Tree Officer

Tree Officer (P01913)

**Do you love the New Forest and being outdoors?**

We have a great opportunity to work in the New Forest where you can contribute to climate change, our carbon footprint and the protection of our tree stock.

**Below are the required criteria for the role, see if it fits/suits/excites you.**

You will be responsible for the assessment of the Councils tree stock, prioritising and managing the removal and replanting of trees including the affected by ash dieback disease.

You will follow NFDC’s ash dieback action plan, Tree Strategy, and national guidance to implement a programme to survey and carry out works to mitigate risk and manage the replacement planting.

**Want your day to have variety?**

You will daily complete in-depth and detailed assessments, inspections, and investigations to identify appropriate assets and the risk they pose, collect data on tree conditions, and make appropriate management decisions.

You will liaise with our contractor on works you have allocated and checking their standards of work (using 10% check forms) and will be involved in contractor meetings (audit requirement).

It is essential that you ensure that the Council meets it obligations in law and provides an environment that is safe and pleasant to live in.

You will be responsible for advising on the implications of ash dieback, tree stock and invasive species under the Occupiers Liability Act, and negotiating and making decisions with private landowners, and other agencies/representatives in order to minimise risk to Council Land, with due consideration for conservation and ecology in mind, and aiming to enhance the environment.

**Qualification/experience required for the role.**
- Relevant qualifications and training in arboriculture at a minimum of Level 4 and/or proven experience working in the risk assessment and management of trees.
- Knowledge of, or experience in identifying Ash Dieback, also known as Chalara (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus).
- Knowledge of and/or a history of working with Ezytreev data systems, is desirable.
- Up to date knowledge of relevant arboricultural British Standards and Health and Safety Executive requirements for tree related operations and risk assessment criteria is desirable.
- A good practical knowledge of tree species and identification of associated pathogens, defects etc together with their impact on tree safety.

A full Clean UK driving licence is required (van supplied). Knowledge of the local area is desirable.

A basic DBS and pre-employment health check is a requirement for this post.

**What’s in it for you?**
- £26,980 - £35,030 per annum
- 24 - 27 days annual leave (plus an additional 5 days after 5 years’ service)
- Local Government Pension scheme
- On-site parking
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Hybrid working
- Wide range of employee discounts at high street retailers, including supermarkets, stores, and restaurants
- Cycle to Work scheme which could save you around 40% on cycles and accessories

**About us**:
With our head office based in Lyndhurst in the heart of the stunning New Forest National Park, the Council is an excellent place to work and thrive. We work together to provide a wide range of highly valued services to our community. We are working on some exciting and pioneering initiatives and projects, including tackling climate change, supporting the Solent Freeport (to unlock significant investment, create thousands of new jobs and level up our important coastal communities), promoting regeneration of our Town Centres and an exciting fresh approach to modern and innovate working through our Transformation Programme

What we can also offer is a great place to work and a great team to work with, in an environment that will include the opportunity to work remotely as well as office-based, with flexible working hours around business needs. We believe that all employees make a valuable contribution to the work of the council and that is why we encourage a trusting and open culture where each employee is supported and respected equally, ideas are actively sought, and self-development promoted.

**Salary**: £26,980.00-£35,030.00 per year

Work Location: In person

Reference ID: P01913