We are hiring a Tree Preservation Officer to act as the principal point of contact for arboricultural advice and tree preservation within Hackney Council’s Planning Service.

Hackney is one of the greenest inner-London boroughs with more than 40% of its land made up of parks, open spaces, gardens and other green areas. Through our Local Plan, Climate Action Plan, Green Infrastructure Strategy and Nature Recovery Plan, we are committed to fighting the climate and biodiversity crisis, enhancing green infrastructure and promoting sustainable development. The Tree Preservation Officer role has an important part to play in achieving these aims through Planning statutory duties relating to trees and collaboration with other arboricultural professionals within the Council.

About the role

As Tree Preservation Officer you will lead in the promotion of best practice relating to tree preservation, biodiversity and landscaping within the planning process. You will participate in guidance and policy making and negotiate positive design changes as part of the development management process to seek tree preservation and high quality landscape design. In particular, your main duties will include:

Processing applications for works to trees covered by Tree Preservation Orders and Section 211 notifications concerning trees in Conservation Areas;
Providing advice to members of the public and other stakeholders in relation to arboricultural issues within the planning context;
Providing technical responses to planning application submission relating to trees, negotiating with developers and arboricultural professionals;
Making new and emergency Tree Preservation Orders as and when required;
Providing advice and recommendations in support of the Council’s enforcement function against unlawful tree works.

About you

We are looking for an arboricultural professional committed to tree protection and biodiversity who will be able to demonstrate the following:

A nationally recognised arboricultural qualification (Royal Forestry Society National Certificate in Arboriculture or equivalent/higher);
Thorough knowledge of relevant planning legislation, policies and procedures in relation to trees;
Relevant experience of working in either a Planning Service or related Landscape and Arboricultural field;
Sound knowledge of best arboriculture practice in relation to construction and development;
Eligibility for membership of the Arboricultural Association.

For full details on the role, responsibilities and requirements please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification.

The post sits within the multidisciplinary Conservation, Urban Design and Sustainability team alongside urban designers, heritage officers, biodiversity and sustainability experts. There is also opportunity for engagement with other arboricultural services within the Council with exciting opportunities for professional development. Hackney offers generous staff benefits, flexible working and an inclusive and diverse working environment.

If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values so we achieve the best for our residents, please click on the apply button below.

Closing date for applications: 20 October 2024 (22.59).

Interview date: TBC.

We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved.

Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce.

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Tree Preservation Officer