Arboricultural Officer

Vale of Glamorgan Council; Barry; Hybrid; GBP 34,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

This Arboricultural Officer role sits within Neighbourhood Services – Operations, part of the Environment and Housing Directorate at the Vale of Glamorgan Council. The post contributes to the Tree Strategy, protecting trees, guiding planting strategies and improving resilience to climate change.

Working with the Arboricultural Manager and contractors, you will undertake inspections, support contract management, respond to service requests and provide clear technical advice to staff and the

Qualifications

• Be an experienced arboricultural professional with a strong background working in a structured, regulated environment.
• Experience in managing arboricultural works, programming works, and supporting contract management and procurement of services.
• Knowledge of tree biology, risk management and maintenance; awareness of pests, diseases and climate change impacts.

Responsibilities

• Support maintenance, management and protection of Council‑owned tree stock across highways, parks and woodlands.
• Provide professional arboricultural advice to internal services and the public.
• Undertake technical tree inspections, support programmed works and assist with contract management and supplier relations.
• Prepare quotations and estimates and maintain accurate records; monitor external contractors.

Job description

About Us

This Arboricultural Officer role sits within Neighbourhood Services – Operations, part of the Environment and Housing Directorate at the Vale of Glamorgan Council.

Neighbourhood Services delivers frontline services that directly affect local communities and the public environment. This role supports the effective management, protection and enhancement of Council‑owned trees and woodlands, working closely with the Arboricultural Manager, contractors, internal services and the public.

The post also contributes to delivery of the Vale of Glamorgan Tree Strategy, supporting climate resilience, canopy cover targets, biodiversity, public safety and long‑term tree sustainability.

• Ambitious - Forward thinking, embracing new ways of working and investing in our future.


• Open - Open to different ideas and being accountable for the decisions we take.


• Together - Working together as a team that engages with our customers and partners, respects diversity and is committed to quality services.


• Proud - Proud of the Vale of Glamorgan; proud to serve our communities and to be part of the Vale of Glamorgan Council.

About The Role

Pay Details: £33,673 - £37,563

Hours of Work / Working Pattern: Monday to Friday 37 hours per week

Main Place of Work: Alps Depot and hybrid working including site and home

Description: To support the effective maintenance, management and protection of all Council‑owned tree stock and assist in providing professional arboricultural advice across the Vale of Glamorgan. Working with the Arboricultural Manager – Neighbourhood Services, you will help deliver arboricultural services across highways, parks, woodlands and other Council land. The role includes undertaking technical tree inspections, supporting programmed works, assisting with contract management and ensuring services are delivered safely, efficiently and in line with legislation and best practice. You will respond to service requests, enquiries, complaints and incidents, providing clear technical advice and supporting information. The post also involves helping to prepare quotations and estimates, maintaining accurate records and supporting the monitoring of external contractors. In line with the Vale of Glamorgan Tree Strategy, the role contributes to protecting existing trees, supporting sustainable planting and succession planning, and improving tree health and resilience to climate change, pests and disease. You will work closely with colleagues, contractors and the public, balancing public safety, environmental value and community needs.

About You

You will need to be:

• Be an experienced arboricultural professional with a strong background working in a structured, regulated environment.


• You will have practical experience in arboriculture within a workplace, including experience of managing arboricultural works, programming works, and supporting contract management and procurement of services. You will be confident dealing with customers, clients and stakeholders on complex tree‑related matters, providing clear, professional and evidence‑based advice.


• You will bring sound technical expertise in tree biology, tree risk management and tree maintenance, together with knowledge of current biological threats to trees in the UK, such as pests, diseases and the impacts of climate change.


• You will be fully conversant with relevant legislation and guidance, including Highways, Wildlife, Planning and Tree Protection legislation, as well as Local and National guidance and British Standards such as BS3998, BS5837 and BS8545. You will also have a good working knowledge of environmental, planning, highways, street works and health and safety legislation, regulations and industry guidance relating to trees.


• Strong communication skills are essential. You will be able to communicate effectively with staff, customers and the general public, act professionally at all times, and where required present arboricultural information to stakeholders, including on issues such as ash dieback and tree risk management.


• You will be IT literate, with a good understanding of current technology used in arboriculture, including tree management software and diagnostic equipment, and be able to maintain accurate records and data.


• Above all, you will be highly motivated, flexible and responsive to changing priorities and demands, able to deal with the public confidently and professionally, and committed to acting with integrity, honesty and transparency in the delivery of Council services.

Additional information

For Further Information, contact: Phillip John, Arboricultural Manager – Neighbourhood Services

Please see attached job description / person specification for further information.