage teams away from the main unit.

Working Conditions

  • Work across outdoor field sites and indoor seed processing facilities.
  • Regular travel and working away from the main unit is required.
  • Physically demanding role including lifting, bending and prolonged standing.
  • Work at height and in varying weather conditions.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send a CV and covering letter to Liz@forestart.co.uk

Please include information about your skills and interests, and why you feel you would be suited to the role.

Informal discussions are welcomed. Please contact Liz Ridley on 01939 210638.

 

 

 

 

In line with the requirements of the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996, all applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK. As part of the recruitment process, you will be asked to provide documented evidence of eligibility. Forestart Ltd is an equal opportunities employer.