Arboriculture Officer – 6 Month Contract

Location: Dudley Council, Dudley

Rate: £28.32 per hour (Umbrella)

Contract: 6 Month Contract

Hours: Full Time

Pay: Bi-weekly

Driving Requirement: Full Category B Driving Licence Required

Summary

Dudley Council is in search of a seasoned Arboriculture Officer to oversee the management, safeguarding, and upkeep of the Borough's tree population. This position serves as a key arboricultural expert within the Council, offering specialized guidance to Council Members, officers, legal teams, risk management personnel, and the public on diverse tree-related issues. The appointed individual will be tasked with directing and coordinating arboricultural operations within a specified area of the borough, ensuring that tree management aligns with safety standards, sustainability practices, and applicable laws.

Responsibilities

• Deliver expert arboricultural guidance to:
  • Council Members
    
  • Council Officers
    
  • Legal Services
    
  • Risk Management Teams
    
  • Members of the Public
    
• Conduct tree inspections and assess their condition.
  
• Detect tree defects, diseases, decay, and structural problems.
  
• Perform Visual Tree Assessments (VTA).
  
• Oversee and track arboricultural work programs.
  
• Develop technical reports, recommendations, and professional advice.
  
• Address tree-related complaints and inquiries.
  
• Ensure adherence to relevant legislation and British Standards.
  
• Aid in the management and protection of the Council's tree resources.
  
• Support planning consultations involving trees and protected landscapes.
  
• Conduct risk assessments and ensure health and safety compliance.
  
• Manage arboricultural records and databases.
  
• Supervise contractors and oversee their work as needed.
  
• Contribute to biodiversity, habitat management, and environmental projects.
  

Essential

Requirements

Requirements:

• Recognized Arboriculture Qualification at National Diploma Level or higher.
  
• Full Category B Driving Licence.
  
• Experience in managing staff and budgets.
  
• Proficiency in producing technical reports and professional documentation.
  
• Strong ICT skills, including:
  • Microsoft Office
    
  • Databases
    
  • Electronic record systems
    
• Experience in conducting tree inspections and condition assessments.
  
• Familiarity with Visual Tree Assessment (VTA).
  
• Experience working with the public and stakeholders.
  

Technical Knowledge & Skills

• Ability to identify tree species and diagnose:
  • Disease
    
  • Decay
    
  • Injury
    
  • Structural Defects
    
• Comprehensive knowledge of:
  • Modern Arboricultural Practices
    
  • Tree Management
    
  • Arboricultural Health & Safety
    
  • Risk Assessment Processes
    
• Understanding of:
  • Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)
    
  • Planning Legislation
    
  • British Standards related to Trees
    
  • Wildlife and Habitat Management
    
  • Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Principles
    

Desirable

• Experience in local authority arboriculture.
  
• Experience managing arboricultural contractors.
  
• Knowledge of GIS and tree management software.
  
• Professional membership in a recognized arboricultural organization.
  

What's on Offer?

• £28.32 per hour (Umbrella)
  
• 6 Month Contract
  
• Bi-weekly Pay
  
• Opportunity to significantly contribute to the management and protection of the Borough's tree stock.
  
• A diverse role that includes inspections, technical advice, planning input, and stakeholder engagement.
  
• Work within a professional team focused on environmental and regulatory services.
  

Ideal for candidates with backgrounds as an Arboricultural Officer, Tree Officer, Arboricultural Surveyor, Senior Arborist, Tree Surveyor, Arboricultural Consultant, Woodland Officer, or Environmental Services Arboriculture Specialist.