Lead Climber/ Team Leader

Southwark is a vibrant, multicultural borough in the heart of London, known for its rich mix of historic landscapes and modern urban environments. As a council, we are deeply committed to delivering inclusive, customer-focused services and that starts with our people. Join us and help shape a greener, safer Southwark.

Southwark Council’s Tree Services team is growing and we’re looking for two experienced and passionate Lead Climbers / Team Leaders to help deliver high-quality arboricultural services across our vibrant and diverse borough.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a forward-thinking and hands-on service responsible for managing and maintaining trees across Southwark’s parks, highways, housing estates, schools, and more. You’ll be part of a dedicated, skilled team that includes climbers, ground staff, and tree officers and you’ll play a key role in keeping our green infrastructure safe, healthy, and thriving.

As Lead Climber / Team Leader, you’ll be responsible for supervising a small crew, leading on all aspects of tree surgery operations including complex and high-level climbing on large trees. You’ll ensure work is carried out safely and in line with current best practice (BS3998:2010), whilst taking day-to-day responsibility for staff, tools, and site safety.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and carrying out tree surgery and aerial operations

• Supervising the team and allocating daily tasks from the schedule

• Ensuring all health and safety and environmental standards are met

• Operating and maintaining equipment such as chainsaws, chippers, and stump grinders

• Supporting emergency call-out work and reactive operations as required

• Providing informal on-site training and identifying development needs within the team

This is a physically demanding outdoor role — you’ll need to be comfortable working at height, using heavy machinery, and operating in all weathers and environments.

You’ll also be expected to participate in Southwark’s 24-hour emergency call-out rota, including weekends and public holidays, with additional paid hours for out-of-hours work.

We’re seeking motivated and capable professionals with a strong background in arboriculture. You must hold the following essential qualifications:

• NPTC Certificates including:

  • CS30, CS31, CS38, CS39, CS40, CS41

  • Aerial Tree Rigging (003932 Level 3)

  • Use of Chainsaw from a MEWP (002115)

  • PA1 & PA6 (Use and Application of Chemicals)

  • Lantra Chipper (A06) and Stump Grinder (A07)

• First Aid at Work certificate

• A full, clean UK driving licence with C1 + E entitlement

• A nationally recognised arboricultural qualification — or willingness to gain one

In addition, you’ll need to bring:

• Proven experience in climbing and arboricultural operations

• Strong leadership and team management skills

• Good working knowledge of tree species, health and safety legislation, and machinery use

• A customer-focused attitude and the ability to communicate confidently with colleagues and the public

We offer:

• Competitive pay and generous annual leave

• Structured career development and excellent training opportunities

• Full PPE and high-quality equipment

• A supportive environment that promotes health, safety, and progression

Closing date: Sunday 17 August 2025

Interviews: Thursday 28th August 2025

Guaranteed Interview Scheme:

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition

We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together programme. We particularly welcome applications from members of the Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.