Why join us
We believe in putting our people first – we work hard every day to make sure everyone can achieve a healthy and enjoyable work-life-balance. That is why we have a very flexible hours system.
We are seen as being customer focused, approachable and business-like. We are honest and open and are renowned for providing high quality cost-effective service.
South Oxfordshire & The Vale Of White Horse are currently looking to recruit an Assistant Tree Officer. This is an exciting role within a team of 4 where you can expect a supportive environment, helping you to develop your career, progress your qualifications and gain valuable experience within a local authority.
About the role
As the Assistant Tree Officer your role comes with plenty of variability, though your central focus will be in caring for the many established trees subject to statutory protection. Day to day you could be undertaking a variety of functions that include:
- Site specific surveys of varying scales.
- Ad-hoc inspections.
- Building strong working relationships with residents and tree contractors to enable better outcomes.
- Opportunities to educate & engage with the public, Councillors and Council colleagues.
- Consideration of new Tree Preservation Orders.
- Assisting with Enforcement related matters.
- Identifying tree planting opportunities.
You will be expected to manage your own time to enable delivery of work and to take ownership of areas of your work for which there are personal responsibility. Your work will promote the Tree Service and the benefits of trees to residents and stakeholders ensuring a holistic and consistent approach to tree care, building transparency and trust within our communities.
Essential criteria for the role (pull across the most essential qualifications, skills, knowledge and experience, not all of them)
Level 3 Diploma in Arboriculture, or equivalent appropriate professional experience, with a willingness to work towards a Level 4 Diploma in Arboriculture.
You will also need a current clean driving license with daily access to a vehicle insured for business use.
Key responsibilities for the role
- Assist the Councils in their statutory duties and administration of legislation relating to trees protected by Conservation Areas and Tree Preservation Orders. This will include assessing tree work applications and helping to manage the Councils’ TPO portfolios.
- Provide professional arboricultural advice, specifically to all sections of the Council’s Planning Service, but also Town and Parish Councils, contractors, agents and the public.
- Assist in promoting the principles of arboricultural management by providing clear and concise arboricultural reports or statements as required in line with current industry standards and guidance.
- Assist in dealing with consultations from the Forestry Commission relating to Woodland Grant Schemes and Felling Licences whilst keeping appropriate records.
- Provide professional advice on woodland management issues to contractors, external groups and organisations, and the public.
A full list of the duties this role provides, as well as the benefits we offer, can be found within the job description.
Having read about our role, if you are excited by the opportunity, or have any questions and would like an informal discussion, then please contact Ben Morgan (Senior Tree Officer) by email: [email protected].
Please note that we do not hold a sponsor licence and are unable to support visa applications. To be considered for this role, you must already have the legal right to work in the UK. If you are unsure about your eligibility, please refer to the UK Government’s guidance before applying.
Thank you for taking the time to read our advert, we look forward to receiving your application.