Exciting career opportunity for a Senior Arboricultural Officer to lead and 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. The ideal candidate will be looking for a step up in their career into a managerial role.
The role requires line management of a small team of arboricultural officers working on a range of arboricultural issues across the city. Experience of line management is desirable, but not essential as support and training can be provided.
The role involves regular tree inspections, writing specification of works and reporting. Contract management is an integral part of the role working with both internal and external arboricultural operatives.
Good communication skills are essential for this role alongside a self-disciplined outlook. The ability to lead by example, strive for best practice and be open, honest, and trustworthy are central.
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 complete the on-line application form.
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 an Inclusive employer, ranked 70 on the Stonewall top 100 employers 2023 list. 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 manage forestry service delivery in support of the objectives of the Parks and Countryside Service.
Responsibilities
- Assist in implementation of high-quality technical arboriculture services across the city
- Support managers in improving arboriculture services including the management of information systems and technical processes.
- Line manage a team of 5 officers and ensure that their professional development commensurate with their roles and responsibilities
- Lead on outsourcing required parcels of work to approved, external arboricultural contractors and ensure that appropriate contract management processes are in place
- Deputise for the Forestry Manager when necessary for duties commensurate with the grade of the role
- Assist in the implementation of strategies, policies and management plans for trees ensuring long term sustainability
- Ensure that good communications with internal and external clients and colleagues are developed and sustained
- Ensure the delivery of best value services to customers in meeting the objectives of the Council
- Compile and provide performance information that is up to date, accurate and timely as requested
- Represent the Parks and Countryside service at all appropriate internal and external meetings
- Fulfil duties in line with the Parks and 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 as may be required from time to time, including arboriculture inspections and work specifications
- Ensure the procurement of goods and services is in accordance with financial regulations, corporate policy, and legal requirements
- 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.
Effective written and oral communication skills with a wide range of people including Members of Parliament, Elected Members, Senior Council Managers, and members of the public. - The ability to contribute to technical development
- Manage and prioritise multiple and conflicting tasks to meet tight deadlines.
- Manage and deliver projects to agreed timescales, quality, and budget.
- Work within a project team environment.
- To work and contribute effectively as a team member.
- Lead and manage services in accordance with Leeds City Council’s values and equality standards
- Respond to ever changing working circumstances.
- Make effective use of computer systems including Microsoft Office
- Working within arboriculture and forestry operations in a front-line service
- Working under pressure to meet deadlines.
- Implementation of performance and management systems.
- Experience of tree management
- Managing a tree asset register
- Responding to Peace and Emergency Planning situations
Qualifications:
- Degree in Arboriculture/Forestry or equivalent experience.
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.
