Tree Officer

To provide an arboricultural service to the Council by delivering the Councils statutory duties in respect of trees and hedgerows as per obligations under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended).

The post supports the provision of resilient tree preservation and management across the wider Council being a key specialism within the planning service.

Giving technical/professional advice to the Council on all aspects relating to tree preservation, woodland management, hedgerow regulations and high hedge complaints.

To support the delivery of the Councils Tree Strategy as an objective of our Climate Emergency Strategy with regards to the current Local Plan and other Local / National Policies

Responsibilities

• Consider and process applications for work to trees covered by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs).
• To write reports and make recommendations in order to ensure consistency and quality, compliance with statutory deadlines and timescales; including preparing for any appeals against a decision of the Council relating to works to trees subject of a TPO.
• Consider and process notifications for works to trees within conservation areas (CA), negotiate with applicants as required and prepare associated technical reports as necessary.
• To prepare new tree preservation orders and update old tree preservation orders as necessary, including surveys, preparation of reports, aspects of objections and the efficient maintenance of records.
• Consider and process notifications for removal of hedgerows in the open countryside and prepare associated technical reports as necessary.
• Support Planning Enforcement in respect of investigations of unauthorised tree works or hedgerow removals.
• Advise on the Council's response in respect of unauthorised works to trees under TPO or within a Conservation Area and where necessary to appear as the Council's technical expert at any inquiry, hearing or court case arising there from.
• When consulted advise on planning applications and discharge of conditions, which can include complex/contentious applications and projects, to achieve the Councils statutory and non-statutory planning functions.
• Prepare reports to present evidence as technical expert through written representation, at hearing and at planning inquiries.
• Prepare and present reports as necessary to committee meetings, officers and public groups.
• Provide arboricultural advice and expert service independently or as part of a multi-disciplinary team to the Council as a whole.
• Advise other departments on the employment of arboricultural consultants and contractors. Provide specialist arboricultural advice as necessary, as part of the preparation of planning policies (through the Statutory Development Plan process) and development briefs to ensure that trees are considered and a high quality of environment is achieved.

Knowledge / Experience / Skills

Knowledge

• Town & Country Planning legislation in relation to trees together with Hedgerow Regulations and High Hedge legislation
• Knowledge of British Standard(s) BS5837:2012 Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction and BS3998:2010 Recommendations for tree work
• Knowledge of relevant Health and Safety legislation
• Ability to accurately identify common species of trees and shrubs

Knowledge of canopy cover / mapping (IT) tools

Experience

• Experience and competency in assessing the health and condition of trees
• IT literate with experience of using word processing, spreadsheets, GIS/map based systems and database packages as well as the internet
• Ability to provide detailed advice across a range of arboricultural issues in a development management/planning environment, including process and procedural matters
• Experience and working knowledge of the local government planning process, including planning enforcement procedures
• Experience and ability of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team

Qualifications / Registrations / Certifications

• HND, ABC Level 4 Diploma in Arboriculture or equivalent, minimum QCF level 3
• Lantra award for Professional Tree Inspection
• Membership of Arboricultural Association

Skills

• Customer focussed approach with a drive for continuous improvement
• Good negotiation skills and the ability to contribute positively to the resolution of issues
• Working under pressure and to strict deadlines, prioritising, organising, and planning own workloads
• Ability to communicate with a range of stakeholders clearly and proactively
• Ability to use influence and persuasion to achieve objectives
• Flexible approach to the working day
• Shares knowledge and expertise with others
• Ability to research relevant topics to remain up to date with current industry best practice, including attaining professional / vocational qualifications

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