Tree Officer

“Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.”

About The Role

Plymouth City Council is seeking a skilled and motivated Tree Officer to join our ambitious Natural Environment Service.

This is a key professional role responsible for delivering a high-quality arboricultural inspection, advisory and management service across the city. You will play a vital role in ensuring the sustainable management of Plymouth’s tree stock, helping to balance public safety, environmental protection and long-term ecological value.

Working closely with the Arborist team, Natural Environment Team Leader and Principal, you will lead on inspection programmes, technical decision-making, and the coordination of arboricultural works across Plymouth.

What You Will Do

You Will

Undertake detailed tree inspections and surveys of Council-owned trees and maintain accurate digital records

Plan, organise and schedule citywide arboricultural inspection programmes

Provide professional arboricultural advice to internal services, elected members and external stakeholders

Support the prioritisation and allocation of work programmes for the Arborist team

Specify tree works and ensure delivery aligns with legislation, British Standards and Council policy

Manage and monitor tree data using the Council’s digital asset management system

Respond to public enquiries, including tree-related complaints and advice requests

Process Tree Preservation Order (TPO) and tree-related applications under guidance

Investigate tree-related insurance claims and resolve land and tree ownership issues

You Will Also

Support performance management and coordination of Tree Officers and Arborist teams

Ensure compliance with health and safety legislation, environmental regulations and Council standards

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking an experienced arboriculture professional with strong technical knowledge and the ability to lead and manage workloads effectively.

Essential Qualifications & Knowledge

BTEC National Diploma in Arboriculture (or equivalent)

Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) or equivalent qualification

Knowledge of tree biology, pests and diseases

Strong Understanding Of

BS3998

Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)

Tree risk assessment methodologies (e.g. QTRA)

Full driving licence

Skills And Experience

Experience undertaking tree inspections and specifying works

Ability to provide expert arboricultural advice and guidance

Experience working both independently and as part of a team

Strong organisational skills to manage competing priorities and service demand

Ability to interpret legislation and apply it in operational settings

Confident communication skills when dealing with the public, stakeholders and partners

You Will Also Demonstrate

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Experience Using ICT Systems For Data Management And Reporting

Ability to support and motivate teams to deliver high standards

Why Plymouth?

This role will be based within Plymouth City Council’s new Natural Environment Service – consisting of several groundbreaking programmes and teams across the themes of; Communities; Trees; Marine; Nature Recovery; and Environmental Operations. The new Natural Environment Service enhances Plymouth’s demonstrable leadership as a Nature City with a track record in innovation across Climate, Nature, People, and Place programmes – working collaboratively across themes to achieve maximum impact for the city and the wider region. This is a hugely exciting time to join us in delivering our ambitions, most recently published in our Plan for Nature and People.

Additional Information

This is a flexible working role combining site-based inspections and office-based work

You will be required to work across Plymouth, including visiting a variety of sites and environments

The role plays a critical part in ensuring public safety and enhancing the city’s natural environment

The Disclosure & Barring Service Check requirement for this post is: Basic.

If you are passionate about trees and want to help shape Plymouth’s urban forest and natural environment, we would love to hear from you.

For more information or an informal discussion regarding this role, please contact Alan Rowe - Natural Environment Principal via e-mail - ***email_hidden***.

Closing Date: Monday 8 June 2026

Interview Date: Week commencing 22 June 2026

Plymouth City Council is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, care experience, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex or sexual orientation

As part of our commitment to promoting equality we offer guaranteed interviews to those who meet the essential criteria and are considered disabled, care experienced or are an Armed Forces Service Leaver within the last two years.