Executive Tree Officer

Waterjobsuk; Dublin; On-site; EUR 61,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

South Dublin County Council is seeking an Executive Tree Officer to manage and enhance the Council’s tree assets. You will lead the Tree Management Plan implementation, oversee arboricultural programmes across parks and streets, and supervise staff, contractors and consultants to ensure safe, timely delivery of works.

The role requires an honours degree in a relevant field, at least five years' post-graduate experience, and strong policy and planning capabilities to support biodiversity and

Qualifications

• Honours degree (Level 8 or higher) in Arboriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Landscape Architecture or Environmental Science, or equivalent.
• Five years post graduate experience in tree management or related fields.
• Full, valid Category B driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Lead implementation of Tree Management Plan 2026-2031, Living with Trees.
• Plan, develop and manage arboricultural programmes across Council lands.
• Supervise direct labour crews, contractors and consultants to ensure safety and quality.
• Provide on-site leadership for tree management operations and inspections.
• Deliver professional arboricultural advice on planning applications and projects.
• Develop policies and guidance related to arboriculture and biodiversity.
• Manage GIS records, tree inventories and asset data.

Skills

GIS proficiency

Leadership

Project management

Education

Honours degree in Arboriculture/Environmental Science

Job description

Applications

Applications will only be accepted through SDCC’s e-Recruitment system.

South Dublin County Council is utilising Rolling Recruitment to fill this critical post. The nature of Rolling Recruitment is that there is no closing date. This allows us to capture as many applicants as possible to fill these posts on an on-going basis.

Competitions which are subject to rolling recruitment will close temporarily at short notice once a sufficient number of applications have been received. Shortlisted applicants will be brought forward for interview to fill existing vacancies, and the competition will be re-opened to new applications.

It is in your best interest, therefore, to submit your application as soon as possible.

Qualifications

Character

Candidates will be of good character.

Health

Each candidate must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Essential Education, Training and Experience

Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms:

• Hold an honours degree (Level 8 or higher on the National Framework of Qualifications) in Arboriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Landscape Architecture or Environmental Science, or an equivalent qualification deemed relevant to the duties of the post.
• Have not less than five years post graduate satisfactory experience in scientific or practical tree management, urban forestry, or landscape development.
• Possess a high standard of professional competence and experience relevant to the management of trees.
• Hold a full, valid Category B driving licence, free from endorsements and recognised in Ireland. Applicants must be legally entitled to drive in Ireland and have access to a vehicle, as required. The vehicle must be maintained to a standard satisfactory to SDCC for the performance of official duties, and the motor insurance policy must provide appropriate indemnity to the Council.

Desirable Education, Training and Experience

• Strong information technology skills, including proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), digital tree inventory systems and other asset management technologies relevant to urban forestry and tree management.
• Experience in the planning, procurement, delivery and management of projects and work programmes, including the management of budgets, direct labour, contractors and professional consultants.
• Knowledge of local government functions, services, legislation and policies relevant to arboriculture, urban forestry, biodiversity and public realm management.
• A good working knowledge of relevant legislation, regulations and professional standards, including health and safety, tree risk management, environmental protection and planning requirements.
• Experience leading and working within multidisciplinary teams, with the ability to motivate, develop and support staff in achieving organisational objectives.
• Strong planning, organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver outcomes within agreed timeframes and budgets.
• Excellent communication, presentation, report writing and analytical skills, with the ability to prepare technical reports, business cases, policy documents and management briefings.
• Well‑developed interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage effectively with elected members, community groups, residents, statutory agencies, developers, contractors and other stakeholders.
• The ability to work on their own initiative, make informed decisions and effectively manage a varied and complex workload.
• A solution‑focused approach, with the ability to respond effectively to operational challenges, emerging issues and changing priorities.
• Experience in the development and implementation of policies, strategies, management plans and best practice guidance relating to arboriculture, urban forestry, biodiversity or environmental management.
• A high standard of professional judgement, personal suitability and commitment to the sustainable management and enhancement of South Dublin County Council’s tree assets.
• Management and change
• Delivering results
• Performance through People
• Personal effectiveness
• Local government knowledge and understanding

Candidates are requested to give an example of a situation which highlights the behaviour, skills and attitude that underpin effective performance in some of these areas and which demonstrates their suitability to meet the challenges of this role. Candidates should ensure the example used clearly demonstrates their ability in this area and that the scale and scope of the example given is appropriate to the post and level of the post. Please note that all competencies will also be assessed during the interview process.

