Forestry and Landscape Officer

The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited; Warwick; Hybrid; GBP 39,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government council in the UK is seeking a Forestry and Landscape Officer to provide expert advice on landscape matters for planning applications. The role involves working within a hybrid model, engaging with diverse stakeholders, and contributing to high-quality urban development projects. The ideal candidate will hold a relevant degree and have strong communication skills, with opportunities for professional growth and a comprehensive benefits package enhancing work-life balance.

Benefits

25 days of annual leave plus Bank Holidays

Health Cash Plan for medical expenses

Gym Membership discount

Flexibility in working hours

Qualifications

• Degree or Post Graduate qualification in Landscape Architecture, Landscape Design and Management, or Forestry.
• Chartered membership or progressing towards membership of relevant professional bodies.
• Good knowledge of current landscape legislation and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist landscape advice during all stages of planning applications.
• Negotiate on landscape impact for major planning applications.
• Attend Planning Committee meetings providing expert advice.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Effective communication

Knowledge of landscape legislation

Education

Degree in Landscape Architecture or related field

Job description

Forestry and Landscape Officer

Team / Department: Design, Landscape & Conservation

Location: Elizabeth House, Stratford-upon-Avon and Remote Working

Employment Status: Permanent

Hours per week: 22.2

Working Arrangements: Hybrid Working

Salary: Grade G: £39,862 – £42,839 (pro rata)

About Us

Based in the heart of Warwickshire, the beautiful district of Stratford-on-Avon is, without doubt, one of the most scenic and historical regions in the UK. Stratford-on-Avon District Council’s headquarters are located in the heart of William Shakespeare’s hometown. In the District, you will find thriving market towns, home to over 135,000 residents and a tourist destination for millions of visitors each year, from across the globe. We are proud to provide public services to residents, businesses and visitors across this magnificent region, making it a great place to live, work and visit.

At the Council, our people are our superpower and by choosing to bring your talents to our organisation, you will be joining a great team where everyone feels that they truly belong, full of dedicated people all working with passion and purpose, across a dynamic portfolio of work providing high-quality services.

Benefits

As part of our team, you will enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Flexibility
• A minimum of 25 days of annual leave, plus Bank Holidays.
• Hybrid working arrangements with the flexibility to work from home for up to 60% of your hours (dependent upon the role)
• Flexi-time scheme for a better work-life balance.

Lifestyle

• Health Cash Plan Scheme for medical and dental expenses.
• Eye test voucher scheme
• Everyone Active Gym Membership discount

Professional Development

• Training and Development opportunities.
• Payment of one professional subscription fee
• Financial Planning
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme to secure your future.
• Access to free Will writing services.
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Salary Sacrifice schemes e.g. Cycle to Work etc.
• Free town centre parking

What to Expect in the Role

You will join the existing team of Forestry and Landscape Officers, Urban Designers, and Conservation Officers within the Development Delivery Department of the Council, providing expert landscape advice to support the delivery of high-quality and characteristic development from pre-application to post-application stages.

Bringing your technical knowledge and skills, you will work with the Planning Applications and Policy departments to inform decision making across the Council’s rural environment, comprising five main character areas, four Special Landscape Areas, and a portion of the Cotswold AONB.

You will play an active role in negotiations on landscape impact for major development proposals, including appraising Landscape Visual Impact Assessments and advising on suitable design enhancements. Additionally, you will advise on the quality of trees which may be affected by new development proposals or otherwise under threat.

Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities

• Provide specialist landscape and arboriculture advice across the Council’s Development service, including Planning Applications, Policy, and Enforcement.
• Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team to negotiate on landscape impact for major planning applications.
• Support planning officers with detailed assessments and written advice on planning applications.
• Advise the Policy department on emerging and proposed documentation, including masterplans, development briefs, and authority wide strategies.
• Attend meetings, including Planning Committee to provide specialist advice regarding landscape and arboriculture matters.
• Provide both written and oral expert evidence on behalf of the Local Planning Authority for planning appeals or prosecutions.

What You’ll Need

• Degree or Post Graduate qualification in Landscape Architecture, Landscape Design and Management, Forestry or other relevant discipline.
• Chartered membership or working towards chartered membership of the Landscape Institute, the Institute of Chartered Foresters, the Arboricultural Association or other appropriate professional body.
• Good knowledge and experience of current landscape and arboriculture legislation, policy, and best practice.
• Experience of effective stakeholder engagement and/ or providing detailed advice to members, officers, developers, and the public on landscape and arboriculture.
• Effective communication skills, including writing detailed comments on planning applications relating to landscape impact.

For an informal chat about the role, please contact Alexander Folliss, Design, Landscape & Conservation Team Leader on 01789 260 348 or [e-mail]

Applications will close at midnight on Monday 26th January 2026

Interviews will be held week beginning 9th February 2026

To apply, please click on the 'apply button' or email [e-mail]

The Council is committed to equality of opportunity and aims to create a welcoming, inclusive workplace where we are all able to bring our whole selves to work and perform at our best.