About the job

Syon Park is 200 acres of secret countryside hidden in West London.  It is both an historic landscape, much of which was laid out by Capability Brown, and a thriving collection of diverse businesses. The Estate has been the London home of the Dukes of Northumberland since 1596 and successive generations have built up a collection of over 400 tree species, a collection which is still being developed today. In addition to the arboretum there is the famous Great Conservatory, a couple of eighteenth-century lakes, parkland grazed by cattle and the only un-embanked section of the tidal Thames which provides us with the Tide Meadow Site of Special Scientific Interest.  

There is a lot of variety in this post – no two days are the same - and the successful applicant must be willing and able to cover a wide range of operations, using a variety of machinery.  The post holder will need to be motivated and capable of working flexibly and safely as a member of a small team.  

The post holder will be encouraged to use their own initiative, and good ideas are always welcomed. Professional development is encouraged and training will be provided.  The role will cover all aspects of general estate work, but with an emphasis on the hands-on management of trees at Syon.  

General Estate Tasks  

• Carrying out a range of general estate maintenance tasks including fencing, strimming, and pesticide application. 

• Carrying out a range of arboricultural activities, including chipping and aerial works from a MEWP as well as day to day maintenance of the tree collection. 

• Maintaining a range of grass and turf ranging from hay meadows and parkland through to flower meadows and fine lawns.  

• Working with the Gardens Team on a range of general gardening operations.  

• Working with and supporting other departments across the whole estate. 

Machinery  

• Operating a range of machinery including tractors, PTO mounted implements, trailers, mowers, a Hinowa 17.75 MEWP, and a wide variety of horticultural and agricultural equipment.   

• Operating and maintaining a range of chainsaws and other arboricultural equipment. 

• Assisting with the routine maintenance of machinery  

The successful applicant will:  

• Need to have an interest in, and experience of, estate, countryside and tree work 

• Need to have a good level of arboricultural experience and expertise 

• Work closely with his/her colleagues at all levels and across departments 

• Have opportunities for professional development and should be willing to learn  

• Be encouraged to initiate and develop projects  

• Be fully involved in the health and safety process and in maintaining a safe workplace 

• Be involved in the assessment of priorities and the development of plans for the future of the gardens, parkland and fishery lake as a sustainable, ecologically valuable historic landscape.  

Essential qualifications and experience:  

• A full UK driving licence  

• Chainsaw qualification to CS30 + 31 or QCF equivalents  

• Experience of working with chainsaws, chippers and other arboricultural equipment 

• Experience of carrying out arboricultural operations, including at height 

• Experience of working with tractors and other machinery  

• A general knowledge of gardening and tree care 

Desirable qualifications and experience:  

• FEPA qualification to PA1/PA6 or equivalent  

• Experience of tree management and basic tree inspections  

• IPAF or similar qualification for use of MEWP 

• A first aid qualification 

• An interest in conservation and countryside management 

General information 

• This is a full-time post and may involve working weekends and some evenings.   

• Syon offers a friendly and flexible working environment, with excellent opportunities for learning and staff development.  We also offer a generous company pension, 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and the opportunity to purchase an additional five days, all in a unique working environment.   

Benefits Offered

Accommodation can be provided on site free of rent, council tax and water rates 

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About the Company

Earl Percy Southern Estates

Syon Park is 200 acres of secret countryside hidden in West London. It is both an historic landscape, much of which was laid out by Capability Brown, and a thriving collection of diverse businesses. The Estate has been the London home of the Dukes of Northumberland since 1596 and successive generations have developed a collection of over 400 tree species, a collection which is still being developed today. In addition to the arboretum there is the famous Great Conservatory, a couple of eighteenth century lakes, parkland grazed by cattle and the only un-embanked section of the tidal Thames which provides us with the Tide Meadow Site of Special Scientific Interest.