This is an exciting time to join our passionate Arboricultural Team at Buckinghamshire Council. The team is recruiting to support the delivery of an increased range of statutory and regulatory services, and to progress work on a Tree Strategy for Buckinghamshire.
About us
Buckinghamshire Council is a relatively new organisation that combines the strengths and expertise of the previous five councils in the county to create positive change for local people, communities, and businesses. We are firmly focused on the future and have made a clear commitment to serve residents better and to provide stronger representation for Buckinghamshire, both locally and nationally.
About the role
The Arboricultural Team delivers a wide range of functions relating to trees and hedgerows, and is influential in setting Council policy in respect to the delivery and proper management of trees and green infrastructure in Buckinghamshire. The Arboricultural Team is one of five specialist teams that sit within the Planning and Environment service. You will work collaboratively with these teams to advise and support the delivery of high-quality sustainable places as part of the Council’s planning function.
In this role you will provide specialist arboricultural services in relation to trees and hedgerows, including the determination of Section 211 notifications and Tree Preservation Order (TPO) applications, the administration of TPOs, hedgerow removal notices and high hedge complaints. You will provide arboricultural advice to Development Management colleagues in respect to planning matters, assist with the management of Council-owned trees and advise Council colleagues, the public, and external agencies or organisations on matters relating to trees.
This is a role with a future. It is a permanent, full-time, career-graded role which will allow you to work in a supportive environment alongside a team of five experienced Arboricultural Officers. In this role you can challenge yourself and progress your career as your knowledge, skills and experience increases.
Depending on skills, knowledge and experience, you may advance to a higher grade, and advise or assist with procurement and contract management, supervise tree inspections, contribute to the development of policy, strategy, service improvement and projects, and oversee and mentor more junior team members.
You will work flexibly from Council offices and sites across Buckinghamshire, as well as from home up to 3-days per week.
About you
* Successful applicants will have professional experience of working within the arboricultural industry, be able to demonstrate sound practical knowledge, experience of working with the public, and responding diplomatically and effectively to challenging situations.
* We are looking for someone who is self-motivated and passionate about their role in respect to trees, is ambitious, and is committed to working collaboratively with colleagues, stakeholders and the public to secure the best outcomes.
* You will have reached at minimum a Level 5 qualification, or equivalent experience, and will have experience with Lantra Professional Tree inspection.
* You will have a full driving licence to enable you to effectively undertake survey work, and will be able to prioritise and organise your work to ensure deadlines are met.
Other information
This is a full-time, permanent position.
Career Grade G7-8, £42,512 - £47,800 depending on skills and experience.
Interviews will be held in-person at the High Wycombe offices and will consist of:
* A one-hour activity testing key skills and experience you need to carry out the role, and;
* An in-person interview.
For an informal chat about this role in more detail, please contact Sally Clark, Arboricultural Team Leader, on 01494 421927.
This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare all unspent cautions and/or unspent convictions.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so please be advised to submit your application as early as possible.
Our values
We have a set of values, which our employees have chosen, that represent what we are – Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy.
By joining Buckinghamshire Council, you can expect:
* a fair and inclusive culture
* the chance to really make a difference to those around you
* health and well-being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops
* a unified voice through our Employee Representative Group
* ongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with us
* opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events
At Buckinghamshire Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from the people that work for us, and that’s why we’re working hard to ensure we continue to be an accessible and inclusive organisation.
About the Service Area
Our Planning, Growth and Sustainability directorate works with partners to help shape the future of Buckinghamshire. We deliver services on planning, economic growth, regeneration, strategic infrastructure, transport and property.
Our key priorities include developing the economic narrative for Bucks, creating more jobs and delivering the right infrastructure to help businesses and residents thrive. We also aim to provide a proactive planning service that is responsive, whilst making the best use of the Council’s land and property portfolio. This will in turn support community services and create housing, jobs, regeneration and income to support public services.
It’s a great time to join one of our teams. As part of the Planning, Growth and Sustainability function you will not only get to help shape the economic future of Buckinghamshire; you’ll also be involved in delivering high-profile development projects and work on some of the biggest infrastructure projects in the UK. You will support us to deliver the results that our local residents and businesses deserve.
We recognise and reward you
Hard work and success deserves recognition. That’s why we pride ourselves on the benefits we give our people. We actively encourage a good work-life balance and promote flexible and agile working arrangements. We provide discounts on various Cafés, restaurants, shops and auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme. In addition to the opportunity to gain membership to Costco, we have discounted gym memberships, travel discounts with Arriva and much more.
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