Operative

Location: Polegate (BH) or Maidstone (ME)
Salary: £121-£130 per day (dependent on experience)
Overtime Rates:

• 1.5x standard rate for evening and Saturday shifts
• 2x standard rate for Sunday shifts

Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:00am - 5:00pm (9.5-hour working day)
Flexibility is required to work evenings and weekends when operationally necessary.

About the Role

Our Client is seeking a motivated and safety-conscious Operative to join their team. The successful candidate will be responsible for carrying out a variety of arboricultural and utility vegetation management tasks on-site, ensuring all work is completed safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards.
You will be required to effectively manage your workload, maintain your assigned tools and equipment, follow all safety procedures, and contribute to the smooth operation of site activities. The role involves working both independently and as part of a team under the guidance of a Team Leader.

Key Responsibilities

Task Management

• Carry out a range of arboricultural and site-based tasks safely, efficiently, and to the required quality standards.
• Prioritise and manage workloads effectively, ensuring tasks are completed within agreed timeframes.
• Follow instructions provided by the Team Leader and adapt to changing site priorities when required.

Health, Safety & Risk Management

• Assist with the completion of daily risk assessments and ensure all identified risks are appropriately controlled.
• Take responsibility for complying with all safety procedures, including the inspection and correct use of PPE and assigned equipment.
• Identify and report hazards, near misses, and unsafe practices using the company reporting system (Procore).
• Positively intervene when unsafe behaviours or conditions are observed.
• Attend safety forums and toolbox talks to remain up to date with company procedures and industry best practice.
• Use workplace monitoring equipment, including Reactec systems for HAVs monitoring, where required.
• Ensure work sites are appropriately signed, barriered, and maintained to protect colleagues, customers, and members of the public.

Tooling & Equipment Maintenance

• Maintain responsibility for assigned tools, equipment, and machinery.
• Conduct routine inspections and maintenance checks to ensure compliance and operational readiness.
• Record maintenance activities and inspections on Procore where required.
• Troubleshoot minor equipment issues and arrange escalation for significant defects or repairs.
• Ensure all equipment remains safe, compliant, and fit for purpose.

Problem Solving & Site Support

• Resolve routine site issues using practical judgement and experience.
• Escalate more complex issues promptly to the Team Leader or Supervisor.
• Contribute to efficient site operations by proactively identifying solutions and supporting team objectives.

Documentation & Reporting

• Complete all required site records, inspections, and documentation accurately and within required timescales using Procore.
• Maintain clear, accurate, and professional records of site activities and works completed.

Team Support & Mentoring

• Support new and less experienced operatives through guidance, assistance, and knowledge sharing.
• Promote safe working practices and lead by example.
• Share lessons learned and best practices from safety forums, training, and operational experience.

General Site Duties

• Support the day-to-day running of site operations.
• Maintain a tidy, organised, and safe working environment.
• Ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, on time, and to a high standard.

Customer & Community Focus

• Recognise the impact of works on local communities and customers.
• Conduct all customer interactions professionally and courteously.
• Direct customer enquiries and complaints to the Team Leader or relevant office personnel.
• Represent the company positively at all times.

Essential Qualifications

Arboriculture & Chainsaw Qualifications

• CS30 - Chainsaw Maintenance and Cross-Cutting
• CS31 - Fell and Process Small Trees
• CS38 (or equivalent) - Climb Trees and Perform Aerial Rescue
• CS39 - Use of a Chainsaw from a Rope and Harness
• CS40 - Carry Out Pruning Operations

Utility Arboriculture Qualifications

• UA1 - Basic Electrical Knowledge and Tree Work Awareness
• UA2.1 - Pruning Trees Near Live Power Lines
• UA2.2 - Tree Felling Near Power Lines
• UA2.3 - Aerial Tree Work Near Power Lines

Desirable Qualification

• UA5 - Utility Arboriculture Emergency Tree Work

Skills & Attributes

• Strong commitment to health, safety, and environmental standards.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Good organisational and time management abilities.
• Competent in completing digital site records and reports.
• Positive attitude with a willingness to support and mentor colleagues.
• Professional approach to customer service and community engagement.

This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified Utility Arborist to join a professional team delivering high-quality vegetation management services in the utility sector whilst maintaining the highest standards of safety, workmanship, and customer care.

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