Neighbourhood Operative Level 4 (Arbor)

• Carry out tree pruning, dismantling, planting and felling operations in line with industry standards and best practice.
• Undertake aerial tree work, emergency response activities and operate arboricultural equipment including chainsaws, woodchippers and MEWPs.
• Complete risk assessments, maintain work records and update digital asset management systems and tree inventory data.
• Work with colleagues, stakeholders and partner organisations to deliver high-quality neighbourhood services.
• Support planned maintenance programmes, statutory work and emergency arboricultural operations across the city.

Pre-employment checks

If you are successful, your appointment will be subject to completing the relevant pre-employment checks. These checks will be carried out as part of our recruitment process and includes:

• Satisfactory references and other pre-employment checks where applicable.
• DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance- The post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (amended in 2013). Appointable candidates will be required to apply for a Standard/ an Enhanced [delete as appropriate] Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Information provided by you or the DBS will be dealt with in a confidential manner and in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice . We have a policy on the secure handling, storage and use of DBS information, as well as a policy on the recruitment and employment of ex-offenders. Both policies are available on request - If you have lived or worked abroad for 3 months or more in the last 5 years or 12 months or more (whether continuously or in total) in the last 10 years whilst aged 18 or over, please refer to GOV UK for details for how to obtain your Police check or Certificates of Good Character.
• Qualification: Must hold a current UK driving licence, B+E as a minimum
  • NPTC Units: 201: Chainsaw maintenance and cross-cutting (CS30)
  • NPTC Unit 202: Tree felling and processing (CS31 or current equivalent)
  • NPTC Units: 203: Tree climbing and Aerial Rescue Operations (CS38)
  • Using a Chainsaw from a Rope and Harness (CS39)
  • aerial rigging (CS41 or current equivalent)
  • Signing, lighting, and guarding (Chapter 8)
  • Level 3 award for first aid at work
  • Or current equivalents
• Driving Licence – The successful candidate must always hold a full valid driving licence as you will be required to drive a vehicle adhering to council regulations.
• Medical Clearance - Pre-placement health assessment (PPHA) 

For more information on these checks, please visit checks page

We're looking for a skilled and motivated arborist who is committed to delivering high-quality services and takes pride in maintaining Manchester's trees and green spaces. You'll be safety-focused, customer-oriented and able to work effectively as part of a team while using your technical expertise to solve problems and deliver excellent outcomes for local communities.

 

We'll use the following essential criteria to decide which candidates to invite to assessment. Use your personal statement to provide evidence of how you meet each one, supported by relevant examples:

 

• You hold a current UK driving licence (B+E minimum) and relevant arboricultural qualifications, including chainsaw, climbing, aerial rescue and aerial rigging certifications (or current equivalents).
• You can safely carry out a range of arboricultural operations, including tree climbing, pruning, dismantling and the use of specialist equipment.
• You can communicate effectively with colleagues, customers and stakeholders, working collaboratively as part of a team to solve problems and deliver a high-quality service.
• You can use digital systems to maintain accurate records, manage information and support efficient service delivery.

 For guidance on how to write your personal statement, please visit How to Apply - Manchester City Council. 

Working for Manchester City Council is a chance to make a real difference in a diverse city. You’ll help improve lives and support our local communities. Working together, we can create better public services for everyone. 

Benefits we offer

• Up to 26 days’ annual leave, rising to 31 days after five years’ service
•  Buy up to two extra weeks’ leave
•  Up to 3 days’ volunteering leave 
•  A 35-hour work week for full-time roles
•  We review pay each year and recognise three trade unions
•  A defined benefit pension scheme
•  Enhanced parental and carers leave 
•  Employee discounts and perks  

Learn more at Careers - Manchester City Council 

Our commitment to inclusion 

At Manchester City Council, we're dedicated to creating a workplace that fully reflects the diversity of our local communities. We actively encourage applications from people of all ages and backgrounds and are particularly keen to hear from applicants from ethnic minority communities and disabled people, who remain underrepresented in parts of our workforce. 

GM Elevate Programme 

If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme, please indicate this within the 'Personal Statement' section or 'Supporting Statement' section of your application. 

 

Accessible Formats: 
Use ReciteMe  through the "Accessibility tools" button at the top of our careers page. It has tools such as text-to-speech, language translations, and adjustable text size and colour. 

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