Principal Arboriculture Officer

About the job

plus £3,000 market supplement

Havant is a unique environment between the Solent coast and the South Downs. The Council’s Corporate Strategy puts the Borough’s natural environment at the heart of the Council, upcoming projects and our decision making. 

Contributing to this, you will deliver the Council’s responsibilities in relation to tree preservation, woodland and hedgerows and provide a high standard of arboriculture service. You will also contribute to the provision of an efficient and effective Planning Service that makes a positive contribution to the built and natural environment of the Borough of Havant, facilitating sustainable economic growth and development. 

In this role, you will be the Council’s identified subject matter specialist in arboriculture. Specifically, the role delivers: 

• Preparation and implementation of an up-to-date and effective Tree Strategy for the Borough
• Determination of tree applications
• Timely, high quality advice to development management officers regarding the arboriculture impacts of proposed developments at the pre-application, planning application and discharge of condition stages of development
• Timely, high quality advice to case officers regarding planning enforcement in relation to trees
• Strategic advice to the Council on its own tree estate and corporate projects such as tree planting initiatives and the Council’s regeneration agenda
• Preparation of statements and other material for appeals in relation to tree and planning applications, appearing at hearings and inquiries if needed 

The role is suited to those with knowledge and experience of implementing a local authority’s obligations in relation to trees, woodlands and hedgerows. If not in place, the Council can provide sponsorship to achieve relevant qualifications and membership of a professional body. 

If you would like to discuss the role, please contact David Hayward, Planning Policy Team Leader on 07718 125935. 

To Apply 

Please click apply and complete the short application process (3-4) minutes.  Please ensure you attach your CV and a supporting statement, when completing your application on our recruitment platform Hireful – www.havant.gov.uk/jobs-us-apply-now.  We will not be able to progress your application further unless you provide a supporting statement detailing how you meet the essential and desirable criteria in the role profile. 

Due to the current employment climate, we are receiving a high number of applicants for each post and as such may not be able to acknowledge receipt of your application. You will however be notified as to whether you made the shortlist soon after the closing date. 

We want our workforce to reflect our diverse local communities, therefore, we encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. www.havant.gov.uk/our-organisation/equality-and-diversity 

The council is an inclusive employer and appoints on merit. We are a Disability Confident Employer and have a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for Veterans. 

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff members to share this commitment. 

Havant Borough Council is a Category 1 Responder under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004. All employees of the Authority will be expected to support any necessary actions required during an emergency response.

Preferred Skills

You have these essential criteria for the role: 

Educational/Professional Qualifications and Knowledge 

-        Qualification in arboriculture e.g., National Diploma in Arboriculture 

Experience 

-        Minimum of 3 years experience in arboriculture within a Planning development management setting

-        Able to be the Council’s leading expert on Arboriculture

-        Presenting relevant material to different audiences (for example committees, inquiries or residents groups) and being able to adapt how material is presented based on the audience 

Knowledge 

-        The biology of trees, shrubs and plants, and all aspects of their maintenance and care, including disease/pest management.

-        Tree surveying for health and safety purposes.

-        Issues relating to trees, shrubs and hedge maintenance, particularly in the local authority context.

-        Sound knowledge of the law and legislation relating to trees, including Tree Preservation Orders and trees in Conservation Areas 

Skills and abilities 

-        Excellent report and written communication skills

-        Excellent verbal reasoning skills

-        Negotiation and persuasion abilities

-        Innovative approach to providing the service, looking to achieve the best outcomes whilst also thinking commercially and how to generate income through fees and charges

-        Ability to present technical arguments to the public, councillors and other professionals

-        Ability to weigh complex arboricultural, planning, environmental and legal issues in an even handed manner

-        Ability to use standard IT package together with GIS and experience of using planning database systems

-        Ability to use own initiative, prioritise and work under minimum supervision 

Motivation 

-        Strong commitment to high quality output by the Team within tight deadlines 

Personal Qualities, attributes and aptitudes 

-        Confident

-        Ability to give a high standard of customer service (to internal and external customers) in all circumstances

-        Works well under pressure

-        Practical and output orientated and able to persuade others to achieve Arboricultural objectives 

Other Requirements 

-        Current driving licence and access to a vehicle insured for business purposes

-        Able to attend evening meetings 

You may also have these desirable criteria for the role: 

Educational/Professional Qualifications and Knowledge 

-        Professional Tree Inspection Certificate (such as LANTRA, level 3 or equivalent)

-        Relevant degree qualification (Landscape or Countryside Management, Planning, Horticulture, Environmental)

-        Membership of a relevant professional body or working on a pathway to professional membership or chartership

Benefits Offered

What we can offer you 

A competitive salary/benefits and support for your continuous professional development. 

• £40,221 to £48,474 per annum plus £3,000 market supplement
• Generous Leave Allowance
• Free Parking
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible Working/Hybrid Working
• Family Friendly Packages 

Visit our website for the full range of benefits and support we offer our staff.

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About the Company

Havant Borough Council

Havant Borough Council is a unique local authority that manages an area covering approximately 55km2 of south-eastern Hampshire – and brings together the coast, countryside and town.

Nestled between the Solent coastline and the South Downs, working at the council provides an excellent work/life balance. Whether working from our excellent office facilities at the Public Service Plaza - conveniently situated within a few minutes’ walk of a mainline train station, the bustling town centre, and bus station - or making use of our generous flexible working policy, you’ll find Havant Borough Council a great place to work.