Senior Tree Officer (Highways)

Job Introduction

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.

Rewards and benefits

• Culture of flexible and agile working,
• Cycle to Work scheme,
• Technology to support agile working, where role permits,
• 30 days’ holiday p.a. plus bank holidays (Increasing to 31 days after 10 years’ service),
• Offer access to a Relocation Scheme, depending on circumstances and conditions, should you need to consider moving closer to or into the County from where you currently live. Further details are available on request,
• Option to ‘buy’ additional holiday,
• Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support,
• Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, with an employer’s contribution of up to 19.9%,
• Enhanced family friendly policies,
• Local and national discounts for shopping and travel,
• Learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing development,

About the Role

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:

1. Town and Country Planning Act Regulation 3
2. Highways Act s278 agreements
3. 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 04/02/2025 – 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

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.

Our commitment to:
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

Our commitment to:
Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Our commitment to:
Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Our commitment to:
Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, full time and part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

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If you encounter any technical issues with the application system, please contact us at: careers@oxfordshire.gov.uk