Tree and Woodland Creation Officer
We are seeking to recruit a Tree and Woodland Creation Officer to join the Council’s Parks and Open Spaces team. You will assist with the delivery of a professional aboricultural service which protects, conserves and enhances the Borough’s tree stock and contributing to high profile tree planting projects.
This is a fantastic opportunity to enhance and gain additional experience within the sector of tree management and woodland creation. The role also offers the opportunity to inspect tree, make recommendation issue works to external contractors, liaise and deal with customer enquiries. As part of the project element of the role you will engage with a variety of partners and community groups to help deliver our planting projects which will enhance Bedford’s Parks and Open Spaces network. You will be working with likeminded people and engaging with partners and the community on a range of challenges and opportunities. You will build on a variety of core skills including developing and sustaining effective working relationships, communication, negotiation and influencing behaviour change.
Essential:
- Knowledge and experience in arboricultural industry, including investigating and specifying Health & Safety and amenity tree management work in either a public highway and/or public realm environment.
- Demonstrable knowledge of tree species and the identification and assessment of structural weakness, decay, pests and diseases and of the effects of tree root systems on builidngs and hard surfaces and the associated recommended remedial action required.
- Demonstrable knowledge of best arboricultural practice and legislative requirements related to all aspects of Health & Safety.
- Ability to plan, prioritise and manage delivery of individual work programme to agreed standards and schedule.
- Able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with a wide range of groups and individuals, including members of the public, members, client departments and external organisations.
- Committed to good customer service, to be able to deal with members of the public who may have queries.
- Self-motivated and capable of showing initiative.
- Excellent knowledge of relevant ICT systems.
- Full clean current driving license and access to a car.
Desirable:
- Level 2 (or above) arboricultural qualification.
Key responsibilities:
- Undertake operational duties around the proactive programme of periodic and regular inspections of the Council tree stock to ensure their Health & Safety and manage any potential impact, in accordance with statutory and corporate asset management obligations/
- Assist with the operating and updating of the Council’s tree inventory and management software system to ensure delivery of associated work programmes and accurate record keeping.
- Assist with the delivery and management of the Council’s tree maintenance, husbandry and planting programmes.
- Report to the Team Leader where members of public have failed to comply with rules and regulations to ensure that all members of the public feel safe and secure.
- Provide guidance, advice and monitoring to the Council’s arboricultural contractors to ensure that specifications and standards are fully complied with.
- Provide support to the Team Leader (Open Spaces, Infrastructure and Community Engagement) in gathering information related to public incidents required for any claim hearings.
- Provide guidance and advice to members of the public around any tree enquiries to ensure that the Council is adhering to the tree management policies and meeting customer service needs.
- Participate in and contribute to all Health & Safety requirements and operational codes of practice at all times, wearing/ using safety equipment at all times, adhering to training as directed.