Tree and Landscape Officer

Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire
Three Rivers District Council
Tree and Landscape Officer Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire About Three Rivers District Council Three Rivers District in South West Hertfordshire straddles the north west corner of the M25 on the edge of Greater London. The district is a mixture of beautiful countryside, villages and small towns. The area has a diverse range of sectors and businesses and is a centre for the film industry with Warner Brothers at Leavesden forming part of a studio cluster along with Elstree and Pinewood a short drive away. At a glance – 700 historic assets and 22 conservation areas, 77% of the district is in the Green Belt – 1,914 NNDR registered businesses with the economy providing 39,000 jobs – Very low crime rate – The district ranks highly for business registrations and startups with a highly skilled and trained workforce, high employment levels with GVA and weekly earnings above average The Department: The Tree and Landscape section is based within the Community Services Dept. of the District Council. The section comprises of two Tree & Landscape Officers, who report to the Principal Tree and Landscape Officer who oversees the work of the section. The section also has Community Biodiversity Officer and works closely with the Leisure section within Community Services; Planning Officers within Regulatory services; and colleagues in Legal, Property and Customer Services. The Role: – To assist with all aspects of Tree Preservation Order (TPO) legislation, including their making, confirmation, enforcement and prosecution where appropriate. – To assess and determine tree works applications in respect of TPO protected trees and trees in Conservation Areas and assist with the administration of applications. – To assess and comment on planning applications from a tree and landscape perspective and advise planning officers on tree and landscape matters in accordance with national, regional and local planning policy and best practice guidance, principally the British Standard BS5837. – To investigate and respond to public enquires regarding tree matters within the district, in relation to council owned trees and protected trees. – To undertake site visits to inspect council-owned and protected trees in response to public enquiries. – To assist with tree planting, community planting projects and early years tree maintenance works across the district. – To assist with the management of council-owned trees in healthy and safe condition via the use of a tree management database (Ezytrees) and by specifying works to council-owned trees; and overseeing tree surgery contractors in undertaking works to a high standard. What we are looking for: – You might be a graduate wanting to gain experience; be looking for a change of career; or looking to get back into work after a career break. We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated person, who is keen to learn. This is a full time, permanent post and is a great opportunity for someone with some arboriculture experience who is keen to get experience of a wide range of arboriculture, parks and open space management, urban forestry and biodiversity work. – Must hold a Degree, Diploma or HND in Arboriculture, Urban Forestry, Landscape Architecture, Horticulture or similar equivalent. – Knowledge of statutory tree protection (e.g. TPO & Conservation Area legislation) and a familiarity with the UK planning system. – Experience of undertaking condition assessment or health & safety inspection of trees; and/or specifying and supervising arboricultural works. – Experience of working directly with the public and councillors, within a Local Authority setting would be advantageous. – A valid UK driving licence. – MS Office applications, Intermediate/ advanced Outlook, Word, Outlook/email, Spreadsheets, database etc. – Experience of using ArcGIS, Ezytrees or similar tree survey system. What we offer: £30,151 – £34,723 per annum excluding Local Weighting. We offer an excellent benefits package, including competitive salary, 28 days holiday – rising to 30 days, a generous employer contribution pension scheme, life assurance, flexible working, career development, free onsite parking, cycle-to-work scheme, discounted leisure centre membership, employee volunteering schemes and access to discounted activities and days out. So, if you d like to join us as a Tree and Landscape Officer, please apply via the button shown. This vacancy is being advertised by Webrecruit. The services advertised by Webrecruit are those of an Employment Agency