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.

About the role

• Conducting tree asset and condition surveys: You will assess trees and gather data to ensure appropriate management, maximizing the benefits that trees provide while managing risk within proportionate levels.
• Working with the Council's arborist contractors: You will make work instructions for contractors and collaborate to ensure high standards of work.
• Customer liaison: You will demonstrate excellent customer service skills to manage expectations and ensure decisions align with Tree Management Policies.
• Tree Protection: You will apply knowledge of legal instruments to protect trees in urban environments, making recommendations that protect trees on public and private property.
• Investigating unauthorized tree works: You will investigate incidents of alleged illegal tree works and participate in enforcement action.
• Attending emergency callouts and assessing risks: You will respond rapidly to storm events or hazardous trees, maintaining public safety and mitigating disruption.
• Providing expert advice for litigation cases: You will support the Council with professional, defensible arboricultural evidence, protecting the authority legally and ensuring decisions are based on sound technical judgment.

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

Equal Opportunities

Richmond and Wandsworth Better Service Partnership are committed to making our recruitment practices inclusive. We promote equality and diversity, valuing the diversity of our staff. We are a Disability Confident employer. If you require reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Some posts may be exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and appointment will be conditional on a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service.

Benefits

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