Tree Climber – Rail (TfL Network)

Lanes Group; Gillingham; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading arborist service provider is seeking experienced Tree Climbers to join their team in Gillingham. You'll be responsible for vegetation management on the TfL network, performing duties such as climbing, pruning, and complying with safety standards. Ideal candidates have relevant arborist qualifications and experience within the rail industry. This position offers competitive benefits including 21 days holiday and training opportunities.

Benefits

21 days holiday

Pension scheme

Free car parking

Regular training

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Tree Climber/Arborist, ideally within the rail industry.
• NPTC/LANTRA qualifications including CS30/201.
• Strong understanding of Health & Safety and environmental legislation.

Responsibilities

• Carry out climbing operations and aerial cutting to prune trees.
• Undertake vegetation clearance and maintenance works along the railway.
• Operate climbing and chainsaw equipment, ensuring compliance with legislation.

Skills

Tree climbing

Rigging techniques

Chainsaw operation

Health & Safety knowledge

Communication skills

Education

NPTC/LANTRA qualifications

Full UK Driving Licence

Tools

Chainsaw

Climbing equipment

Wood chipper

Job description

Overview

We are looking for experienced Tree Climbers to join our team working on vegetation management projects across the Transport for London (TfL) network. This is a hands-on role carrying out tree works in a rail environment, requiring safe climbing and rigging techniques as well as strict adherence to railway safety standards.

This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled arborist with rail experience to be part of a dedicated team keeping the railway safe and operational.

Responsibilities

• Carry out climbing operations, aerial cutting, rigging, and lowering techniques to safely dismantle or prune trees in line with industry and rail standards.
• Undertake vegetation clearance, tree felling, and maintenance works along the railway corridor.
• Work safely within the TfL rail environment, complying with all Rule Book, Sentinel, and site access requirements.
• Ensure all works are completed to a high standard, with an emphasis on safety, efficiency, and environmental awareness.
• Operate and maintain climbing and chainsaw equipment, ensuring tools are checked, serviced, and compliant with relevant legislation and rail requirements.
• Complete daily risk assessments, site inspections, and safety briefings.
• Support colleagues on the ground, including rope management, lowering, and processing of cut timber and arisings.
• Maintain clear communication with the site supervisor, client representatives, and colleagues to ensure smooth delivery of works.
• Work flexibly during night shifts, weekends, and rail possession/blockade windows as required.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Tree Climber/Arborist, ideally within the rail industry.
• NPTC/LANTRA qualifications, including CS30/201 (Chainsaw maintenance & cross cutting).
• CS31/202 (Felling small trees).
• CS38/206 & 306 (Aerial tree rescue).
• CS39/308 (Aerial cutting with a chainsaw using free-fall techniques).
• PTS (Personal Track Safety) / Sentinel card – essential.

Additional qualifications desirable:

• MEWP (IPAF)
• Wood chipper
• Brushcutter/strimmer
• First Aid +F (Forestry)

• Strong understanding of Health & Safety and environmental legislation.
• Physically fit, with the ability to work at height and in all weather conditions.
• Full UK Driving Licence (no more than 6 penalty points).

Benefits

• 21 days holiday
• Pension scheme and death-in-service benefit
• Free car parking
• Regular training and refresher courses to maintain competencies and safety standards

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from under-represented members of the community.

Strictly no agencies please