Arborist/Climber

Location: Nottingham

Contract Type: Permanent

Purpose of the Role

To safely manage, maintain, and improve trees and vegetation along railway corridors, ensuring compliance with safety, environmental, and operational standards. Work to minimise vegetation-related risk to train operations, infrastructure, and the public. Work alongside lead climbers and other ground based operatives to safely maintain the infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify risks associated with trees or vegetation (e.g. deadwood, overhang, leaning, disease) and determine appropriate remedial work.
• Develop and implement vegetation management / clearance plans in line with railway safety regulations and environmental legislation.
• Perform tree pruning, felling, crown reduction, removal of hazardous trees, branch removal, stump grinding, and replanting as required.
• Use and maintain Arboricultural equipment safely (chainsaw, chipper, brush-cutter/strimmer, tools for climbing, rope & harness work).
• Work in compliance with railway safety standards (e.g. Personal Track Safety (PTS)), site safety processes (e.g. COSS, SW, site warden), risk assessments, briefings, safe systems of work.
• Perform aerial / climbing work, and where required provide aerial rescue capability.
• Liaise/communicate with stakeholders, contractors, environmental/ecology specialists, local authorities, and lineside residents.
• Maintain accurate records: site inspection reports, work carried out, compliance with regulatory / company safety and environmental policies.
• Adhere to professional/industry best practice in arboriculture, including keeping up with new techniques, legislation, and environmental considerations (e.g. biodiversity, protected species, tree protection orders).

Qualifications & Competencies

Essential

• Full arboriculture qualifications / certifications (for example NPTC / LANTRA / equivalent), including chainsaw use (maintenance & cross-cutting) and tree felling/pruning.
• Certificated to work safely around railway infrastructure: Personal Track Safety (PTS) is usually essential. For the right candidate PTS training will be provided
• Competency in safe working at height, climbing, rope & harness operations, aerial rescue.
• Ability to perform risk assessments and produce/adhere to method statements / safe systems of work.
• Full driving licence.

Desirable

• Advance chainsaw qualifications e.g. felling & processing larger trees including rigging
• Experience or certification in site safety roles: COSS (Controller of Site Safety), Site Warden, Safe Work Leader etc.
• Familiarity with plant equipment / powered machinery (chippers, brush cutters, MEWPs etc).
• Environmental / ecological awareness—knowledge of protected species, tree protection laws, biodiversity enhancement etc.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Regular physical labour: climbing, lifting, manual handling.
• Safety critical role: must follow strict safety procedures, possibly early starts / shift work / weekend or emergency response work when needed.

Other Requirements

• Good communication skills: ability to work in teams, liaise with other disciplines, report to supervisors, and interact with public where necessary.
• Strong attention to detail: for identifying hazards, quality of work, leaving sites clean etc.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of multi-disciplinary teams.
• Commitment to continuous professional development.

Why join us:

Career Development Focus: We’re committed to supporting your professional growth with clear career paths, training, and tailored development programs, including our GC Leadership Academy, job specific accreditations and higher education opportunities.

Exciting Growth Opportunities: Be part of a rapidly growing company with a dynamic team and expanding client base.

Collaborative Environment: Work in a supportive, engaging, and innovative culture where your contributions are valued.

Competitive Package: Enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package, along with flexible working options, including:

23 days holiday, Increasing with length of service + bank holidays

Robust pension scheme

Medigold employee support, Free Flu Jabs, Online private GP Service

Free or subsidised national gym memberships

Employee Recognition Scheme

Ground Control

Ground Control is a UK-based grounds maintenance company powered by the latest technology. Since launching in 1973, Ground Control has grown rapidly and now provides full national coverage for our customers across the UK and Ireland.

We deliver a range of services, including grounds maintenance, winter gritting, landscape construction, design, arboriculture, electric vehicle charging point installation to more than 50,000 commercial properties across the UK.

If you are looking to invest in your future with a business that puts people at the centre of everything, click the apply now button below to speak to a member of our team.

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Equal Opportunities Statement

At Ground Control, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to thrive. We believe that diversity drives innovation and success, and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate based on sex, age, disability, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. We actively support and promote an inclusive culture, ensuring fair and equitable treatment throughout the recruitment process and beyond.