Arboricultural Officer

Hackney is one of the most dynamic and progressive local authorities in the UK. We are a resilient, vibrant, and creative borough in the heart of London, with strong, diverse communities and a powerful set of shared values.

Over the past twenty years, the Council has built up first-class services, outstanding public infrastructure, and a reputation for excellence, innovation, and ambition. We are leading the way on essential work such as our fight for equity in Hackney with a particular focus on becoming an actively anti-racist borough. But the work doesn’t stop there, we are proactive in our approach to bringing fairness to all aspects of life including gender, neurodiversity and across the poverty divide.

Hackney Council has declared a climate emergency and is taking bold steps toward building a sustainable and resilient borough. As one of London’s greenest inner-city boroughs, we are seeking passionate, skilled professionals to help us protect and enhance our green assets. Join us as a Tree Officer and contribute directly to the health, safety and sustainability of the borough’s tree stock – from iconic street trees to woodlands and parks.

Hackney is a place of energy and change, with a diverse population, thriving creative industries, excellent schools, and strong transport links. Our green spaces are central to the well-being of our community, and we need committed individuals to help manage and conserve them for current and future generations.

About the Role:

As a Tree Officer, you will provide expert support in the management of Hackney’s extensive tree stock on streets, parks and housing estates. Your responsibilities will include:

• Inspecting and assessing the health of the Borough diverse tree stock.
• Arranging routine and urgent tree maintenance works.
• Supporting and delivering new tree planting schemes across the borough.
• Identifying pests, diseases and structural defects
• Providing expert advice and guidance to residents, councillors, developers and colleagues on arboricultural matters.
• Writing clear, professional reports and responding to tree-related enquiries.
• Assisting with the monitoring of arboricultural contracts and supervising works on site.
• Using technology and software to improve the efficiency and accuracy of inspections and records.
• Promoting arboriculture through community engagement.

About You:

You’ll need to be enthusiastic, knowledgeable and capable of working both independently and as part of a wider Environmental Services team.

You must:

– Hold a Level 4 qualification in Arboriculture or related field.
– Hold an up to date Professional Tree Inspection ‘PTI’ certificate.
– Have experience managing a large tree stock in an urban setting.
– Demonstrate knowledge of Health and Safety policy and legislation relevant to arboriculture.
– Be confident in using tree management software and general IT systems.
– Possess excellent communication skills with experience writing technical reports.
– Be able to advise on appropriate tree works and planting decisions.
– Show a proactive and professional approach to customer service and community engagement.

Desirable:

– Experience supervising arboricultural contracts.

– Awareness of ecological issues and biodiversity in urban treescapes

– Experience in providing training or education sessions related to trees.

Additional Information:

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required for this post.

As a Council, our most outstanding asset is our staff, who are highly dedicated to serving our residents and committed to our goals as an organisation.

If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values so we achieve the best for our residents, please click on the apply button below.

We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CV’s.

To proceed with your application, you will need to create an account and submit your application.

As part of the application process, you will need to complete a number of competency based questions. These questions allow you to demonstrate your suitability for the role and provide examples of your skills, knowledge and experience outlined in the job description.

We understand the benefits of using AI in the workplace. However, if you are thinking of using this tool to submit your application, we ask you to think about what value it will add. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.

Closing date for applications: 28 May 2025 (22.59)

Interview and assessment date: W/C 09 June 2025

We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive.

Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce.

The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available: hackneyworks@hackney.gov.uk