Arboriculture, Trees, Woodlands, Grounds and Estates Operative

THE POST

College /Service: Estate Services , Grounds

Post: Arboriculture, Trees, Woodlands, Grounds and Estates Operative

Grade: C

Reporting To: Arboriculture, Trees and Woodlands Manager

Responsible For: Lower Graded Staff, Apprentices and Temp/Casual Staff

Job Description

Main purpose of the job

To carry out the inspection, maintenance and management of the University of Exeter’s trees and woodlands.

Deputise for the Arboriculture, Trees and Woodlands Manager in their absence to protect, develop and enhance the trees, woodlands and grounds of the University of Exeter.

To ensure trees and woodlands are managed for any risk they may pose to students, staff and visitors.

To ensure adherence to the University’s commitment to its adopted Arboricultural Management Principles including replacement tree planting and post planting tree husbandry.

Main duties and accountabilities

• General maintenance of trees, estate, grounds and woodland areas, including all basic and skilled work. To be carried out to the highest professional standard for trees, woodland and arboriculture in accordance with the Forestry Safety Council and Arboricultural Safety Council guidelines for felling, pruning, partial dismantling, brashing, chipping, stump grubbing and planting. All works to comply with BS3998 or updates. Nursery, sports facilities and other areas including all basic and skilled work, carried out to the highest professional standards and using industry best practice for estate work, gardening, floral displays and decorations, borders, beds, rockeries, plant collections, tree works, setting out sports pitches and other facilities. Liaising with customers, students and staff regarding facilities, bookings and standards. Overseeing development and improvements of facilities and related projects, in conjunction with the appointed project manager and Grounds management
• Working flexibly to cover full service and operational requirements. Responses include during severe weather and high winds, arranging actions in line with the Grounds Business Continuity Plan. Participate in visual inspection of vulnerable trees on our Exeter campuses which have the highest potential of causing harm to people or property.
• Safe operation, adjustment and maintenance of tractors, chippers, machinery, saws, powered pruners, 2-stroke, 4-stroke and battery operated equipment. Safe operation, adjustment and maintenance of road vehicles and trailers, including mowing machinery and all other grounds maintenance machinery and equipment including road vehicles and trailers including adherence to maintenance schedules, records and assessments relating to HAVS. Monitoring of correct fuel use (2-stroke, petrol, and red/white diesel) for compliance with current legislation.
• Ensuring all climbing, lifting and handling equipment complies with LOLER and has an up to date inspection record by a competent industry qualified engineer to comply with current legislative requirements.
• Ensure all PPE is compliant with the relevant British Standard/European norm and is fit for purpose. Production of relevant tree assessments and safe operating procedures for compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
• Courteously dealing with staff, students and the public when undertaking works and monitoring management rules and practices.
• Naming of trees and plants, recording and updating National Plant Collections and trees in arboretums. Protecting rare and unusual plants and trees, including veteran trees
• Ensure all University equipment and property is secured and properly stored, to prevent theft or damage. Duties to include checking all doors, windows, gates and barriers etc when not in use.
• Identify and take appropriate action to eliminate the risk of plants and trees which may cause allergies or severe reactions.
• Attend mandatory and all relevant training courses, conferences and industry updates to ensure services are reviewed and developed.
• Adhere to the University of Exeter uniform and PPE policy.
• Work flexibly to cover any of the University locations, undertake all reasonable duties, to maintain or improve existing high standards of service performance.
• You will be required to work on a 5 day over 7 day work pattern, whilst conforming to the European Working Time Directive, to cover the needs of the service and emergencies. Limited overtime may be required under exceptional circumstances, such as in response to major gale damage in excess of agreed out of hour arrangements.
• You will be required to work during critical periods for the University e.g. preparation for Graduation and major events and to cover severe weather incidents e.g. storms and snow/ice out of normal working hours.

The University is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS is required for this post.

This job description summarises the main duties and accountabilities of the post and is not comprehensive.

The post holder may be required to undertake other duties of similar level and responsibility.

Person Specification

ESSENTIAL DESIRABLE

• Significant arboricultural, horticultural, estate management or equivalent experience.
• Minimum CS39 Certificate for climbing and safe use of chainsaw in a tree.
• NPTC Certificate in Felling Small/Medium Trees.
• NPTC Certificate in Tree Pruning.
• Knowledge of modern professional grounds and works maintenance techniques.
• Ability to safely use a range of arboricultural and horticultural hand tools, mowers, 2-stroke and powered equipment, including tractors and ride on equipment.
• Knowledge of a range of landscaping techniques, including tree, turf and shrub planting and maintenance.
• Ability to demonstrate good customer care and communication skills.
• Knowledge of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, risk assessments, method statements, safe operating procedures etc.
• Knowledge of environmental and sustainability issues.
• Chapter 8 qualification for road closures and traffic management.
• Ability to attend emergencies, carry out visual tree inspections and work flexibly to meet the needs of the service.
• Knowledge of legislation and procedures relating to, safe chainsaw use, felling and pruning techniques, aerial rescue and safe working at height/from platforms.
• Evidence of working successfully and safely as part of a team, as well as using own initiative.

DESIRABLE

• Ability to name plants and trees.
• Knowledge of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) system. .
• Knowledge of European Working Time Directive.
• Clean current driving licence.
• Knowledge of nursery production techniques.
• Knowledge of HAVS.
• PA1/PA6a Pesticide Spraying Certificate.
• Working understanding of how to operate non- invasive decay detecting equipment e.g. Picus
• NPTC Certificate in Severing Windblown Trees.
• NPTC Certificate in Felling Large Trees.

Terms & Conditions

Our Terms and Conditions of Employment can be viewed here .

Further Information

Please see our website for further information on working at the University of Exeter.