Job Category : Planning
Location : Brympton Way, Somerset Council
Hours Per Week : 37.00
Start Date : Immediate Start
Start Time : 09:00
End Time : 17:30
Salary: £30.34
Consider and process applications for work to trees covered by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). To write reports and make recommendations in order to ensure consistency and quality, compliance with statutory deadlines and timescales; including preparing for any appeals against a decision of the Council relating to works to trees subject of a TPO.
Consider and process notifications for works to trees within conservation areas (CA), negotiate with applicants as required and prepare associated technical reports as necessary.
To prepare new tree preservation orders and update old tree preservation orders as necessary, including surveys, preparation of reports, aspects of objections and the efficient maintenance of records.
Consider and process notifications for removal of hedgerows in the open countryside and prepare associated technical reports as necessary.
Support Planning Enforcement in respect of investigations of unauthorised tree works or hedgerow removals. Advise on the Council's response in respect of unauthorised works to trees under TPO or within a Conservation Area and where necessary to appear as the Council's technical expert at any inquiry, hearing or court case arising there from.
When consulted advise on planning applications and discharge of conditions, which can include complex/contentious applications and projects, to achieve the Council’s statutory and non-statutory planning functions.
Prepare reports to present evidence as technical expert through written representation, at hearing and at planning inquiries.
Prepare and present reports as necessary to committee meetings, officers and public groups.
Provide arboriculturally advice and expert service independently or as part of a multi-disciplinary team to the Council as a whole. Advise other departments on the employment of arboriculturally consultants and contractors. Provide specialist arboriculturally advice as necessary, as part of the preparation of planning policies (through the Statutory Development Plan process) and development briefs to ensure that trees are considered and a high quality of environment is achieved.
Knowledge
•
• Town & Country Planning legislation in
relation to trees together with Hedgerow
Regulations and High Hedge legislation
✓
• Knowledge of British Standard(s)
BS5837:2012 – Trees in relation to
design, demolition and construction and
BS3998:2010 – Recommendations for
tree work
✓
• Knowledge of relevant Health and Safety
legislation ✓
• Knowledge of canopy cover / mapping (IT)
tools ✓
• Ability to accurately identify common
species of trees and shrubs ✓
Experience
• Experience and competency in assessing
the health and condition of trees
✓
• Experience and ability of working as part
of a multi-disciplinary team
✓
• Experience and working knowledge of
the local government planning process,
including planning enforcement
procedures
✓
• IT literate with experience of using word
processing, spreadsheets, GIS/map
based systems and database packages
as well as the internet
✓
• Ability to provide detailed advice across a
range of arboriculturally issues in a
development management/planning
environment, including process and
procedural matters
✓
Qualifications / Registrations / Certifications JOB DESCRIPTION
• HND, ABC Level 4 Diploma in
Arboriculture or equivalent, minimum QCF
level 3
✓
• Lantra award for Professional Tree
Inspection ✓
• Membership of Arboriculturally Association ✓
Skills
• Customer focussed approach with a drive
for continuous improvement
✓
• Good negotiation skills and the ability to
contribute positively to the resolution of
issues
✓
• Working under pressure and to strict
deadlines, prioritising, organising, and
planning own workloads
✓
• Ability to communicate with a range of
stakeholders clearly and proactively
✓
• Adaptation and responding to change ✓
• Ability to use influence and persuasion to
achieve objectives
✓
• Flexible approach to the working day ✓
• Shares knowledge and expertise with
others
✓
• Ability to research relevant topics to
remain up to date with current industry
best practice, including attaining
professional / vocational qualifications
✓
• Full drivers’ licence ✓
• Professional experience of working in a
similar role within a Local Authority