Principal Arboriculture Officer

 Principal Arboriculture Officer

Grade H - £40,221 to £48,474 per annum

Permanent 37 hours per week

Havant is a unique environment between the Solent coast and the South Downs. The Council’s Corporate Strategy puts the Borough’s natural environment at the heart of the Council, upcoming projects and our decision making.

Contributing to this, you will deliver the Council’s responsibilities in relation to tree preservation, woodland and hedgerows and provide a high standard of arboriculture service. You will also contribute to the provision of an efficient and effective Planning Service that makes a positive contribution to the built and natural environment of the Borough of Havant, facilitating sustainable economic growth and development.

In this role, you will be the Council’s identified subject matter specialist in arboriculture. Specifically, the role delivers:

• Preparation and implementation of an up-to-date and effective Tree Strategy for the Borough
• Determination of tree applications
• Timely, high quality advice to development management officers regarding the arboriculture impacts of proposed developments at the pre-application, planning application and discharge of condition stages of development
• Timely, high quality advice to case officers regarding planning enforcement in relation to trees
• Strategic advice to the Council on its own tree estate and corporate projects such as tree planting initiatives and the Council’s regeneration agenda
• Preparation of statements and other material for appeals in relation to tree and planning applications, appearing at hearings and inquiries if needed

The role is suited to those with knowledge and experience of implementing a local authority’s obligations in relation to trees, woodlands and hedgerows. If not in place, the Council can provide sponsorship to achieve relevant qualifications and membership of a professional body.

 What we can offer you

A competitive salary/benefits and support for your continuous professional development.

•         £40,221 to £48,474 per annum

•         Generous Leave Allowance 

•         Free Parking

•         Local Government Pension Scheme

•         Flexible Working/Hybrid Working

•         Family Friendly Packages

Visit our website for the full range of benefits and support we offer our staff.

If you would like to discuss the role, please contact David Hayward, Planning Policy Team Leader on 07718 125935.

To Apply

Please click apply and complete the short application process (3-4) minutes.  Please ensure you attach your CV and a supporting statement, when completing your application on our recruitment platform Hireful – www.havant.gov.uk/jobs-us-apply-now.  We will not be able to progress your application further unless you provide a supporting statement detailing how you meet the essential and desirable criteria in the role profile.

Closing date for receipt of applications is midnight on 24 May 2024 and interviews will be held week commencing 17 June 2024.

Due to the current employment climate, we are receiving a high number of applicants for each post and as such may not be able to acknowledge receipt of your application. You will however be notified as to whether you made the shortlist soon after the closing date.

We want our workforce to reflect our diverse local communities, therefore, we encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. www.havant.gov.uk/our-organisation/equality-and-diversity

The council is an inclusive employer and appoints on merit. We are a Disability Confident Employer and have a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for Veterans.

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff members to share this commitment.

Havant Borough Council is a Category 1 Responder under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004. All employees of the Authority will be expected to support any necessary actions required during an emergency response.