Closing date: Friday 31st March 2023
Salary: Up to £23,100.00 Per Annum, Plus Desirable Benefits
Full Time, Permanent Position
The Arboriculture Department at Howletts Wild Animal Park and Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve have a vacancy for a permanent, full-time Arborist.
About the Role:
The role involves maintenance, both routine and emergency, to the trees and woodland areas within the two wild animal parks as well as off-site woodlands. You will identify hazardous trees and the cause of the problem and provide action plans where required on how to deal with the issues found and oversee works.
Key duties will include:
• Provide aerial rescue support to other team members whilst they are working in the trees
• Carry out tree pruning using both hand saws and chainsaws from a rope and harness
• Assist with the clearance of arisings from tree work
• Produce timber products such as logs and planks from felled trees
• Identify potential animal fodder from arisings and provide to animal departments as appropriate
• Process timber as required by senior team members
• Clear up site after tree work is completed
• Have a willingness to learn new skills, improve knowledge and undertake continuous professional development
• Pass on skills and knowledge to other members of the team, especially trainee arborists, to improve team performance. To supervise trainee arborists as and when required but specifically in the absence of the Team Leader
• Maintain tools and equipment to a safe and usable condition
The Person:
• We are looking for an experienced arborist who is motivated and enthusiastic.
• You will have a willingness to learn from other members of the team, undertaking training where available and an ability to work with range of arboriculture and horticultural tools and equipment.
• The successful candidate will be able to deputise for the Arboriculture Team Leader when they are not available.
• A valid driving licence is essential as you will be required to drive company vehicles around the parks and between sites.
• You must have a minimum of three full years’ experience and hold NPTC CS 30/31/32/38/39 or equivalent, First Aid at work certificate.
• A NPTC CS40 & 41 or equivalent, MEWP operators’ certificate, trailer towing licence and experience using tractors & trailers and PTO driven chipper is desirable, however full training will be provided.
Contract details:
Working hours are 40 hours per week, worked 7:30am - 4:00pm five days out of seven. Some overtime will be required. All applicants must have right to work in the UK.
The location:
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is a world-renowned wild animal park set within 600 acres of Kentish savannah. The Reserve is home to some of the world’s most rare and endangered animals and offers luxury short breaks accommodation, free roaming animal safaris, once-in-a-lifetime animal encounters and exquisite dining experiences. Our sister park, Howletts Wild Animal Park is located near Canterbury and set within 90 acres of land. Howletts is home to over 300 rare and endangered species, including Kents only giant anteaters, the largest herd of African elephants in the UK, and more gorillas, leopards and monkeys than any zoo in the county!
Most importantly, every one of our employees is part of real conservation in action and their efforts have contributed to animals such as black rhino and western lowland gorillas being returned to their natural habitats in collaboration with our partners at The Aspinall Foundation.
Why you should join us:
As well as walking to work surrounded by the calls of Howler monkeys and the roars from our pride of Lions, you will also join a supportive team who are passionate about their place of work.
You can also expect a host of other benefits including:
• 28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays, rising with length of service.
• Comprehensive training and development opportunities, including workshops and e-learning
• Enhanced Sickness, Maternity and Paternity Policies.
• Unlimited free entry for you and a person of your choice into both of our parks as well as friends and family tickets.
• Exceptional discounts on food, retail and accommodation at our parks.
• Numerous retail discounts and access to a 24-hour counselling line through our Healthy Extras Scheme.
And many more length or service-related rewards and Benefits
To apply: Please use the form below or email a CV along with a covering email detailing current salary and expectations to davids@aspinallfoundation.org
