Job title: Community Tree Officer
Salary: £32,076.00 - £33,945.00
Hours: 37
Contract: Permanent
Location: Farnley Hall with hybrid working options available.
Exciting career opportunity for a Community Tree Officer to work with a small friendly, essential service within Climate, Energy and Green Spaces.
Leeds is one of the UK’s biggest urban conurbations outside of London and one of the UK’s top places to relocate. Leeds sits in the heart of England with access to some of the best UK countryside, with the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District to the North and equidistant escapes to Whitby and Lancashire coastlines. Leeds has great train connections to the south and further north and offers some stunning places to live.
Leeds City Council has huge ambitions to be one of the UK’s leading councils on green issues, sustainability and tackling inequality.
Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.
About the role
The [Urban] Forest team are looking for an experienced, organised individual with a professional background in the management of trees, forests or woodlands, to assist in implementation of high-quality technical arboriculture services across the city.
The role involves regular inspection of trees, and the specification of works in line with the Councils Tree Management Guidelines. An integral part of the position is to respond to enquiries from members, with site visits and meetings as required.
Good communication skills are essential for this role alongside a self-disciplined outlook. An eagerness to work with community groups and help re-launch the Leeds tree warden program is highly desirable.
Experience of working with tree management systems is ideal but training can be provided. A good knowledge of Microsoft Office packages is essential.
Great potential for career development in an essential green service with opportunity for multi-disciplinary work and further career development.
What we offer you
We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:
- a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
- membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
- flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
- a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
- a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further
How to apply
Apply for this job online. Please upload your CV and complete a personal statement of no more than 500 words.
Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.
If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role, please contact Jane Crowther (Forestry Manager) on 0113 378 3271 or Jane.Crowther@Leeds.gov.uk.
We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds and the communities we serve. Leeds City Council is recognised in Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index 2024. We are also an Age-friendly Employer, a Mindful Employer and a Disability Confident Leader.
All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six month probationary period.
This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.
Job Description
Job Purpose: To assist in the management of forestry section delivery in support of the objectives of the Parks and Countryside Service.
Responsibilities
- Support managers in improving arboricultural services including the management of information systems and technical processes.
- Respond to and assess Member enquiries and complaints regarding arboricultural or other related tree issues in order to recommend appropriate outcomes within specified timescales.
- Set up and coordinate a voluntary, Ward based Tree Warden Scheme, providing training and support for volunteers nominated by Community Committees
- Provide support in managing trees that are the responsibility of the Parks & Countryside service, in order to comply with efficient and safe practices.
- Assist in the implementation of strategies and management plans for trees.
- Support and sustain the development of an integrated approach to tree management.
- Ensure that good communications with internal and external clients and colleagues are developed and sustained.
- Assist in the promotion of a greater understanding of arboriculture and the benefits of sustainable tree care throughout the district, including responding to enquiries and requests for information.
- Undertake tree inspections, specify works and provide cost estimates and quotes, including bills of quantity as required.
Compile and provide performance information as requested, that is both accurate and timely. - Represent the Parks & Countryside service at all appropriate internal and external meetings.
- Willing to take personal responsibility and abide by the Council’s Health and Safety Policy.
- Fulfil duties in line with the Parks & Green Space Strategy and related strategies and service objectives and in support of the aims of the Leeds Strategic Plan and Council Business Plan.
- Undertake other duties from time to time that are commensurate with the post.
- Willing to abide by the Council’s Equal Opportunities Policy in the duties of the post and as an employee of the Council.The post holder must be prepared to work as and when required, in order to maintain 24-hour emergency cover.
Essential Requirements It is essential that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential requirements.
- Analyse data and produce effective reports and presentations
- Keep accurate records.
- Communicate effectively with a wide range of people.
- Prioritise and organise work schedules.
- Manage and deliver projects to agreed timescales, quality and budget.
- Work within a project team environment and on own initiative.
- The ability to interpret maps and relevant technical plans.
Knowledge of the respective Conservation are and Tree - Preservation Order legislation.
- A good geographical knowledge of Leeds.
- The ability to access remote sites effectively.
- Ability to make effective use of computer systems including Microsoft Office
- HNC or Foundation Degree in Arboriculture/Forestry or equivalent experience
- Membership of relevant professional body / possession of relevant professional qualification.
- NPTC Units CS 30-38
- Experience of working in a similar post.
- Practical experience in arboriculture and/or forestry.
- Working under pressure to meet deadlines.
- Experience in the use of geographical information systems in the work environment.
- Experience in responding to Peace and Emergency Planning situations
Behavioural & other Characteristics
- A positive commitment to providing excellence in service provision
- Commitment to developing effective working relationships internally and with services across the Council.
- Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct.
- Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon
- Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.
- Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.
- Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities.
- Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
- Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities.
- Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
- Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity policies of Leeds City Council.
- Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.
- The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.
