Senior Arboricultural Officer

Reporting to the Development Management Operations Manager the successful applicant willassistthe Council in meeting its corporateobjectivesand statutory obligations for work affecting trees in relation to delivery of the Councils planning function.

As case officer for applications relating to work on protected trees takeresponsibility for the processing of tree applications (which are usually dealt with under delegated authority) and acting as the point of contact for the public.

Responding to the Development Management (DM) teams consultationsgiving expert opinion on tree matters on planning applications including large-scale projects and at appeal. Providing advice to the DM teamregardinglandscaping proposalssubmittedas part of planning applications.

The investigation of alleged breaches of tree protection legislation and in liaison with the Councils Legal Service to provide expert witness evidence in cases leading to prosecution.

Responsibility for overseeing the making of new Tree Preservation Orders including the review of old area orders and the preparation of reports in response to objections. Dealing with the administration of formal complaints under the High Hedges legislation.

About the team:

The post is one of two senior Arboricultural officer positions that sit within the Development Management Team. The postholder willreport to theDevelopment Management Operations team are part of the Councils Planning serviceand arewithin the Place and Digital Planning Department

About you:

You will have aRecognisedarboriculturalqualification such as theArboriculturalAssociations Technicians Certificate in Arboriculture and will have eligibility for membership of theArboriculturalAssociation.

You will have a thorough knowledge of tree condition assessment fault diagnosis and safetyand anunderstanding of current planning legislation as it relates to will also have excellent communication skills including the ability to write clear and concise reports as well as good organisational skills including the ability to prioritise work and meet addition youwill be able to work as part of a teamto deliver corporateobjectives.

Shortlisting criteria:

• Recognisedarboriculturalqualification such as theArboriculturalAssociations Technicians Certificate in Arboriculture and will have eligibility for membership of theArboriculturalAssociation.

• At least three years experience post qualification including a minimum of two years experience in a professional capacity

• thorough knowledge of tree condition assessment faultdiagnosisand safety

• understanding of current planning legislation as it relates to trees.

• An understanding of tree issues in relation to construction

• Excellent communication skills including the ability to write clear and concise reports

• General competence in use of IT

• Good organisational skills including the ability to prioritise work and meet deadlines

Employee Benefits:

• Annual leave entitlement of 23 daysrising to30 days(maximum) in line with continuous service

• Flexi time scheme with the opportunity to take up to 2 days flexi leave per month

• Local Government Pension Scheme

• Employee AssistanceProgramme

• Enhanced maternitypaternityand adoption leave

• Discountedleisure gym membership and free swimming

• Season ticket loans

• Cycle to work scheme

• Free eye tests

• Retail discount scheme

What we will need from you:

• Documentary evidence that you are eligible to work in the UK

• References from your two most recent employers coveringat least 3 years

• Completion of a medical questionnaire and declaration

• A full drivers license
• Evidence of relevant professional qualification(s)

Closing date:

• 11 May 2026 - 23:55pm

Interview date(s)

• W/c 18 May 2026

Who to contact:

For an informal discussion about the role please contactDan Freeland Development Management Operations Manager().

We are happy to consider reasonable adjustmentsas part ofthe recruitment process.