Gardener jobs in Meopham

Tree Ranger

Salary: £31,268 - £33,872 (FTE)

Pro-rata salary (22.5 hours): £19,014 - £20,597

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Part Time

Hours: 0.6 FTE - 22.5 hours per week

Our Direct Services team is responsible for the management and maintenance of the Council’s trees and woodlands. We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Tree Ranger to join our Countryside Ranger team and take a lead role in managing and protecting our tree stock across the district.

Everything you need to know:

In this role, you’ll take lead responsibility for the day-to-day management of trees on Council-owned and managed land, including carrying out tree surveys, inspections and fault diagnosis, overseeing tree planting schemes and responding to tree-related enquiries.

You’ll also act as a key professional advisor on tree management, working with colleagues, Councillors, contractors, residents and other stakeholders to support the delivery of the Council’s Tree Strategy and ensure our trees and woodlands are managed safely and effectively.

What you will be doing:

· Carrying out surveys and inspections of Council-owned trees to assess their condition, safety and health

· Identifying potentially hazardous trees and arranging appropriate maintenance works

· Managing and maintaining accurate records through the Council’s tree management system

· Preparing management plans, work specifications, tenders and quotes for tree works

· Advising on and overseeing tree planting schemes across Council-owned and managed land

· Responding to enquiries from residents, Councillors, Council officers and other stakeholders

· Working alongside the Countryside Ranger team and external contractors to deliver arboriculture services

· Supporting community engagement and initiatives relating to trees and woodlands

What you will bring to the role:

· A relevant qualification and extensive experience within arboriculture, or equivalent experience

· A minimum Level 1 tree inspection qualification and relevant experience

· LANTRA Basic Tree Survey & Inspection (Level 2)

· At least two years’ experience of tree management within a countryside environment

· Ability to undertake minor tree works, sign and guard and assist wider Ranger team in emergency situations to make safe.

· Work outdoors in all weathers,

· Good knowledge and experience of tree inspection, management and risk assessment

· Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders

· The ability to plan and prioritise your workload and work effectively both independently and as part of a team

· Good IT skills and the ability to maintain accurate tree management records

· Additional leave after 5 years’ service

· Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)

· Free on-site parking

· Access to employee discounts and benefits

· Access to our free Employee Assistance Programme

Want to find out more?

For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Dave Crouch, Countryside Manager on 01732227321.

Location: Council Offices, Argyle Road, Sevenoaks / Rangers Lodge, Shoreham Woods / Dunbrik and Holly Bush depots. Travel throughout the district to undertake duties.

Closing date: 2nd November 2026

Interview date: TBC

Pay: £19,014.00-£20,597.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Free parking

Work Location: In person