Duties

The Executive Tree Officer will be responsible for the strategic management, protection and enhancement of South Dublin County Council’s tree resource and will play a leading role in the delivery of the Council’s Tree Management Plan 2026-2031, Living with Trees.

• Lead the implementation, monitoring and delivery of South Dublin County Council’s Tree Management Plan 2026-2031, Living with Trees, ensuring the sustainable management and enhancement of the Council’s tree assets.
• Plan, develop and manage arboricultural programmes and projects across parks, streets, housing estates, open spaces and other Council lands.
• Manage and supervise direct labour crews, contractors and consultants, ensuring works are delivered safely, efficiently, on time and to the required standards.
• Provide on-site leadership and oversight of tree management operations, including inspections, maintenance, planting, risk management and emergency response activities.
• Undertake and oversee tree inspections, condition assessments, risk evaluations and the specification of arboricultural works to protect public safety and tree health.
• Provide professional arboricultural advice on planning applications, development proposals, infrastructure projects and tree protection measures.
• Contribute to the delivery of biodiversity, climate action, green infrastructure and urban greening initiatives across the County.
• Investigate tree-related complaints, service requests and reports of hazardous trees, recommending and implementing appropriate actions.
• Develop and review policies, standards, procedures and best practice guidance relating to arboriculture, urban forestry and tree management.
• Provide technical advice and support to Council management, elected members, community groups, developers, external agencies and members of the public.
• Manage and maintain GIS records, digital tree inventories, inspection data, asset records and associated management systems.
• Prepare, manage and monitor revenue and capital budgets, ensuring effective financial control and value for money.
• Procure, manage and monitor arboricultural contracts, ensuring compliance with quality, safety, environmental and contractual requirements.
• Undertake regular site inspections and audits of works carried out by direct labour crews and contractors to ensure compliance with specifications and performance standards.
• Assist in the management and enhancement of hedgerows, woodlands and other natural landscape assets within Council lands.
• Liaise and collaborate with District Supervisors and other Council departments to ensure the effective integration of tree management within wider public realm operations.
• Monitor and report on programme delivery, staff performance, contractor performance, budget expenditure and operational outcomes.
• Lead and manage staff and multidisciplinary teams, ensuring effective resource allocation, performance management, staff development and the safe delivery of work programmes.
• Develop workforce, contractor and resource plans to support the effective delivery of tree management objectives and service priorities.
• Support the achievement of the Council’s corporate objectives in relation to biodiversity, sustainability, climate action and environmental stewardship, and undertake such other duties appropriate to the position as may be assigned from time to time.

These duties are indicative rather than exhaustive and are carried out under general guidance.

Executive Tree Officer

Add to wish list Region: Ireland Vicinity: Dublin Industry Sector: Horticulture Jobs , Conservation Jobs , Environmental Jobs , Biodiversity Jobs , Forestry Jobs , GIS Jobs , Agriculture Jobs , Arboriculture Jobs , Land Management Jobs , Stakeholder Engagement Jobs , Environmental Science Jobs , Tree Jobs Job Category: Legal/Regulatory , Project Management , Policy , Specialist & Technical , Monitoring , Officer , Planning , Arboriculturist , Horticulturist Job Type: Permanent Education Level: Please see job description Salary Description: See Below Job Description Posted: 27/10/2026 Start Date: ASAP Recruiter: South Dublin County Council Job Ref: GreenJobs - 001099 Closing Date: 10/11/2026

Job Title: Executive Tree Officer Job type: Permanent Location: Ireland, Dublin South Salary: €60,858 - €63,071 - €65,286 - €67,505 - €69,722 - €71,938 - €74,157 - €76,362 - €78,591 - €80,801 - €83,348 (LSI1) - €84,596 (LSI2) Closing date: 10th November 2026

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