Trees and Landscape Officer - London in Twickenham

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.

About the role

• Conducting tree asset and condition surveys: You will be assessing trees and gathering data to ensure appropriate management, in the best interests of maximising the benefits that trees provide whilst managing risk to within proportionate levels.
• Working with the Council's arborist contractors: You will make work instructions that are to be carried out by the Council's appointed Arborist contractors and work in collaboration to ensure high standards of work are achieved.
• Customer liaison: You will need to demonstrate excellent customer service skills to clearly manage expectations and allow understanding of the decisions being made in line with adopted Tree Management Policies.
• Tree Protection: You will apply your knowledge of the legal instruments available to protect trees in our urban environment, making recommendations that protect trees within public and private property.
• Investigating unauthorised tree works: You will investigate incidents of alleged illegal tree works and participate in enforcement action.
• Attending emergency callouts and assessing risks: You will participate in a rapid, skilled response to storm events or hazardous trees, crucial to maintaining public safety and managing disruption that can be caused during storm events.
• Providing expert advice for litigation cases: You will support the Council with professional, defensible arboricultural evidence, protecting the authority legally and ensuring that decisions are based on sound technical judgement.

Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• 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
• Have a good understanding of the impacts of a changing climate and how trees should be managed in response to this threat

Closing Date: 29th June
Shortlisting Date: W/C 6th July
Interview Date: W/C 13th July
Test/Presentation: TBC

We may close this vacancy early once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Richmond and Wandsworth Better Service Partnership are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. 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. 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.

Some posts may be exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to these posts will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

We offer a wide range of benefits designed to attract, develop, and reward our employees such as 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working and a generous pension plan.