Tree Surgeon jobs in Chatham

At Ferns Forestry, we’re shaping safe, sustainable environments for communities to thrive.

With over 25 years of expertise, we deliver exceptional arboriculture, landscaping, and infrastructure services across the South East. Join our growing team and take your career to new heights.

Overview
To work as a competent Arborist Climber delivering safe, efficient arboricultural operations including emergency response, planned tree works, and supporting activities such as grounds maintenance, landscaping, and planting when required. The role requires flexibility, professionalism, and readiness to participate in an on‑call rota.

Key Responsibilites

Arboricultural Operations

• Carry out aerial tree work including climbing, pruning, dismantling, and emergency make-safe works
• Use chainsaws from rope & harness and from MEWP where required
• Deal safely and competently with windblown, storm-damaged, and failed trees
• Undertake work on medium-sized trees and assist on larger dismantles under supervision
• Operate and maintain arboricultural equipment including: Chainsaws, Woodchippers (manually fed), Rigging systems & Powered pole pruners
• Perform aerial rescue when required
• Maintain high standards of site safety, housekeeping, and public protection

Ground & Support Works

• Undertake ground operations including cross-cutting, brash handling, chipping, and site clearance
• Support grounds maintenance, landscaping, and planting works when operationally required
• Assist with fencing, turfing, and environmental works where needed
• Follow all RAMS, method statements, and safe systems of work

Emergency & On-Call Duties

• Participate in an out-of-hours on‑call rota
• Respond to emergency call-outs within required timescales
• Accurately record works completed and provide photographic evidence where required

Essential Skills & Experience

• Minimum 2 years’ commercial arboriculture experience
• Strong understanding of health & safety and safe working practices
• Confident and competent climber
• Practical experience carrying out aerial tree work and ground operations
• NPTC / LANTRA certificates: CS30/31 – Chainsaw Maintenance & Cross-Cutting, CS38 – Tree Climbing & Aerial Rescue, CS39 – Chainsaw from Rope & Harness and Manually Fed Wood‑Chipper
• Full UK driving licence
• Willingness to participate in an on‑call rota
• Strong understanding of health & safety and safe working practices

Desirable Skills & Qualifications

• NRSWA Unit O1 (Signing, Lighting & Guarding)
• EUSR (CSCS)
• Forestry First Aid at Work
• MEWP IPAF 1B and/or 3B operation experience
• CS47 – Chainsaw from a MEWP
• NPTC 003926 – Powered Pole Pruner Operations
• NPTC 003933 (CS32) – Felling Medium Trees
• NPTC 003937 – Windblown & Storm‑Damaged Trees
• Experience working in highways or public realm environments

Training support available for the right candidate.

Personal Attributes

• Safety-focused and professional at all times
• Reliable, flexible, and willing to support wider operational needs
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
• Good team player with a positive attitude
• Able to follow instructions and work independently when required

Additional Information

• The role involves a mix of emergency, reactive, and planned works
• There are strong opportunities to increase earnings through overtime, standby, and call-outs
• Flexibility across arboriculture, grounds maintenance, and landscaping is essential

This position offers a rewarding opportunity for individuals passionate about green spaces and sustainable landscape management. We welcome applicants who are eager to learn, reliable, and committed to maintaining high standards of safety and quality.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £15.00-£17.50 per hour

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Free parking
• On-site parking
• Referral programme

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Wrotham TN15: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Licence/Certification:

• Driving Licence (required)

Work Location: In person