About the job

Job summary

We're looking for an Arborist Climber, to join the team at Wakehurst in West Sussex.

The role is part of the Conservation and Arboretum Unit in Wakehurst's Landscape and Horticulture Group, which curates and develops the designed landscapes and wild habitats of the 535 acre estate.

Job description

This post covers all aspects of day to day arboricultural and estate operations to manage the tree collections in the gardens and wider landscape, for the creation of outstanding tree displays with high amenity and conservation value, the emphasis being placed on tree safety.

Person specification

It is a busy team, with a wide range of responsibilities that include climbing and forest operations, sward management, event rigging / art installation, and assisting with scientific work. We are looking for team players who are self-motivated and keen to use their knowledge to maintain high standards of work.

We would also be happy to accept applications from those new to the industry who may not have all the essential qualifications or skills. If you are keen to learn, develop and have a passion for trees we would like to hear from you.

The collections and displays you'll care for will contribute to visitor enjoyment and education, as well as supporting Kew science by providing living plant material for research and conservation programmes.

Benefits

Our fantastic benefits package includes opportunities for continuous learning, a generous annual leave entitlement, flexible working to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance, an Employee Assistance Programme and other wellbeing support such as cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership. We also offer a competitive pension, an employee discount scheme and free entry into a wide range of national museums and galleries, as well access to our own beautiful gardens at Kew and Wakehurst.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

To apply for this role, please submit your application through the Kew Gardens website.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.