Arborist Climber

Job Introduction

Worcester City Council is looking for an experienced and safety focused Arborist Climber to help manage and maintain trees across the city. This is a skilled, practical role for someone who is confident working at height, using chainsaws and specialist arboricultural equipment, and making sound on site decisions in busy public environments.

You will help plan and deliver complex tree works, brief and guide operational colleagues, manage safe working zones and respond effectively when conditions, staffing or equipment change. The post combines regular Aerial work with practical problem solving machinery care, accurate work records and professional contact with the public.

What you will do

• Climb trees and carry out arboricultural operations within your training, competence and safe systems of work.
• Use chainsaws, hand tools, powered equipment and specialist machinery to maintain trees and safely process and extract timber.
• Plan access and tree work in locations affected by highways, busy footpaths, neighbouring property, restricted drop zones and other hazards.
• Set up and manage safe working areas, including traffic management and exclusion zones where required.
• Assess tree form and condition on site and make appropriate decisions about pruning, shape, structure, biodiversity and habitat features.
• Brief colleagues on the planned task, provide practical instruction and oversee work to ensure it is completed safely and to the required standard.
• Prepare and contribute to dynamic risk assessments and safe working practices, monitoring compliance throughout the job.
• Adapt work plans in response to unexpected tree condition, weather, staffing, access or mechanical issues, escalating significant changes when necessary.
• Drive and tow equipment between sites, including a mobile elevated work platform or woodchipper where trained and authorised.
• Inspect, clean and maintain machinery, climbing equipment and power tools in line with required checks and relevant LOLER and PUWER arrangements, reporting defects promptly.
• Record work completion, incidents, hazards and equipment defects using council systems and specialist tree software.
• Provide practical arboricultural advice to colleagues and respond professionally to enquiries while working in public places.

What we are looking for

• Practical experience of professional arboriculture, including regular aerial tree work.
• Current, relevant arboricultural climbing, aerial rescue, MEWP and chainsaw qualifications appropriate to the duties of the post.
• Sound knowledge of arboricultural standards, safe tree work practice and the application of health and safety procedures.
• Ability to plan and complete high risk work while protecting colleagues, the public, traffic and nearby property.
• Good judgement and confidence in solving operational problems on site and recognising when an issue must be escalated.
• Experience of using and caring for climbing equipment, chainsaws, woodchippers and other arboricultural machinery.
• Ability to brief and guide colleagues clearly and work effectively with council teams, contractors and partner organisations.
• Ability to maintain accurate digital records and use mobile devices, online systems and specialist tree software.
• A full driving licence and the ability to drive and tow the vehicles and equipment required for the role, subject to the relevant licence categories.
• A strong commitment to public service, biodiversity and high quality tree care.

Working environment

This is a physically demanding outdoor role. You should expect to climb trees regularly, work at height and in awkward positions, lift and carry equipment, use vibrating and powered tools, and work in changing weather and ground conditions. Appropriate personal protective equipment, hearing protection and task specific safety controls will be required and provided.

Why join us?

You will join a committed operational service carrying out visible, skilled work that helps keep Worcester’s trees, highways, paths and public open spaces safe and well managed. The role offers variety, responsibility and the opportunity to apply your arboricultural expertise for the benefit of local communities, biodiversity and the city’s urban forest.

How to apply

Please complete the council’s application process, showing how your experience, qualifications and approach meet the requirements of the role.
Closing date: Sunday 1st November 2026
Interview date: Wednesday 18th November 2026

Worcester City Council is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from people who share our commitment to safe, inclusive and high-quality public services.

We welcome applications from all sections of the community. We would like to help you shine during this process. If you need any assistance with applying please contact the Recruitment team on recruitment@worcester.gov.uk. We can assist with alternative formats for your application or offer a MS Teams interview for example.

For further information about the role, please contact Warwick Neale, Bereavement and Greenspaces Manager, at warwick.neale@worcester.gov.uk

Closing Date: Sunday 1st November 2026

Interview date: Wednesday 18th November 2026