Tree Officer

We offer hybrid working, 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), a permanent contract and a 37‑hour week. The role is based at the Somerset County Council offices in Shepton Mallet and covers the Planning East area (Street, Glastonbury, Wells, Frome and Shepton Mallet).

• Act as Tree Officer within the Placemaking & Projects Team, working closely with colleagues in Development Management, Forward Plans and Enforcement teams and with other environmental specialists.
• Consider and determine applications for works to trees covered by Tree Preservation Orders (TPO) or within conservation areas and prepare new TPOs where appropriate.
• Consider and process notifications for the removal of hedgerows.
• Provide arboricultural advice to the Development Management team and other internal and external customers within appropriate time‑frames.
• Maintain and advance knowledge, competency and best practice across a range of arboricultural matters.

• Comprehensive working knowledge of arboricultural theory and practice, including tree identification, tree biology, pathology, biomechanics, physiology and trees in relation to the law.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to provide expert advice to colleagues, stakeholders, other agencies and members of the public.
• Ability to work individually, with others and as part of a wider team.
• Experience developing tree survey techniques and inspection methodology, and monitoring outcomes.
• Experience managing tree stocks and assessing trees, prescribing appropriate arboriculture management.
• Understanding of the current issues and biological threats facing trees.
• Experience serving and assessing requests for Tree Preservation Orders, dealing with notifications for dead and dangerous trees and hedgerow removal, and planning consultations for trees on development sites.
• Good working knowledge of local and national guidance, including industry best practice publications and current relevant British Standards.

• Supportive, rewarding environment as part of a passionate team improving the lives of people in Somerset.
• Great training and development opportunities with supportive management.
• Healthy work‑life balance and flexible working arrangements, including working from home.
• Generous annual leave allowance with the opportunity to purchase additional leave.
• Staff discounts in gyms, and employee wellbeing services.
• Auto‑enrolment onto a generous Pension Scheme with optional pension enhancement through an Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme.
• Flexible Benefits Scheme via salary sacrifice to obtain a cycle for work and health screenings.
• My Staff Shop offering discounts in shops, online shopping, restaurants, cinema tickets, insurance benefits and more.

The salary for the role is Grade 10, ranging from £37,280 to £41,771 per annum.

For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Nick Tait via email at .

When completing your application/ CV please provide your complete employment history and explain any gaps. Please start with your current or most recent employment.

If you have everything you need, just hit the apply button. We can’t wait to hear from you.

We welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences to enrich our team. We are committed to providing a diverse and inclusive workplace for the people and communities we serve.