Arboricultural Planning Specialist

5 Star Recruitment; Yeovil; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

5 Star Recruitment is seeking an experienced Arboricultural Officer for a council in Yeovil to safeguard trees and hedgerows under planning law. You will provide technical advice on TPOs, CA work, and tree preservation within the planning service.

You will assess applications, prepare reports, support enforcement, and contribute to the Tree Strategy as part of the Climate Emergency program. The role requires professional qualifications and strong communication with stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Town & Country Planning legislation related to trees and hedgerows
• BS5837:2012 and BS3998:2010 knowledge
• Health and safety regulations knowledge
• Ability to identify common tree and shrub species

Responsibilities

• Process applications for work to trees covered by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs).
• Write reports and make recommendations to ensure compliance with deadlines and appeal preparation.
• Process notifications for works to trees in conservation areas; negotiate with applicants and prepare technical reports.
• Prepare new tree preservation orders and update existing ones, including surveys and objections handling.
• Process hedgerow removal notifications and prepare associated technical reports.
• Support Planning Enforcement in investigations of unauthorised tree works or hedgerow removals.
• Advise on planning applications and discharge of conditions; assist with complex applications.
• Prepare and present reports to committees, officers and public groups.
• Provide arboricultural advice as part of a multi-disciplinary team to the Council.
• Advise other departments on hiring arboricultural consultants and contractors.

Skills

Customer focused

Negotiation

Communication

Working under pressure

Stakeholder engagement

Team collaboration

Research and upskilling

Education

HND / Level 4 Arboriculture diploma

Lantra Professional Tree Inspection

Arboricultural Association membership

Tools

GIS / mapping

Job description

5 Star Recruitment is seeking an experienced Arboricultural Officer for a council in Yeovil to safeguard trees and hedgerows under planning law. You will provide technical advice on TPOs, CA work, and tree preservation within the planning service.

You will assess applications, prepare reports, support enforcement, and contribute to the Tree Strategy as part of the Climate Emergency program. The role requires professional qualifications and strong communication with stakeholders.