Planning Officer - Trees - Ref: EE11026

Job Description

Planning Officer - Trees - Ref: EE11026

Grade: G8; Salary Range: £40,444 - £43,149

The Planning Officer (Trees) will act as the Council’s primary contact for arboricultural, silvicultural and hedgerow matters within the planning system. Working within the Environment Team, you will provide expert guidance on tree protection, contribute to local plan preparation, and help maintain the Council’s Tree Preservation Order stock as part of a transformative regeneration agenda.

View: Job Description and Employee Specification

Closing Date: 14th November 2026

This post is covered by the Government’s Code of Practice on the English Language Fluency Duty for public sector workers. The post holder will be required to communicate verbally with customers and provide advice and/or information in accurate spoken English.

Important note: When completing your online application form, you will be asked to enter supporting information. You must enter a detailed supporting information statement describing how your skills, abilities and experience meet the specific criteria included in the employee specification. If you do not include a supporting information statement, you will not be shortlisted. Please also ensure that you complete the work history and qualifications sections of your application form. Please do not add a CV as we do not accept them. Please see ourInformation for Applicants leaflet for further information.

We kindly request that recruitment agencies do not contact us regarding this job vacancy. We are not accepting agency applications or referrals at this time.

At Walsall Council, we appreciate that AI can be a useful tool for ideas or guidance. However, we encourage you to make sure your application reflects your own voice and experiences. Over-reliance on AI can make responses feel less personal, and we really want to understand what makes you unique. Your experiences, skills, and perspective are what set you apart, so please ensure your application as a whole – particularly your ‘Supporting Information’ – reflects your own voice.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the specialist case officer for applications involving Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and trees in conservation areas.
• Assess, process and make recommendations on planning applications that affect protected trees and hedgerows.
• Provide arboricultural advice to developers, planners and internal teams throughout the development management process.
• Contribute to the preparation, review and adoption of local plan policies and planning guidance related to trees and green infrastructure.
• Support the comprehensive re‑survey and ongoing review of the Council’s TPO stock in line with government guidance.
• Liaise with external stakeholders, including landowners, developers, and environmental agencies, to ensure compliance with tree protection legislation.
• Prepare detailed reports, condition statements and mitigation proposals for tree‑related planning applications.
• Deliver training and advice to colleagues on arboricultural best practice and statutory requirements.
• Monitor and report on emerging legislation, policy changes and best practice in urban forestry and tree preservation.
• Assist in the development of tree‑related sections of planning documents, ensuring integration with wider regeneration objectives.

Qualifications

• Level 4 Arboricultural qualification, preferably at extended Diploma or Diploma level
• Hold, or are able and willing to work towards, the Lantra Professional Tree Inspection qualification
• Minimum one years’ relevant experience surveying and assessing trees
• a detailed knowledge of trees within the planning context and its application in the planning decision and plan-making processes, including relevant legislation, policies and guidance
• a deep understanding of the plan-making and planning decision making processes and the national planning framework and objectives which drives them
• demonstrate an ability to interpret and apply planning policy and guidance.
• excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear technical reports.
• proficiency in GIS and planning software.
• ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and external partners.
• strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with attention to detail.
• commitment to delivering high‑quality public service and supporting Walsall’s regeneration vision.

About us

Here at Walsall, we want to attract the best talent. That's why - as well as a satisfying and rewarding job - we offer a range of attractive benefits. Working arrangements in most jobs are flexible (you may work flexitime, full or part time and job sharing is usually available) and you can expect generous holiday entitlements, a first class pension scheme and plenty of opportunities for training and personal development.
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