- Trainee Tree Surgeon
- Newton Abbot, South West (United Kingdom)
- Full Time
- £26,000 – £29,000 (GBP)
About the job
Trainee Tree Surgeon jobs in Devon
The Role
As a Trainee Arborist, you will work alongside experienced arborists and grounds staff, learning the practical and professional skills needed for a successful career in tree work.
Your work will vary and may include:
- Assisting with tree surgery, pruning, dismantling and grounds maintenance work.
- Supporting climbing teams and qualified arborists on site.
- Using and maintaining equipment safely, following training and company procedures.
- Assisting with site set-up, traffic and pedestrian management, brash handling and woodchip operations.
- Developing tree identification, tree biology, safe-working and customer-service knowledge.
- Working on domestic, commercial, local-authority sites throughout the South West.
- Building towards relevant industry qualifications, subject to progress and training plans.
This is a practical, outdoor role. You will need to be reliable, physically capable, willing to learn and comfortable working in a team in all typical weather conditions.
Training and Progression
We offer genuine career progression for the right person. You do not need to hold all arboricultural qualifications when you apply; what matters most is a positive attitude, commitment, good work ethic and a desire to develop in the industry.
You will have access to:
- Structured on-the-job learning with experienced members of our team.
- Continuing professional development and recognised industry training.
- Opportunities to gain practical chainsaw, climbing, aerial rescue and other relevant qualifications.
- Support from our in-house consultancy team for those interested in expanding their tree knowledge beyond practical tree work.
- Career pathways into roles such as Groundsperson, Climbing Arborist, Team Leader, Plant Operator, Arb Surveyor or consultancy-based work, depending on your interests and development.
The commonly recognised qualification route includes chainsaw maintenance and cross-cutting (Units 201/202), felling and processing trees up to 380mm (Unit 203), rope-and-harness access (Unit 206), aerial rescue (commonly Unit 306) and aerial chainsaw use (Unit 308).
Preferred Skills
What We’re Looking For
Essential:
- A genuine interest in arboriculture, tree work and outdoor practical work.
- A positive attitude and willingness to learn.
- Good timekeeping, reliability and the ability to work as part of a team.
- A strong commitment to health, safety and professional standards.
- Physical fitness appropriate for an outdoor, manual role.
- A full UK driving licence, or the ability to work towards obtaining one.
Desirable but not essential:
- Previous experience in tree work, forestry, landscaping, grounds maintenance, construction or other outdoor work.
- Units 201/202 — chainsaw maintenance and cross-cutting.
- Unit 203 — felling and processing trees up to 380mm.
- Unit 206 — accessing a tree using a rope and harness.
- Unit 306 — aerial tree rescue.
- Unit 308 — aerial cutting of trees using a chainsaw.
- Woodchipper, MEWP, first-aid, towing or other relevant industry qualifications.
Applicants with no formal arboricultural qualifications are encouraged to apply if they can demonstrate the right attitude, enthusiasm and commitment to developing a career in the industry.
Equality and Inclusion
Devon Tree Services is an equal-opportunities employer. We value equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from all sections of society.
Apply
If you would like to begin a career in arboriculture with a professional, supportive and growing business, we would like to hear from you.
Benefits Offered
What We Offer
- Competitive salary, based on experience, qualifications and ability.
- A full-time role of 40 hours per week.
- Overtime opportunities for those who wish to volunteer for additional work.
- 28 days’ annual leave per year, including bank holidays.
- Entrance into our League of Legends awards competition
- Pension scheme.
- Full uniform and PPE provided.
- NHS Top-Up Plan following successful completion of the probationary period.
- Ongoing training, qualifications and professional development.
- A supportive team culture where good performance, reliability and development are recognised and rewarded.
- Varied work for respected clients across Devon and the wider South West.
- Employee Loyalty Reward