Tree Officer

Dover District Council; Dover; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Dover is looking for an enthusiastic Tree Officer to manage tree maintenance within parks and public spaces. The role involves providing specialist arboricultural advice, managing Tree Preservation Orders, and working closely with the Grounds Maintenance Team. Candidates should have relevant experience in tree management, a full clean driving license, and a commitment to environmental sustainability. The position offers a supportive work environment with various employee benefits.

Benefits

Healthcare Membership

Local government pension scheme

Generous annual leave

Discounts at local leisure centre

On-site parking

Cycle2Work scheme

Qualifications

• Must have experience with procedures for Tree Preservation Orders.
• Up-to-date knowledge of tree protection laws and standards.
• Experience in local government and arboricultural practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead tree management and maintenance in council parks and estates.
• Provide arboricultural advice related to planning.
• Serve Tree Preservation Orders and assess works on protected trees.

Skills

Experience with Tree Preservation Orders

Knowledge of The Town and Country Planning Act

Experience in local government environment

Full clean driving license

Education

Level 4 Award in Arboriculture

Level 4 Apprenticeship in Arboriculture

Job description

Salary: Starting from £33,466 per annum (DDC Grade H)
Basis: Full time
Contract type: Permanent

Contractual hours: 37 per week

Dover District Council has an exciting agenda to deliver first class public services, putting our residents at the heart of everything we do. As an employer, Dover District Council is proud to provide a supportive, friendly, diverse and flexible working environment in which our employees can thrive.

The Dover District covers approximately 121 square miles and is steeped in history, with wonderful coastline and countryside, lush valleys and beautiful parks and gardens, including the Green Flag Awarded Kearsney Parks, which encompasses a Grade II Thomas Mawson formal gardens.This makes Dover such an attractive place to live and work.

With amazing natural landscapes and a stock of veteran trees, we’re looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Tree Officer to join the Parks and Open Spaces Team.

The Role & Responsibilities

You will lead on all aspects of tree management and maintenance within Dover District Council maintained Parks, Housing Estates, Cemeteries and Closed churchyards. You will work as part of the In-House Grounds Maintenance Team and will provide specialist arboricultural advice on trees in relation to planning and the wider landscape. You will also be responsible for serving Tree Preservation Orders and assessing applications for works on Protected Trees, as well as trees in Conservation Areas, district wide.

Who We Are Looking For

• You must have experience of procedures relating to Tree Preservation Orders and trees in Conservation Areas, together with an up-to-date breadth of knowledge of The Town and Country Planning Act, law and standards relating to the protection and management of trees.
• Experience in a local government environment.
• A professional qualification in arboriculture such as a Level 4 Award or Level 4 Apprenticeship, or willingness to train towards, is desirable.
• This post requires you to have a full clean driving licence. The role requires travelling to sites across the district in a timely manner using your own transport.

What Can We Offer?

We can provide a friendly and supportive environment for you to excel in. We also offer several employee benefits, subject to eligibility criteria, such as:

• Benenden Healthcare Membership and access to an Employee Assistance Programme.
• An Opt-in Local government pension scheme with the opportunity for staff to make advanced, voluntary contributions (AVCs) to top up their pension.
• A generous annual leave provision.
• A discount scheme including reduced membership rates at the local leisure centre.
• On-site parking.
• Cycle2Work scheme (eligibility criteria applies)
• Generous Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme (eligibility criteria applies)

A full valid UK driving license is required for this role and use of a motor vehicle for business use.

The quality of your application will be considered as part of the recruitment process.

For an alternative format, or to apply using a different method, please contact us.

What Next?

If you would like a further discussion about the post then please contact Grace Dennis (Principal Open Spaces Officer) [e-mail] on 07743 192881.

Interviews to be held on w/c 19th January 2026.

Applications must be received through DDC's jobs portal: Apply here