Tree Inspections Officer

Job Description

Purpose of the Post:To work as part of a highly specialised team working throughout the borough delivering the councils’ Arboricultural service to its customers, stakeholders and service users working borough-wide to maintain the health, safety and integrity of the Council’s tree stock.Responsibilities:• To keep abreast of local and national tree related issues and lead on the continuing development, maintenance and updating of the asset management plan and associated systems in relation to the Council’s tree stock ensuring full alignment with the Tree Risk Management Framework• To work seamlessly as part of a specialised team within agreed procedures to deliver a service to a professional standard and deal with unexpected problems or situations as they arise, proactively reporting any identified tree issues, risks and faults throughout the borough• To be responsible for ensuring the scheduled safety and service inspections are programmed and undertaken in line with the Tree Risk Management Framework and relevant legislation• To carry out detailed on-site surveys and inspections which may include the need to use climbing equipment where considered necessary to determine the level of risk, condition and maintenance requirements of trees within the responsibility of the Council, and also when requested by other departments, Service Users, partners or individuals to quantify the arboricultural maintenance required to ensure public/tree safety• To be responsible for the management of any present or developing issues noted whilst on site and to ensure any safety essential mitigating actions and control measures are implemented to minimise the potential impact of identified risks• To provide professional arboricultural advice and guidance where required to both internal and external clients, partnerships and individuals ensuring compliance with the Tree Risk Management Framework and associated legislation, policies and procedures and act as an expert witness providing comprehensive, accurate and structured evidential case management files in line with requirements and attending court and other forums to represent the council as required• To be responsible for investigations and preparing reports on a wide range of arboricultural issues applying specialist technical knowledge as requiredRelevant Experience:• Extensive experience working in the arboricutural surveying and inspection environment• Experience of working to and meeting strict deadlines• Experience of dealing with conflicting demands and dealing with a range of audiences requiring a service or assistance simultaneously.• Experience of working in the grounds maintenance environment and carrying out respective dutiesGeneral and Special Knowledge:• Extensive technical knowledge and experience of best arboriculture practice• In depth knowledge of legislation and governance affecting the provision of arboriculture management and maintenance of trees within an urban or rural setting• An understanding of electronic data collection and processing Geographic Information system• Knowledge of policies and procedures relevant to the role in order to ensure the safety of members of the public, colleagues and other employees• Specialist technical knowledge of tree anatomy, physiology, biometrics, geology and environmental conditions to enable the proficient identification of defects and species irregularities in treesHourly rate: £12.95 p/h PAYE or £15.90 p/h umbrella