Senior Tree Officer (Highways)

at  Oxfordshire County Council

ABOUT YOU

Are you an experienced Tree Officer / Arboriculturist who wants a new challenge?
Do you have experience of operational knowledge of tree care within a Highway Authority context along with experience of the planning process related to trees?
Do you want the opportunity to deliver and influence tree retention and management to support climate action across one of England’s most beautiful and diverse treescapes?
If the answer is ‘YES’ to any of the above, then you could be the person we’re looking for to join our Tree Service.

ABOUT US

Oxfordshire County Council recognises the need for proactive tree care. Enabling canopy growth delivers key objectives to aid climate resilience and provide environmental benefits to residents and visitors across the County.
The Tree Service’s role is to ensure trees under the responsibility of Oxfordshire County Council are maintained for the long-term benefit of the communities they contribute to.
We are directly responsible for approximately 600,000 trees across the County. We care for trees along approximately 4600km of public highway and more than 100 property sites, including sites where the County have responsibility for tree care.
The Tree Service works closely with a variety of departments and functions within the County to deliver a holistic approach to tree care, which is supported by our Tree Policy.

This post ensures additional specialist knowledge and input can be made available to support the Transport Development Control Team with decision making by leading on complex arboricultural matters throughout the development management process. These will include:

• Town and Country Planning Act Regulation 3
• Highways Act s278 agreements
• Highways Act s38 agreement

The role will be varied and is focused on problem solving in an innovative way. You will contribute to developing and implementing tree care plans to ensure a holistic and consistent approach across the Highway network.
You will have responsibility for managing some Tree Officers. You will contribute to improving operational delivery (through our Tree Care Framework) and efficiency for surveying, inspections and tree care specifications.

This post ensures additional specialist knowledge and input can be made available to support the Transport Development Control Team with decision making by leading on complex arboricultural matters throughout the development management process. These will include:

• Town and Country Planning Act Regulation 3
• Highways Act s278 agreements
• Highways Act s38 agreements

Please read through the job description for more specific details on the selection criteria for the role to see how you, your qualifications and your experience can help us to deliver our goals.
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.
The role will cover the whole County.
Interview date: Tuesday 25/02/2025 – This will be in person at our Sutton Farm site in Stanton Harcourt, Oxfordshire.
For an informal discussion about the role and how to apply, please contact Andy Lederer (Tree Service Manager) by email andy.lederer@oxfordshire.gov.uk