Tree Officer

Medway Council’s Planning Service is seeking one Tree Officer to join the Specialist Team.

This dynamic team is responsible for providing specialist advice and support to the Planning Service. You will play a key role in helping shape and deliver the council’s approach to managing and enhancing the Medway Town’s urban forest, which is vital in creating a sustainable green environment for all.

Reporting to the Senior Tree Officer, you will have responsibility for assessing and determining tree work applications; making, modifying and reviewing Tree Preservation Orders; and providing comments on planning applications, as well as planning conditions. When necessary, you will gather evidence and take appropriate enforcement action where unauthorised works to protected trees have occurred. If submitted, you will consider formal high hedge complaints.

You will also provide advice to a range of internal and external customers and will work with others within the Specialist Team and the Planning Service to deliver the objectives and targets contained within the relevant corporate and service plans, including the council’s Climate Change Action Plan.

You will have a sound knowledge and understanding of modern arboricultural practices and associated legislation, excellent organisational skills; a good knowledge of GIS systems and will preferably have some relevant Local Authority experience in a similar role.

We are looking for a positive, energetic, and conscientious person, with a desire to solve problems and a passion for good customer service, who can communicate clearly and effectively with a range of clients including members of the public, council colleagues, councillors, and the private sector.

You will be expected to undertake unaccompanied site visits. Possession of a valid full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes is an essential requirement.

The Planning Team are seeking a Tree Officer to join the team at level B. This level attracts a salary that is mid-point of the range. You will have related experience and be able to demonstrate applied and developed knowledge, experience and skills to be effective in this role. All elements of level A and B listed within the person specification are essential. You will be supported to develop in your role through induction, probation and a supportive Performance Appraisal and Career Conversation. Through your induction you will be introduced to the Career Progression Framework (CPF), which will help you to identify your areas of strength and any development needs.

If you would like to have an informal discussion with the recruiting manager, please e-mail Lisa Maryott on lisa.maryott@medway.gov.uk

Career Progression Frameworks (CPF) have been introduced for all roles at Medway Council. These frameworks provide a mechanism for employees to take ownership of their development within their post and be rewarded accordingly. This means that the salary you will be offered will be at level A unless, based on an assessment against the CPF criteria, you demonstrate that you are meeting the criteria of level B or C. There will be further opportunity once in post to progress from level A to B, and B to C.

When writing your application, it is important to ensure you identify your suitability against the requirements of the job profile, as this information will be used for shortlisting and may contribute to the CPF assessment. Your application may be rejected if the minimum required criteria is not met. Further information relating to the requirements for this role can be found in the CPF Guidance document attached.

The person specification of a job profile is split into three levels:

Level A details the essential criteria that all applicants must be able to demonstrate through their application and interview.

Level B details the developed competencies that an individual who is practised in this role would be able to demonstrate and will be a progression of knowledge, experience and skills from level A.

Level C requires the highest level of competence and applicants would need to fully meet and demonstrate all aspects of the job profile, including qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience.

Important Information-

Applicants must be able to demonstrate all essential requirements as listed in the job profile

For further information, and for details of the benefits of working for Medway Council, please refer to the Medway information pack available as a download or to view online.

Please be advised that if you are not contacted within 3 weeks of the advert closing date then you have not been shortlisted. All recruitment correspondence, including interview letters and contracts of employment will usually be sent out via email.

Please visit http://www.mindfulemployer.net/ for information on how Medway Council put good practices in place to ensure employees and job applicants who declare mental health issues receive the right level of support.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time prior to the closing date.