Tree Aftercare and Planting Service (TAPS) Officer Wanted - Oxford

About the job

Tree Aftercare and Planting Service (TAPS) Officer Job - Oxfordshire

Are you passionate about the outdoors and nature, and want to actively contribute to addressing climate change through tree planting for Oxfordshire’s communities? 

Are you able to work within a team to deliver tree planting, aftercare and other operational needs across the County’s assets including trees, rights of way and other green infrastructure? 

Are you able to effectively problem solve to provide solutions to on site challenges? 

If the answer is ‘YES’ to any of the above, then you could be one of the people we’re looking for to join our growing Tree Service. 

Your role comes with plenty of variety and is focused on tree planting and caring for newly planted trees with communities, while identifying opportunities to increase canopy cover. You could be undertaking a variety of functions that include:  

• large-scale tree planting projects; 
• planning works at an operational level; 
• building strong working relationships with communities to enable better outcomes; 
• interaction with the public and Council staff; 
• opportunities to create your own projects; 
• expectation to collaborate with team members to enable delivery of work; 
• operate countywide across a variety of site types that include Highway, Property, Public Rights of Way and others;
• access to a strong, experienced support network.

You will deliver tree planting to increase canopy cover for Oxfordshire. You will be promoting the Tree Service and the benefits of trees to residents and stakeholders to ensure a holistic and consistent approach to tree care across the County. You will promote transparency and build trust with our communities. 

Preferred Skills

Essential Criteria

1. Education to GCSE standard and/or NVQ, NC or 1st Diploma BTEC in horticulture, arboriculture, countryside management, landscape, agriculture, forestry or related subject.

2. A minimum of 12 months experience in a related field of work. This should include experience in the application and maintenance of tools, machinery and small plant to deliver high quality practical projects.

3. Proven ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people including landowners, occupiers, contractors, colleagues and the public.

4. Proven ability to read and accurately interpret/navigate to remote locations using maps.

5. Proven record of compliance with relevant Health & Safety legislation and its implication and application in the workplace.

6. Proven ability to work towards and meet agreed deadlines as a highly motivated and effective individual and as a part of a team.

7. Demonstrate experience of working collaboratively across multiple disciplines within an organisation to provide positive solutions.

8. Have a full and valid driving license.

9. Demonstrate the ability to follow clear instruction. 

Desirable Criteria (DC) 

10. Training elements to nationally recognised standards of attainment in chainsaw related operations [NPTC 002003 / 002004] and / or other plant and machinery operation e.g. brushcutter, tractor operations etc.

11. Level 2 qualification in Forestry / Arboriculture.

12. Current/valid First Aid at Work / Emergency First Aid certification.

13. Experience of towing trailers.

14. Experience of driving off-road vehicles with trailers, tractors and small plant both on and off road.

15. An understanding of nature conservation and associated legislation.

Benefits Offered

Rewards and benefits 

• Culture of flexible working;
• Cycle to Work scheme;
• 28 days’ holiday p.a. plus bank holidays;
• Offer access to a Relocation Scheme, depending on circumstances and conditions, should you need to consider moving closer to or into the County from where you currently live. Further details are available on request;
• Option to ‘buy’ additional holiday;
• Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support;
• Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, with an employer’s contribution of up to 19.9%;
• Enhanced family friendly policies;
• Local and national discounts for shopping and travel;
• Great learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing development;
• Opportunity for career progression.