Centralscot

CNJ Tree Services are looking for another climber to join the team. Due to a sharp increase in demand we have a new tipper truck and tracked chipper en route and we are looking to build another self sufficient squad. Our workload is a mixture of domestic, commercial and private estates. We do not currently do any railway or powerline work. We get our share of nice hardwood dismantles, big crown reductions, clearances and all the glory stuff...... But we are in Scotland so we also go out conifer bashing just like everyone else! We are well kitted and have a variety of work. We own a MEWP, are running very new Isuzu grafter tippers, and several Forst 8" chippers. Our current squad are a polite and hard working bunch and I am looking for someone to fit in with our crew. Pay rates are £150 per day for sub contractors, or £120 per day on PAYE. All staff on the books will accrue pension/holiday pay. We cover the Glasgow area and Stirlingshire. Our yard is based in Fintry (G63). The following tickets are essential 1) Aerial rescue + Chainsaw from rope and harness 2) CS32 (301) felling and processing trees over 380mm 3) Trailer experience and B+E towing

Looking for a saw operator for an estate woodland job near Stirling. Job will offer two consistent days per week with the odd ad-hoc extra day. Starting in September and phase one will last a month. Job spec: Phase one- clearing hung up windblown trees and tidying up an estate woodland. Operator will need their own saw/wedges/felling lever. I can provide everything else (winches, quad bike & trailer. Must have windblow ticket (CS35/ NPTC 302) There is scope here for more on-going work in this woodland for the right person. Callum 07775351516

Thanks for the tip

Hi All, Looking for work, preferably on a sub-contractor basis, in Central Belt Scotland. I live just outside Stirling area. 32yrs old, have worked with chainsaws for many years on woods at home. Decided last year that I wanted to go and get my tickets in order to pursue work in the arb sector. I'm physically fit, and I have experience climbing/taking down trees on family ground. Not shy of grafting in all weathers. I have recently completed the following. -Maintenance & operation, Fell and Process Small trees (CS30/31) - Fell and process trees over 380mm diameter (CS32) - Severing Uprooted or windblown trees using a chainsaw (CS35) I have my B+E trailer license, and I own a large van. Lots of experience pulling trailers. Van is not sign written, so if I turn up at your job I won't be advertising myself! Quite mechanically minded too, I would describe myself as a hobby mechanic. Not shy of oily hands if something needs sorted. I currently work in a public facing role, well experienced in dealing with people/customers on a daily basis. Currently have a decent Husky 365, and a small Stihl saw for light work. Also have quite a bit of climbing kit, although I am still waiting to get those tickets sorted. I have my aerial rescue course booked for April time, and all going well I will get on the aerial cutting course ASAP too. Work wise I am very open-minded. I just want to get on the saw. If you've made it this far then thanks for reading!

Thanks everyone think I’ve got a Fair enough idea of how/what to do. I’ll go get some tickets, and then make contact with local guys and explain where I’m at and see if that works for any of them.

This is sort of what I was expecting. In terms of fitness, I’m quite athletic and I like climbing trees. I also love figuring out how to deal with a tree. At the moment I am probably the guy that annoys pro arbs (no tickets, no training). I just have a Couple saws, ropes, grit and YouTube! The major difference is that at the moment I can fanny around and do stuff at a “Sunday pace”. I’m quite sure my body would take a beating if I start doing in on a commercial basis. but nothing I can’t manage. I’ve always been, and still am, athletic. ideal situation would be if I could contract myself into a situation where I could work with/around the big guys doing big trees 2 days a week and learn/absorb it all. At the same time I could still Locum myself out in current role. And then when at a level that it’s financially viable I could move across. Or alternatively quit if it turns out I’m a pussy lol!!

Thanks for the insight.

Mark Bolam. Thanks for the feedback. Yes, and unfortunately I am totally one of those guys. I currently make a good living, but I’m in the odd position where something I am really good at isn’t something that I am enjoying so much anymore. And the thought of committing another 20 years career to it isn’t very satisfying. I’m not so worried short term being on smaller wages. My bigger concern is the sort of time frame to be getting up the ladder and on to fair wages/ day rates. I learn fast. And I work hard. If I can progress on to a better wage around the 12 month mark it’s very manageable. If it would take 2 years that would be much harder to manage. As you say, bills are bills and I have a family at home.

Big J....... would that be based on a self employed guy going in contracting, or is that the going rate for employed folks doing forestry work?

All noted!

for sure. I couldn’t afford to just stop current job completely and then cross fingers for a successful career in arb. I’d need to drift across. out of interest, why would you avoid forestry work?

Fair comment. Can totally appreciate the concern. Personally I wouldn’t expect someone to “put me through” a load of tickets and then just disappear to do my own thing. I’m of the mindset that it’s a small world and it’s best not to burn bridges like that. I would hope that someone would invest time/energy into me to help develop My craft in return for a solid graft. And hopefully a decent working relationship. I don’t know how easy it is to get in the door with any local folks. As yet I have no network. I’m hoping that when I start doing tickets I may make some connections. Lots to figure out!

Thanks for the input. yea I think some part time work to get experience/exposure would be sensible. I’ll likely need to get a couple of tickets first so I can get my foot in.

Hi folks. looking for a bit of perspective from experienced climbers/tree surgeons. What’s the job market like in central scotland? I am an early thirty something living in Stirlingshire with a good job in the healthcare sector. I am strongly considering a career change and I’m keen on getting into tree surgery. My father was an arborist, and I’ve worked at home with saws for years. Also enjoy climbing. I currently have zero tickets, but I am in a position where I could try to “blast” through them all back to back. all that being said, what is the job market like in central scotland for someone needing to get started out? Particularly a mature learner! I am nervous of going into a career if work availability is slim. My aspirations are to get up with the serious climbers, but I am well aware I must learn from the ground up. TIA