Job Description

Medway Council\'s Planning Service is seeking a Tree Officer to join the Specialist Team.

Medway is a stunning place, with wonderful and internationally important landscapes and natural areas and also stunning historic centres within our urban area. Medway has produced a Climate Change Action Plan, trees are now specifically recognised of huge importance in the National Planning Policy Framework and we have Bio Diversity Net Gain coming into effect in November. The importance of trees to society and as a consideration in assessing planning applications has never been greater.

The post of tree officer sits within a dynamic team (including landscape and suds officers in addition to 2 tree officer posts) which is responsible for providing specialist advice and support to the Planning Service. You will play a key role in helping shape and deliver the council\'s approach to managing and enhancing the Medway Town\'s urban forest, which is vital in creating a sustainable green environment for all.

Reporting to the Senior Tree Officer, you will have responsibility for assessing and determining tree work applications; making, modifying and reviewing Tree Preservation Orders; and providing comments on planning applications, as well as planning conditions. When necessary, you will gather evidence and take appropriate enforcement action where unauthorised works to protected trees have occurred. If submitted, you will consider formal high hedge complaints.

You will also provide advice to a range of internal and external customers and will work with others within the Specialist Team and the Planning Service to deliver the objectives and targets contained within the relevant corporate and service plans, including the council\'s Climate Change Action Plan.

You will have a sound knowledge and understanding of modern arboricultural practices and associated legislation, excellent organisational skills; a good knowledge of GIS systems and will preferably (but not essential) have some relevant Local Authority experience in a similar role.

We are looking for a positive, energetic, and conscientious person, with a desire to solve problems to enable appropriate development to happen but delivering on the climate change agenda, and a passion for good customer service, who can communicate clearly and effectively with a range of clients including members of the public, council colleagues, councillors, and the private sector.

You will be expected to undertake unaccompanied site visits. Possession of a valid full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes is an essential requirement.

In return we offer you:

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Generous local government pension scheme package
• Access to wider training and development qualifications
• Flexible working scheme
• Travel plan discounts
• Car Benefit Scheme from Tusker
• Access to CAREFIRST advice & counselling service
• Employee discount scheme for national and local retailers
• The Government has introduced new ways of supporting parents with childcare costs. Further details are available here: -

We\'re committed to making Medway carbon neutral by 2050. We have developed an action plan to ensure we play our part in addressing the climate emergency. Our declaration fits into our priority of making Medway a place to be proud of. The main outcome being a \'clean and green environment\'. All Medway Council staff can access an additional day\'s paid leave to undertake a volunteering activity which supports climate change.

Our organisation:

Medway is a unitary authority in the South East of England, made up of the towns of Strood, Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham and Rainham and more rural areas, including the Hoo Peninsula.

Situated in Kent in the South-East of England, the area has plenty of green spaces, excellent facilities and easy access to the national motorway and rail networks, facilitating superb transport links to London.

We provide all local Government services for a quarter of a million people, looking after and much more - everything from frontline services such as rubbish collection and events like the Dickens Festival to work that goes on behind the scenes to ensure services in Medway run smoothly and cost effectively.

Working at Medway Council means that you get to be part of this journey working alongside talented, professional colleagues to drive forward change to transform the lives of our residents and the communities they live in.

If you would like to have an informal discussion with the recruiting manager please email Mike Sankus on

Important Information-

Applicants must be able to demonstrate all essential requirements as listed in the job profile

Equal Opportunities Commitment Statement

Medway Council is committed to creating an inclusive work environment with a diverse workforce. All appropriately qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, disability, marital status, family commitments, sexual orientation, age, HIV status, religious or political beliefs, social class or trade union activity or irrelevant spent conviction.

For further information please refer to the Medway information pack available as a download or to view online.

Please be advised that if you are not contacted within 3 weeks of the advert closing date then you have not been shortlisted. All recruitment correspondence, including interview letters and contracts of employment will usually be sent out via email.

Please visit for information on how Medway Council put good practices in place to ensure employees and job applicants who declare mental health issues receive the right level of support.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time prior to the closing date.

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How to Apply

Please be advised that we only accept online applications submitted through JobsGoPublic ATS

If you are not contacted within 3 weeks of the advert closing date then you have not been shortlisted.

All recruitment correspondence, including interview letters and contracts of employment will usually be sent out via email, if you require documentation/correspondence in different format such as braille or large print, please contact the Resourcing Team on 01634 332878.

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Medway Council