You will lead the provision of Arboricultural expertise to Maintenance teams and Works Delivery within the Shrewsbury Delivery Unit, with your job being based out of the Shrewsbury or Hereford depot. You will provide support and guidance to integrate the Network Rail Environment Policy and environment management systems to deliver legislative compliant projects and to contribute to continuous improvement in environment management. You will work closely with the Ecology team when working with trees and their associated protected species and will use your expertise to manage effectively for the future, the tree stock across the north and mid-Wales Network, at all times looking to ensure no net loss and provide gains for biodiversity, that align with Network Rail’s ambition to run a reliable and biodiverse railway.

Main responsibilities

• Undertake a range of railway infrastructure arboriculture projects, notably survey expertise of the North and mid-Wales network
• Oversee the specialist arboriculture advice and guidance to site managers, engineers, planners and others associated with the undertaking and completion of surveys led by yourself or the Ecology team, whom you will work closely with
• Liaise with senior managers to establish and programme the remit for the route national tree survey and database
• Provide clear and concise management recommendations to ensure the tree stock remains viable and reduces risk to an operational railway, whilst maintaining habitat connectivity
• Respond to third party complaints, working closely with the maintenance project coordinator to ensure effective third-party engagement and the best outcome for adjacent tree stocks
• Lead the provision of regular project updates and deliver progress reports including, risks and issues, to the relevant project / programme management team
• Write clear, concise surveys, map target notes, and have the ability to compile vegetation management scoping documents in line with the relevant Network Rail standards and suitable for the Contracts & Procurement tendering purposes
• Liaise with the Environmental Specialist team on project surveys and agree appropriate mitigation strategies to comply with current legislation for protected species and habitats
• Direct the completion of data analysis from survey results to time lag works.
• Lead the liaison process for tree removal with statutory bodies, local authorities and third parties
• Support the production of periodic business reporting
• Have a willingness to support the Ecology team where necessary and upskill in protected species surveys related to trees
• Requirement to undertake PIC/COSS training to fulfil the job requirements.

You will ideally have

• Experience in delivering projects to a specified timescales and within agreed budget parameters
• Experience in managing teams to deliver within prescribed timescales
• Experience in interpreting and presenting gathered survey data and delivering Arboriculture reports that fulfil the varied remits
• Knowledge of rail maintenance delivery process and techniques for vegetation removal
• Good interpersonal, influencing, communication and organisation skills and be a task orientated leader
• Comprehensive field experience and knowledge of British Standards
• A relevant qualification in arboriculture i.e. National Certificate of Arboriculture or Royal Forestry Society Diploma or Level 3 City & Guilds
• In-depth experience of Arboricultural practice within the railway environment is essential
• Demonstrable knowledge of the identification and implications of structural weakness, decay, pest diseases and the effects of tree root systems on rail infrastructure and adjoining land
• Working knowledge of CDM Regulations
• Railway competencies such as COSS/IWA or assessed as medically fit to carry out these duties.

What could set you apart

• Knowledge and experience of operational railway environment
• Knowledge of ISO 14001 Environmental Management Standard
• Professional Diploma in Arboriculture hosted by Royal Forestry Society (or equivalent ABC Level 6 Professional Diploma)
• Membership of a relevant professional body / Chartered Forester or Chartered Arboriculturist
• Experience attending client/stakeholder meetings and working with multi-disciplinary teams
• Full UK driving licence
• A good working knowledge of Network Rail IT systems and mapping tools.