Arboricultural Technical Officer

We are currently seeking a knowledgeable, organised and proactive individual to join our Neighbourhood Services team as an Arboricultural Technical Officer. This is a key role within the Arboricultural Service, supporting the strategic and technical management of the Council’s tree assets across Neath Port Talbot. You will provide specialist arboricultural advice and guidance, undertake detailed tree inspections and risk assessments, manage tree-related enquiries and applications, and support the Council in meeting its statutory, regulatory and operational responsibilities.

Your daily routine will include:

• Undertaking detailed tree inspections, surveys and risk assessments of Council-owned trees and woodland assets.
• Providing specialist arboricultural advice and recommendations to support operational and strategic decision-making.
• Assisting with the development and management of tree maintenance programmes and work specifications.
• Supporting planning, development and statutory consultation processes, including Tree Preservation Orders, conservation areas and planning applications where required.
• Maintaining accurate records, inspection data and asset management information.
• Ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, health and safety requirements, industry guidance and best practice.
• Supporting the Council's response to tree-related emergencies, including storm damage and other high-risk incidents.

About you:

• Significant experience in arboriculture, tree management or a related field.
• Extensive knowledge of arboricultural practices, tree risk management, relevant legislation and industry standards.
• Experience of undertaking tree inspections, surveys and risk assessments and producing clear technical recommendations.
• A minimum Level 4 arboricultural qualification or equivalent professional qualification relevant to the role.
• The ability to interpret and apply legislation, technical guidance and industry best practice.
• Excellent report writing, organisational and communication skills, with the ability to explain technical matters to a range of audiences.
• Experience of managing competing priorities and working independently to deliver outcomes.
• A full driving licence and a flexible approach to work.

We would welcome applications from individuals with experience in roles such as Arboricultural Officer, Tree Officer, Arboricultural Consultant, Tree Surveyor, Arboricultural Inspector, Woodland Officer, Forestry Officer, Arboricultural Coordinator, or similar arboricultural and environmental management positions.

About us:

We believe in rewarding and recognising our colleagues’ efforts and achievements. We also believe that there’s life at work and life outside of work. We want everyone to be healthy and happy and have the financial resources and support they need.

Choose to work for us and you’ll be rewarded with a range of attractive benefits and support to help you live your best life:

• Hybrid working (in some roles) and flexible working schemes to improve your work life balance.
• Benefit from a competitive employee package with a remarkable 22.4% employer pension contribution.
• Enjoy a holiday entitlement of 25 days, increasing to 32 days after 5 years’ service (not forgetting the additional 8 bank holidays too).
• Access discounted gym membership with Celtic Leisure.
• Utilise the cycle to work scheme with up to 40% off bikes and cycling equipment.
• Purchase a new car through Tusker salary sacrifice scheme.
• Enjoy exclusive discounts at local and national retailers with the Smart Spend app through our staff wellbeing group.

If you would like to start a rewarding career with a company that values and invests in its employees and you have the necessary experience and qualifications, this could be your dream job and we would love to hear from you.

Your workstyle will be an agile hybrid worker in this role which gives you the flexibility to work from home and from a variety of Council workplaces as well as the opportunity to carry out your work on any days and at any times.

For an informal discussion, please contact Laura Owens on Email: l.owens@npt.gov.uk

DBS requirements: This post is not subject to a DBS check.

Welsh Language Requirements: Welsh Language skills are not required.

Additional Information: Applications may be submitted in Welsh, applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who have a disability and armed forces veterans. In support of employees of Tata Steel who are at risk of redundancy, or have been made redundant in 2024, Neath Port Talbot Council is offering a guaranteed interview for jobs across the Council. Please note that applicants must meet all the essential criteria, as shown in the person specification, to qualify for a guaranteed interview. If you are or going to be affected by the job losses at Tata Steel then we would welcome an application from you. Just make it known on your application form that you are currently at risk of redundancy or you have been made redundant.

At Team NPT, we all work together to serve the people, communities and businesses of Neath Port Talbot. We are committed to providing training opportunities and the professional development of all our employees. We look forward to welcoming you to Team NPT.