Location
Tooley Street, London

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£35,373 - £41,637 per annum

About the Role
Southwark is one of London’s most dynamic and diverse boroughs - a place of energy, creativity, and ambition. We are proud of our commitment to fairness, equality and opportunity, working every day to make Southwark a place where everyone can thrive.

As Second Climber, you will work closely with the Lead Climber and the arboricultural team to ensure tree works are delivered safely, efficiently and to a high standard. When the Lead Climber is working at height, you will provide on-site supervision, support safety management and be ready to carry out aerial rescue if required.

You will undertake a wide range of arboricultural tasks across parks, highways and housing sites, while acting as a professional ambassador for Southwark Council.

Key responsibilities include:
- Carrying out a full range of tree care duties including pruning, crown reduction, thinning, felling, stump grinding, root and basal growth removal and tree aftercare
- Undertaking aerial rescue operations when required and supporting safe working practices on site
- Operating and maintaining specialist arboricultural equipment such as chainsaws, chippers and stump grinders
- Driving non-HGV vehicles with trailed equipment where licensed, performing daily vehicle checks and reporting defects
- Completing associated groundworks including minor fencing, paving and surface repairs
- Applying herbicides, insecticides and fungicides safely and responsibly in line with PA1 and PA6 requirements and environmental best practice

Experience
Proven experience working as an arborist within the industry with the skills and confidence to support and supervise tree work operations on site.

About you
- Strong knowledge of arboricultural operations and standards, including BS3998
- Sound understanding of health and safety legislation and safe working practices
- Excellent tree and shrub species identification skills
- Ability to work independently, prioritise tasks and meet deadlines
- Professional, customer-focused approach with strong communication skills
- A full, clean UK driving licence with C1 + E entitlement

Qualifications
A comprehensive range of NPTC/LANTRA certificates, including chainsaw operation, climbing, aerial rescue, MEWP use and pesticide application.