Arboriculture Apprentice

Job Title: Arboriculture Apprentice
Location of work: Earlswood Depot
Salary: up to £22,525.80 (Depending on age based on LIVING wage)
Basis: 2.5-year Fixed Term Contract, Full time, annualised hours (40hrs summer, 8 months / 27hrs winter, 4 months)

About the Role
The Greenspaces department delivers a wide variety of services within the borough of Reigate & Banstead, including grounds maintenance, allotments, play area provision & maintenance, bereavement services and arboriculture. The arboriculture apprenticeship is a great opportunity to learn whilst working as part of the Council’s Greenspaces operations team.

The apprenticeship will be delivered through on-the-job training provided by our qualified and supportive team as well as attending Plumpton College one day per week (during term time only) to study for a Level 2 Foundation Modern Apprenticeship (FMA) in Arboriculture. As an Arboriculture Apprentice, you will have the opportunity to gain practical experience and knowledge in arboriculture.

You will work alongside a team of experienced arborists and tree officers to assist in the care, maintenance, and management of trees. You will gain knowledge to enable you to undertake a full range of arboriculture work including pruning, felling and working at height. You will also learn how to undertake a range of specialist tree management activities such as coppicing and thinning and learn how to identify a range of tree species, to inspect, survey and recognise specific defects and associated hazards with individual trees. You will also be trained in using a variety of climbing equipment and chainsaws.

About the Person

• Our ideal candidate will be motivated to learn, have a genuine interest in arboriculture and will have a passion for working outdoors in all weathers.
• GCSEs in Maths and English grade 4 or above would be desirable.
• You will be capable of working at height.
• You will be organised, punctual, and reliable.You will understand the importance of excellent customer service.
• You will be able to work successfully both individually and as part of a team.

Staff Benefits
In exchange for your expertise, experience and enthusiasm, we will offer support in continuing your personal and career development, in addition to providing a wide range of employment linked benefits.

We provide you with competitive annual leave and contribute 15% towards the LGPS pension scheme. You will also have access to a range of discounts including local and high street stores, and salary sacrifice schemes including a cycle lease scheme, and ‘Better’ leisure centre membership.

Additional Information
For an informal discussion about the role, please call Matthew Burnell, Greenspaces Trees and Woodlands officer on 01737 276233 or if you have any questions in relation to the Apprenticeship, please contact Martin Furminger, Learning & Organisational Development Business Manager at martin.furminger@reigate-banstead.gov.uk

We are proud to support the guaranteed interview schemes for those meeting the essential criteria for the role, under the Disability Confident employer scheme for disabled candidates, and the ‘Veteran’s scheme’ for ex-armed forces candidates.

Closing date: Sunday 23 February 2025 at 23:59
Interview date: Week commencing Monday 3 March 2025

Values and Behaviours
Our great working environment and the values and behaviours of every individual and team in the Council, help to evolve the culture of our organisation to become more commercial, innovative and embracing of change.

Successful applicants to our career opportunities will be able to demonstrate they share the values and behaviours we seek in our organisation.

To find out ‘Who we are’ as a council please follow the link below:
Who we are | Working here | Reigate and Banstead

Please note: You must not hold an existing qualification at the same or higher level as this apprenticeship in the same or similar subject. If you have extensive knowledge or experience in this occupational area, you may not be eligible to undertake the apprenticeship.

You will need to be over 18 years of age in order to apply for this apprenticeship.