The Role

Based in Richmond’s parks and open spaces team this role is critical in safeguarding trees that are important within the local and wider landscape, ensuring efficient and quality tree work is being carried out by Council contractors and working with numerous stakeholders to enhance the borough’s tree stock.

Planning duties will include responding to consultations, where you will be responsible for identifying threats to trees and making recommendations to ensure that they are protected in accordance with the adopted Local Plan policy.  You will be responsible for assessing the impact of proposals as outlined within tree work applications and the serving of Tree Preservation Orders in response to clear threats to trees that are of importance within the landscape.  Where illegal tree work operations have been carried out you will be participating in the enforcement process.

The Council is responsible for over 21,000 trees within highways, parks & open spaces, woodlands and corporate property and you will be responsible for ensuring management in accordance with the adopted tree management policy, participating in tree asset and condition surveys, producing instructions for specialist contractors and monitoring their performance in order to facilitate effective contract management.   

Richmond Council understands that trees are assets that provide a wide range of ecosystem services and as such requires forward thinking candidates who are committed to delivery of best practice and long term aims that will benefit current and future generations.  We are committed to increasing the number of trees that are within the borough’s ownership and you will be playing a key role in identifying planting opportunities and overseeing the planting process from ordering through to monitoring the aftercare programme.

Richmond’s residents are passionate about trees and will often scrutinise decisions that have been made, in particular in instances where trees have been removed, excellent communication skills are therefore essential in responding to a wide range of enquiries. You will be expected to be able to communicate with a wide range of stakeholders, from individuals to groups of people, you will be responsible for presenting Tree Preservation Order items to planning committee.

You will be welcomed into a service area which delivers a range of services including parks, trees, and allotments and your personal development will be encouraged.  You will be expected to attend the London Tree Officer Association seminars and participation in their working parties will be encouraged.  Work Life balance and wellbeing are promoted so we can offer you arrangements that will enhance this, including generous holiday allowance of 31 days plus bank holidays and a range of staff benefits such as Performance Related Pay, membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, childcare vouchers, new technology scheme, interest-free loans on annual travel cards, discounts at many leisure activities sites, restaurants, shops and other establishments.

Richmond and Wandsworth are currently reviewing our pay, reward, and benefits framework, in partnership with Trade Union colleagues. We are developing different options that make sure we have a fair and transparent system in place.

If you would like an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact Craig Ruddick, Arboriculture Manager via email at craig.ruddick@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk or telephone on 020 8487 5358.

Equality Statement

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services.

We are pleased to be Disability Confident employer.

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils