Arboricultural Officer

An exciting opportunity has opened for an enthusiastic and knowledgeable Arboricultural Officer to help us help conserve, manage and shape the green infrastructure of Kirklees and support the delivery of the Council’s ambitious plans to enhance its natural heritage.  

Kirklees is a diverse part of West Yorkshire with a rich and varied natural environment, spread across the former mill towns and villages of the Colne, Holme, Calder and Spen valleys and extensive areas of Pennine countryside bordering the Peak District National Park. The Council has ambitious plans to develop the tree coverage across the district, while supporting its sustainable growth and maintaining its existing green assets.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced colleague, with a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Tree protection and management practice, TPO legislation, Planning policy guidance and Tree-protection related case law. As Arboricultural Officer you will be responsible for carrying out surveys and assessments for Tree Work applications and the making of Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs), as well as providing advice in relation to development discussions and Planning applications.

You will be part of a team of customer-focused specialists, reporting to the Team Leader for Conservation, Design, Ecology and Trees, working, alongside the existing Arboricultural Officer. You will take responsibility for your own Tree Works caseload and provide expert advice to colleagues on developments affecting trees, as well as helping manage the planned programme of Tree Preservation Order reviews. 

To be considered for this role it is essential that you have the following:

• A relevant qualification in Arboriculture or related subject, and/or experience in the field and experience of dealing with Tree Works in relation to Development Management.
• Some experience in administering planning controls and regulations in relation to trees.
• Good knowledge of Planning law, policy and procedures relating to trees.
• Strong IT skills to support working with packages such as Word, Excel, and Access, as well as specific IT packages.
• Good written communication skills to be able to produce clear reports and documentation.
• The ability to work well under pressure and manage competing priorities, meet tight deadlines, maintain a customer-focussed outlook and enjoy working within a small supportive team.

For an informal, confidential discussion regarding this position please contact: Nick Grimshaw. Team Leader Conservation, Design, Ecology & Trees. Kirklees Council. Growth & Regeneration Directorate.

t.01484 221000       

m.07968 794270

In order to be shortlisted for this role, you will need to highlight how you fit the Person Specification found in the Job Profile.