About us

Based in the heart of Warwickshire, the beautiful district of Stratford-on-Avon is, without doubt, one of the most scenic and historical regions in the UK. Stratford-on-Avon District Council’s headquarters are located in the heart of William Shakespeare’s hometown. In the District, you will find thriving market towns, home to over 135,000 residents and a tourist destination for millions of visitors each year, from across the globe. We are proud to provide public services to residents, businesses and visitors across this magnificent region, making it a great place to live, work and visit. At the Council, our people are our superpower and by choosing to bring your talents to our organisation, you will be joining a great team where everyone feels that they truly belong, full of dedicated people all working with passion and purpose, across a dynamic portfolio of work providing high-quality services.

What to expect in the role

You’ll work in close partnership with our Forestry and Landscape Officer within the Planning Applications Team, playing a key role in safeguarding, maintaining and enhancing the Authority’s distinctive rural character. Drawing on your specialist arboriculture expertise, you’ll manage your own caseload of Section 211 notifications (works to trees in Conservation Areas) alongside applications for trees protected by Tree Preservation Orders. With strong technical knowledge and sound professional judgement, you’ll also lead on the preparation of new Tree Preservation Orders, provide clear and balanced expert advice, and liaise effectively with applicants, agents, Parish Councils and Ward Members. The role offers variety and responsibility, including the preparation of delegated and committee reports and attendance at Planning Committee meetings when required, where your expertise will directly inform decision‑making.

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

• Assess and manage works to protected trees, including Conservation Area notifications and Tree Preservation Orders, through site visits, policy interpretation and consultation review.
• Provide expert landscape and arboriculture advice across the Development Service, supporting planning applications, enforcement and policy work.
• Advise planning officers with clear, robust written assessments that help inform sound decision‑making.
• Administer and coordinate hedgerow legislation, ensuring compliance and best practice.
• Contribute specialist input at meetings, including Planning Committee, and support the Policy Team on emerging strategies, masterplans and development guidance relating to trees and landscape.

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

• A relevant degree or postgraduate qualification in forestry, arboriculture, or landscape‑related disciplines.
• Chartered membership (or working towards it) with a recognised professional body such as the Institute of Chartered Foresters, Arboricultural Association or Landscape Institute.
• Proven experience providing professional landscape, arboricultural or forestry advice on planning applications.
• Strong working knowledge of current arboriculture legislation, planning policy and industry best practice.
• Clear and confident communication skills, with the ability to produce well‑reasoned, detailed written advice on landscape and visual impacts.