OVERVIEW

We are looking for an enthusiastic Arboricultural Inspector to join the Arboricultural Team in supporting the delivery of the Council’s legal, statutory and regulatory obligations relating to trees.

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.
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, with whom you will work collaboratively to advise and support the delivery of high-quality sustainable places as part of the Council’s planning function.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• You will carry out ad-hoc tree inspections in response to concerns, and survey trees to inform the creation and management of asset registers and inspect completed works.
• You will assist Arboricultural Officers in managing and delivering an extensive caseload comprising Conservation Area notifications, TPO applications, High Hedge complaints, and administration of Tree Preservation Orders.
• You will play a role in the provision of specialist tree advice to Development Management and other Council officers and assist planning appeals through the provision of lay witness specialist evidence relating to the Arboricultural Service.
• The successful applicant with less knowledge and experience will carry out their work under the supervision of more senior Arboricultural Officers and the Team Leader, but would have the opportunity to progress their career as knowledge, skills and experience increases.
• A successful applicant with more knowledge and experience would join the Council at a higher grade and have greater autonomy and responsibility for managing their own caseload, as well as greater opportunity to influence the formulation of policy and strategy in respect to trees.

ABOUT YOU

We are looking for an Arboricultural Inspector 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 3 qualification, or equivalent experience, and ideally 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.
Any-Desk:
As an ‘any-desk’ worker, you’ll need to be connected to our network to access digital folders and resources, but this can either be from home or an office location when required. You will be required to work from the office a couple of times a week, depending on your role and team requirements.

OUR VALUES AND CULTURE

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.
From dedicated staff networks overseen by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, to proudly standing as a Disability Confident employer, it’s important to us that all our colleagues feel engaged, listened to, and valued. Our offer of flexible working empowers a productive and happy workforce and allows employees to combine work with other responsibilities and commitments.
We believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we service in Buckinghamshire, and are looking for like-minded individuals to join us in promoting equality, fairness, and inclusion for everyone.

In this role, you will spend time outdoors inspecting and recommending works to council-owned trees, and supporting the team in managing and delivering its caseload of Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs), Conservation Area applications and High-Hedge complaints. You will also assist in the administration of TPOs, as well as providing specialist advice in respect to the protection, delivery and management of trees.
You must have professional experience of working with trees and be able to demonstrate sound practical knowledge. Ideally you will have experience of working with the public and responding diplomatically and effectively to challenging situations.
You will work flexibly from Council offices and council-owned sites across Buckinghamshire, as well as from home up to 3-days per week.
This is a role with a future. It is a permanent, full-time, career-graded role which will allow you to continue to work in a supportive environment alongside a team of experienced Arboricultural Officers, to challenge yourself and to progress your career as your knowledge, skills and experience increase.