About the job

TREES AND LANDSCAPE OFFICER JOB IN MATLOCK, DERBYSHIRE

Salary: Grade 6 (SCP 10 – 15)  £26,835 - £29,093

Hours of work: 37 per week

Full-time - Permanent

An opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic, knowledgeable and experienced arboriculturist to join our small, friendly and busy Trees and Landscape team.  As Trees and Landscapes Officer, you will provide specialist arboricultural services, where your time will be split between the office and the outdoors, in the Derbyshire Dales landscape.

Supporting the Trees and Landscape Manager, the role will involve planning and conducting large scale, multi-site, tree condition/risk surveys and inspections of the Council’s tree stock, making tree management decisions, applications for licences, developing specifications for tree works and tree planting and project managing tree works contractors.

The successful candidate needs to be well organised and self-motivated with the ability to work under pressure alone, with the team, and in collaboration with other departments. Excellent communication skills are essential, as is the ability to contribute to the success and development of our small Trees and Landscape team. 

The successful candidate will need to hold or work towards a qualification in arboriculture or a closely related field, and/or hold, or be eligible for, membership of a professional body. Additionally, practical experience of professional tree surgery planning and conducting large scale tree risk surveys, condition inspections and risk assessments and prioritising and specifying mitigation works would be advantageous.

For further information please contact Chris Payne, Trees and Landscape Manager on 01629 761244; or email chris.payne@derbyshiredales.gov.uk

If you encounter and problems applying online please contact humanresources@derbyshiredales.gov.uk 

We do not accept CVs.

Candidates must possess the necessary ‘right to work in the UK’ authorisation. We are unable to provide sponsorship or assume sponsorship of an employment visa as we do not possess a visa sponsorship licence.

Closing date: 5th of May

Interview date: Provisional date 22nd of May

Preferred Skills

ESSENTIAL

(Must be met to be considered for interview)

Effective communication and inter-personal skills at all levels (written and verbal).

Excellent customer service skills

Self-motivated with the ability to organise and prioritise personal workload.

Enthusiastic, creative and positive approach.

Ability to work both individually and as part of a team.

Ability to meet targets and deadlines.

Computer literate with a commitment to the use of GIS and databases.

Effective problem solving, prioritisation and negotiating skills.

Understanding of health and safety issues while lone working outdoors.

Self-reliant with ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions sometimes in remote locations.

Up to date professional knowledge as demonstrated through CPD records.

Practical knowledge and understanding of arboriculture and tree management, including:

* working knowledge of current industry best practise and legislation including Tree Preservation Orders and S211 notifications

* practical experience of planning and undertaking of on-site tree risk assessments and surveys;

* use of a range of methods to support wildlife and biodiversity through tree works;

Knowledge of use of Microsoft Office packages including Excel, Word and Outlook.

At least 2 years’ relevant professional experience to include practical and consulting/management arboriculture. 

Experience of:

*planning and execution of tree surveys and inspections across all scales,

*making tree-related risk assessments,

*undertaking detailed tree inspections,

*specifying and prioritising tree works,

*specifying tree planting.

GCSE maths and English at grade 4 or above (previously A - C) or equivalent.

Educated to A-level standard or relevant equivalent experience.

Holder of level 3 LANTRA Professional Tree Inspection certificate or willingness to achieve within first 6 months of employment.

Completion of Registered User training of Quantified Tree Risk Assessment (QTRA).

Possession of a current, full, UK driving licence.

The post-holder must be able to visit sites throughout the Council's area. 

Willingness to learn and develop new skills.

DESIRABLE

(Required to perform job to high standard)

Knowledge of tender, procurement and contract management procedures.

Understanding of Council and Development Management processes.

Experience of budget management and planning.

Experience of working within teams on long-term projects.

Holder of a degree / diploma in Arboriculture, or an equivalent qualification.

Technician or Professional grade membership of Arboricultural Association or equivalent membership of other relevant professional body.

Benefits Offered

In additional to salary, we offer

• Professional development: we are dedicated growing and investing in our employees
• Career opportunities- with continuity of service within the local government sector
• Commitment to work life balance including flexitime & agile working arrangements
• 26 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 30 days after 5 years’ service.
• The excellent Local Government Pension Scheme – contributory and with excellent employer contributions
• 3 x Life assurance through the pension scheme
• Opportunity to purchase up to 10 days' additional leave
• Discount to local leisure centres
• Enhanced family friendly policies (including maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental leave)
• Supportive sick pay scheme
• Occupational health, counselling services and eye care vouchers
• Free on-site car park.

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About the Company

Derbyshire Dales District Council

Derbyshire Dales District Council is based in the Town Hall in Matlock but our District covers over 500 square miles including the towns Bakewell, Matlock and Ashbourne and villages in rural Derbyshire. Half of our District lies within the Peak District National Park. We are one of nine Districts within Derbyshire and provide complementary services to those provided by Derbyshire County Council (including Schools; Highways; Environment & Transport, Social Services).

Who we are: We have a strong ‘One Team, One Council’ culture. Alongside the excellent quality of life, we can offer you the opportunity to further develop your career within an excellent and family friendly organisation, with the benefits of hybrid working, flexitime, personal development and CPD opportunities, free staff car parking at Matlock Town Hall, and a confidential counselling service. That’s possibly why 87% of our staff feel supported, 94% feel confident to raise issues with their immediate line manager, 85% are satisfied with the District Council as an employer, and 88% know their role contributes to high quality services in the Derbyshire Dales (Staff Survey 2023).

What we do: As the District Council, we are dedicated to delivering high quality services to the 32,000 households in the Derbyshire Dales. Services include Economic Development; Planning; Housing; Parks and Recreation; Street Cleansing and car parks; Revenues and Benefits (Council Tax); Environmental Health; Climate change and biodiversity; Waste and Recycling in partnership with Serco, Leisure Centres in partnership with Freedom Leisure. Our priorities are to foster a thriving, sustainable communities in a clean, green, and safe environment. We are committed to fairness and equality and the well-being of our residents and employees alike. Our recently approved Derbyshire Dales Plan 2024-2028 outlines our priorities, aims and aspirations.

Employee benefits package

In additional to salary, we offer

• Professional development: we are dedicated growing and investing in our employees
• Career opportunities- with continuity of service within the local government sector
• Commitment to work life balance including flexitime & agile working arrangements
• 26 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 30 days after 5 years’ service.
• The excellent Local Government Pension Scheme – contributory and with excellent employer contributions
• 3 x Life assurance through the pension scheme
• Opportunity to purchase up to 10 days' additional leave
• Discount to local leisure centres
• Enhanced family friendly policies (including maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental leave)
• Supportive sick pay scheme
• Occupational health, counselling services and eye care vouchers
• Free on-site car park.

Join us! Make a difference by working for your local Council!

To apply please visit our web page available vacancies.