Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Forestry Team and manage tree-related duties and legislation.
- Company: Join South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils, shaping the future environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary and work in a supportive, proactive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local communities and the environment while collaborating with diverse professionals.
- Qualifications: Experience in arboriculture, strong communication skills, and knowledge of planning legislation required.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor and lead a team of Tree Officers.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 51000 £ per year.
Senior Tree Officer Salary: £51,005 to £56,821 per year Hours: Full time, Permanent South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse District Councils are seeking an experienced and qualified arborist to lead the council’s Forestry Team. This is an exciting and varied role working with a team of specialist advisers who are helping to shape the future environment of southern Oxfordshire. The role involves working alongside a multi-disciplinary team including Ecologists, Heritage Officers, Urban Designers and Landscape Architects. You will need a wide range of technical and management experience working within the arboricultural industry, ideally as a consultant or tree officer, with knowledge and understanding of the Town and Country Planning Act and the planning process. A sound understanding of the practical side of arboriculture is also key. Being a team player with good communication and leadership skills is essential, as the role also involves the line management of 3 other Tree Officers working within a busy Planning Service. Duties will include: • To be the council’s lead tree professional, responsible for the range of statutory arboricultural duties and legislation relating to the protection of trees. • Working with the other senior officers to provide consistent and coordinated professional arboricultural advice to planning officers, planning agents, architects, consultants and councillors on a wide range of development proposals, including large strategic sites and infrastructure projects. • To line manage the tree officers, including performance management, monitoring, coaching, and mentoring. • To provide arboricultural reports, statements and evidence, acting as an expert witness representing the council at committee meetings, cabinet meetings, appeal hearings, public inquiries and court appearances. • To raise public awareness of trees, tree legislation and best practice by providing training for council officers, councillors, town and parishes and other community groups. If you have a positive team working approach as well as the knowledge and experience, this is an excellent opportunity to use your skills in a supportive and proactive working environment. Application Closing Date: 6th August 2025 (midnight) REF-(phone number removed)
Senior Tree Officer employer: South and Vale District Councils
Contact Detail:
South and Vale District Councils Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Tree Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the arboricultural field. Attend industry events, workshops, or seminars where you can meet other arborists and tree officers. Building relationships with people already in the field can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the Town and Country Planning Act and local planning processes. Understanding the legal framework and how it applies to tree management will not only enhance your knowledge but also demonstrate your commitment to the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills by volunteering for team projects or initiatives in your current role. Highlighting your experience in managing teams and mentoring others will be crucial, as this position involves line management of other Tree Officers.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with public engagement and awareness campaigns. Since part of the role involves raising public awareness about trees and legislation, having examples of how you've successfully communicated complex information to diverse audiences will set you apart.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Tree Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in arboriculture, particularly any roles as a consultant or tree officer. Emphasise your knowledge of the Town and Country Planning Act and your management experience.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for trees and the environment. Mention specific examples of your leadership skills and how you've successfully managed teams in the past.
Highlight Technical Skills: In your application, be sure to detail your technical skills related to arboriculture. Include any certifications or training that demonstrate your expertise and understanding of statutory duties and legislation.
Showcase Communication Abilities: Since the role requires good communication skills, provide examples of how you've effectively communicated with various stakeholders, such as planning officers, architects, and community groups.
How to prepare for a job interview at South and Vale District Councils
✨Showcase Your Arboricultural Expertise
Make sure to highlight your technical knowledge and experience in arboriculture. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on, particularly those that involved collaboration with other professionals like ecologists or urban designers.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As this role involves line management of other Tree Officers, it's crucial to convey your leadership abilities. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams, mentored colleagues, or handled performance management in previous roles.
✨Understand Relevant Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the Town and Country Planning Act and other relevant legislation. Be ready to discuss how you have applied this knowledge in past roles, especially in relation to statutory duties and tree protection.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in arboricultural projects and how you resolved them, particularly in a planning context.
