Job Summary

The Team Leader of the Silvicultural Tree Team supports the Senior Arborist of the Forest Management Section in overseeing all forest management duties associated with KFBG’s ongoing canopy rejuvenation and forest restoration programmes. This involves not only the technical aspects of tree climbing and tree works in line with up-to-date tree work safety standards, but also broader ecological and strategic aspects pertaining to the delivery of ecological and sustainability goals in the context of biodiversity, wood recycling and soil enhancement. As such, the post-holder shall have demonstrable hands-on experience that combines individual tree management skills with an ecologically sound sense for long-term forest management. As such, s/he should possess deep working knowledge of Hong Kong's native tree species to be able to undertake and supervise a range of essential forest management practices, from formative pruning and crown lifting, to canopy thinning, tree removal and replanting, with a view to creating diverse, well-structured woodland habitat. The role has four direct reports to support her/him in this endeavour.

The post-holder must be a clear communicator with excellent interpersonal skills to lead and motivate the team, interact with other colleagues of the Section and Department, and engage and ensure the work quality of landscape contractors. S/he should have a good command of spoken and written Chinese and English. As a significant part of this role involves working on the KFBG hillside throughout the year, the successful candidate must be physically fit (ideally with hiking experience in Hong Kong's countryside) and have a love of the outdoors. Possession of a valid Hong Kong driving license (Class 2) is required.

Major Responsibilities

1. Oversee all aspects of the Silvicultural Tree Team’s operations in conducting routine individual tree care and forest management works:

• • Be fully in charge of the tree team's daily operation and arboricultural duties, including but not limited to tree pruning, climbing, felling, mulching and weeding in a safe manner.
  • Plan and execute various forest management works to facilitate the restoration of native woodland of high ecological integrity by undertaking integrated silvicultural practices; and
  • Undertake tree risk assessments on a case-by-case basis.

2. Oversee the work safety of related tree operations:
   • Provide training to team members and colleagues in other teams to ensure all tree works are in line with up-to-date technical guidelines and standards;
   • Provide guidance and supervision to tree team members on proper procedures and safety in using horticultural and arboricultural equipment such as chainsaws, strimmers, woodchippers, and so on; and
   • Guide tree team members in checking and maintaining horticultural and arboricultural equipment.
3. Supervision of contractors:
   • Supervise landscape and arboriculture contractors to perform their duties to the stipulated standard; and
   • Oversee contractor works (especially in using wood-cutting tools) to ensure they are aligned with appropriate safety standards and procedures.
4. Facilitate FLO's wood recycling programme;

• • Assist in the collection and transportation of woody debris produced in routine tree works for on-site recycling; and
  • Operate woodchippers and wood log splitters to recycle all wood debris as necessary.

5. Other:

• • Handle the Silvicultural Tree Team's administrative work, including written reports, data management, safety records and purchase orders.
  • Participate in activities arranged by KFBG to develop organisational culture.
  • Assist in maintaining a tidy and orderly site, especially with respect to clearing fallen trees and branches after typhoons and heavy rainfall.
  • Serve as a standby driver for the Flora Conservation Department.
  • Perform other duties as requested by management.

Requirements

• • Self-disciplined and self-motivated.
  • Open-minded and willing to share.
  • Collaborative, supportive and encouraging to build team morale and raise the capacity of junior members of the team/department.
  • Clear communicator with excellent interpersonal skills.
  • A love of the outdoors.
  • Valid credential holder of ISA Certified Tree Climber, European Tree Worker or equivalent qualification.
  • Valid credential holder of aerial rescue training and first-aid certificate at recognised institutes.
  • At least three cumulative years of post-qualification hands-on experience in arboriculture tree works is essential, preferably with experience in team management role.
  • Extensive practical rigging and chainsaw usage experience, preferably with relevant training certificates from recognised institutes.
  • Solid hands-on experience in arboriculture and forest management.
  • Familiar with all safety standards related to tree works.
  • Familiar with native species in Hong Kong and good sense of forest management practices.
  • Solid experience in supervising team members as well as landscape contractors.
  • Valid Hong Kong driving license (class 2) is required.

Application Method

Interested parties should send your CV (including list of publications) and cover letter (describing relevant work experience, reasons for interest in the post and expected salary) to the People & Culture, Kadoorie Farm & Botanic Garden Corporation, Lam Kam Road, Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong, or email pnc@kfbg.org