Trees and Landscape Officer

Help shape a greener, safer Richmond upon Thames as a Trees & Landscape Officer. Join our dedicated team managing the borough’s trees and delivering the Council’s statutory arboricultural services. You’ll carry out tree condition surveys, prepare work specifications, and support effective contractor management. You’ll play a key role in planning and protection—assessing Tree Work Applications, administering Tree Preservation Orders, and undertaking enforcement when required. Your expertise will support residents and colleagues as you respond to enquiries and attend emergency callouts to keep the public safe. You’ll also contribute to expanding the borough’s canopy cover through specialist tree care and new planting initiatives, while helping to develop systems that strengthen the Council’s tree service. If you’re passionate about the role trees play in climate resilience and want to make a real impact on the borough’s future, this is an exciting opportunity to join us.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct tree asset and condition surveys, assess trees, and gather data to ensure appropriate management of the borough’s trees.
• Develop work specifications and instructions for Council's arborist contractors, and collaborate to achieve high quality outcomes.
• Demonstrate excellent customer service to manage expectations and communicate decisions in line with Tree Management Policies.
• Apply legal instruments to protect trees and provide advice on Tree Preservation Orders, ensuring public safety and risk management.
• Investigate incidents of illegal tree works and participate in enforcement actions.
• Respond to emergency call‑outs, assess risks, and manage storm events or hazardous trees to protect public safety.
• Provide expert arboricultural evidence and support the Council in litigation and other legal matters.

Qualifications and Skills

• Level 4 Qualification in Arboriculture (or equivalent).
• Experience of undertaking tree inspections and surveys, resulting in sound management decisions.
• Excellent understanding of the legislation that underpins tree management and its application in managing public safety and protecting the urban forest.
• Experience of working in partnership with contractors to achieve high quality outcomes.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Good understanding of the impacts of a changing climate and how trees should be managed in response to this threat.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services.

Benefits

• 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays).
• Flexible working.
• Generous pension plan.