Tree & Planting Officer

Our client is a housing association and regeneration agency based in East London. Established for over 20 years, their primary focus is on providing affordable housing, managing estates, and leading community regeneration projects in the area. As a company they aim to create thriving and sustainable communities by investing in housing, infrastructure, and local services while actively engaging residents in decision-making processes. They are now looking for a Tree and Planting Officer to join the friendly team.

Job Description

The Tree and Planting Officer will be responsible for managing all aspects related to trees and planting across the organisation’s estate areas. This includes overseeing tree maintenance, planting initiatives, and green infrastructure projects to ensure legal compliance, risk reduction, and efficient budget management. The officer will coordinate with external contractors, inspects estate trees regularly, manage budgets, handle inquiries and complaints, collaborate with other departments, and contribute to management reports and health & safety compliance. The role requires qualifications in arboriculture, tree inspection, and a valid UK driving license, along with skills in project management, communication, and problem-solving.

Key Responsibilities

General duties will include but are not limited to:

• Contractor management for tree, planting, and green infrastructure projects.
• Oversight of Tree Management policies and procedures for legal compliance.
• Inspection of estate trees and green areas.
• Budget management and procurement of necessary products and services.
• Handling complaints and inquiries regarding trees and green infrastructure.
• Collaboration with relevant departments and stakeholders.
• Contribution to management reports and health & safety compliance.
• Participation in meetings and engagement activities.

Candidate Skills

Skills:

• Comprehensive tree maintenance program, tree inspection, inventory, and contract management program.
• Proficient in IT equipment usage for communication, scheduling, reporting, and data processing.
• Adaptability to operate effectively in a resident-led environment.
• Strong written and oral communication skills for influencing, negotiating, and persuading.
• Commitment to improving performance.
• Ability to engage in clear and constructive communication.

Experience:

• Experience in successful Urban Tree Management and Risk Management, preferably utilising industry-specific software.
• Experience in identifying and resolving plant failure issues (desirable).
• Experience in managing Health & Safety Legislation within a Land Based Industry environment.
• Experience in managing contractor performance.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of BS3998 standards.
• In-depth understanding of tree management in the public realm, including related legislation, codes of practice, and risk management.
• Familiarity with Biodiversity Action Plans and Implementation (desirable).
• Understanding of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act and related duties and responsibilities (desirable).
• Knowledge of Health & Safety at Work Legislation and associated duties and responsibilities.

Education/Qualifications/Training:

• Minimum Level 3 Arboricultural qualification.
• Lantra professional tree inspection certification.
• Full UK driving license.

If this Tree & Planting Officer vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Sophie Sharpe.

Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Tree & Planting Officer vacancy.  Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not possible to respond to every one.  Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 14 days, your application for this Tree & Planting Officer vacancy will have been unsuccessful.