Tree Officer (Permanent)

SurreyJobs; Ewell; Hybrid; GBP 34,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

LGPS membership

Flexible working

Hybrid working (up to 3 days home)

Professional subscription

Discounted health scheme

Job summary

Tandridge District Council is seeking an experienced arboricultural planning officer to provide specialist advice on Tree Preservation Orders, tree work applications and development management. You will help safeguard the district’s trees while enabling appropriate new development.

You will maintain the TPO records, assess requests for protection and contribute to balancing sustainable development with tree preservation in a busy planning environment.

Qualifications

• Experience advising on Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs).
• Knowledge of development management and conservation areas.
• Ability to balance planning with tree preservation.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist arboricultural advice on TPOs and tree work applications.
• Assess planning development applications for tree impacts.
• Maintain and review the TPO database.

Job description

A great opportunity to be involved in helping to protect and enhance the district’s natural environment by the protection of its trees and through the successful integration of trees and soft landscape within new development. This will ensure the beautiful nature of our rural area is maintained and enhance which is in east Surrey, bordering Kent and the London Boroughs to the north. We are a Green Belt authority with two National Landscapes in the District.

We know there are many things that residents love about Tandridge District including our fantastic location, our countryside and the community feel of our towns and villages. We think you will love Tandridge too.

About the role:

As part of the Planning team, you will provide specialist arboricultural advice on:

• Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)
• Tree work applications
• Development management applications
• Conservation Area trees
• Planning enforcement matters relating to trees/soft landscape
• High hedges

You will also help maintain and review our database of Tree Preservation Orders, assess new requests for protection of trees, and contribute to balancing sustainable development with the preservation of the district’s most important tree assets.

This is a varied and rewarding role that offers the opportunity to influence the future of the local environment while working on a wide range of planning and tree-related matters.

What we offer

When you join us your expertise, skills and experience will be valued, and your career development will be our priority.

We are committed to creating a collaborative and innovative environment which empowers you to thrive. You will be part of a friendly, supportive One Team culture with the chance to make a real difference.

We use Viva Engage to keep you connected and engaged and we hold regular face to face meetings, such as Chief Executive briefings to keep you in the loop.

We are conveniently located close to Oxted Station and have some on-site parking.

In addition to the stated pay, we offer membership and contributions towards the Local Government Pension Scheme, flexible working (giving you the opportunity to work from home for up to three days a week), flexi-time, payment of a relevant professional subscription and access to a discounted health scheme.

Diversity statement

At Tandridge District Council, we pride ourselves on maintaining an inclusive workplace, ensuring equality, fairness, and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do and good practice is embedded in the Council’s culture and services.

We welcome applications from all sectors of our community, including BAME, LGBTQ+ and all groups protected under the Equality Act.

Tandridge is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.

Local Government Reorganisation

The government is reorganising local councils in Surrey. The current two-tier system where services are split between Surrey County Council and district or borough councils, will be replaced by two new unitary councils - East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council.

East Surrey Council will cover Elmbridge, Epsom & Ewell, Mole Valley, Reigate & Banstead and Tandridge District managing all local services, including housing, planning, waste, education, roads and social care.

Although this may lead to some uncertainty for anyone considering a role with us, we need to continue to provide services.

When the new councils are created in April 2027, most staff will transfer to the new council on their current terms and conditions. Being part of a larger organisation may offer additional opportunities for career development and variety.

The majority of the roles we currently have will still be needed whether that is for planning, housing, recycling and waste, finance, IT, HR etc. Find out more about what local government reorganisation means for us

Find out more about what local government reorganisation means for us.

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We understand that some applicants may use AI tools to assist with preparing their applications.

All submitted information, whether supported by AI or not, must accurately reflect the applicant’s own skills, experience and qualifications.

Recruitment decisions will be based on how well applicants demonstrate these attributes during the interview and selection process.