Tree and Landscape Officer

**Grade/Salary - ME12 - £40,833-£44-019 per annum inclusive**

**Advert Text**:
Tree & Landscape Officer Officer

Merton, in southwest London, encompasses the areas of Mitcham, Morden and Wimbledon, and has a vibrant, growing population of more than 220,000.

We’re a borough going places, with an exciting and ambitious plan for the future; a raft of community improvements already underway; and some of the best sporting heritage in the world.

Our aim is to generate civic pride, build a sustainable borough for the future, and become London’s first-ever Borough of Sport.
- To be responsible for the coordination and supervision of tree appeals, ensuring the Council compliance with regulations and to submit the eventual statement/completed questionnaire within the prescribed period.
- To initiate, prepare and take forward proposals for new Tree Preservation Orders including surveys and technical drawings.
- To discuss proposals with objectors aiming to resolve the situation as appropriate.
- To be responsible for preparing reports and presenting a case on objections to new Tree Preservation Orders to the Planning Applications Committee and advising Members accordingly.
- To initiate and take enforcement action as necessary in relation to breaches of Tree Preservation Order legislation and to represent the Council in Court where it relates to such matters.
- To advise Enforcement Officers in the enforcement of planning legislation insofar as it relates to trees and landscape matters.
- To manage the appointment of consultants to provide structural engineering reports and/or arboriculture reports as and when required.
- To provide expert advice on arboricultural letters both within the Council and to individuals and external organisations.
- To ensure that statutory and Council policy requirements in relation to tree preservation in conservation areas are met.
- To lead on negotiations with developers where this involves the retention and protection of trees and other landscape areas on development sites.
- To lead in the review and evaluation of planning conditions relating to tree work and to lead on the input to the New Local Plan where it involves planning policies relating to landscaping matters.
- To use IT and other computer software as required and to provide the lead input into new initiatives relating to both of the above in terms of providing improved tree and landscape services to the public.
- To organise and prioritise the work of the Team in accordance with targets including Service Plan targets.
- To ensure that health and safety policies are implemented at all times and to present consents regarding their operation or any other safety matters with the appropriate line manager.
- To keep up-to-date with the changes in techniques on the legislation and guidance relevant to the field of work and to ensure that these are imparted to other Team members.