What to expect in the role

You will work closely with our Forestry and Landscape Officer within the Planning Applications Team to support the protection, maintenance and enhancement of the Authority’s rural character. Using your specialist Arboriculture knowledge and expertise, you will manage your own caseload of Section 211 Notifications (works to trees in Conservation Areas) and applications relating to trees covered by Tree Preservation Orders.

Bringing strong technical knowledge and skills, you will also be responsible for preparing new Tree Preservation Orders, providing professional advice and liaising with applicants, agents, Parish Councils and Ward Members. The role includes the preparation of delegated and committee reports as well as attending Planning Committee meetings when required.

Key accountabilities and responsibilities (please see Job Description and Person Specification for more details)

• To evaluate notifications for works to trees within Conservation Areas or those covered by a TPO involving validation, site visits, professional interpretation of relevant policies and guidance, assessment of comments and consultations received
• Provide specialist landscape and arboriculture advice across the Council’s Development service, including Planning Applications, Policy, and Enforcement.
• Support planning officers with detailed assessments and written advice on planning applications.
• Co-ordinate and undertake the administration of hedgerow legislation
• Attend meetings, including Planning Committee to provide specialist advice regarding landscape and arboriculture matters
• Provide advice to the Policy Team on emerging and proposed policies insofar as they relate to landscape and tree matters. This may include master plans, development briefs and district wide strategies involving trees or landscape.

What you’ll need (please see Job Description and Person Specification for more details)

• Degree or Post Graduate qualification in Forestry, Arboriculture, Landscape Architecture or Landscape Design and Management
• Chartered membership or working towards chartered membership of the Institute of Chartered Foresters, the Arboricultural Association or the Landscape Institute or other appropriate professional body
• Experience in providing advice on landscape, arboricultural and forestry matters in planning applications
• Good knowledge and experience of current arboriculture legislation, policy, and best practice
• Effective communication skills, including writing detailed comments on planning applications relating to landscape impact.

For an informal chat about the role, please contact Helen Watson (Team Leader Assistant Planners and Forestry) on 01789 260325 or helen.watson@stratford-dc.gov.uk.