Local Government Tree Officer

protecting your community in local government environmental services

 

Introduction

Local government tree officers are responsible for the care and management of trees owned by the council - in public woodland, country parks, parks and recreational spaces in towns and cities, and at the side of roads.
They are employed by district, unitary and metropolitan councils and are sometimes known as aboricultural technicians or forestry/woodland officers.

Work Environment

Local government tree officers are based in council offices but spend a large part of their time outdoors, in the local area making visits and inspecting trees. When doing so, they wear protective clothing - safety footwear and hard hats.
They work a standard 37 hour week, but may be called out at other times to authorise emergency work (for example during severe storms).

Daily Activities

Local government tree officers are responsible for maintaining and managing the council’s tree stock in a safe and efficient manner.  They must also carry out all the council’s statutory services in relation to trees.
A tree officer’s duties include some or all of the following tasks:

  • carrying out all aspects of tree maintenance, including climbing trees, using chainsaws and other equipment and pruning and lopping branches;
  • carrying out surveys to record the number of trees and their condition and planning for any new Tree Preservation Orders;
  • recording all data on the council’s tree management computer system;
  • assessing and processing applications for works to trees, for example if someone wants to chop a tree down, checking that it is not subject to a Tree Preservation Order;
  • responding to enquiries from the public regarding dangerous trees, unauthorised works to trees, trees blocking the light, or fallen trees;
  • inspecting any new tree planting that has taken place;
  • preparing reports on tree related issues, for example, tree health, or tree planting and replacement programmes;
  • keeping up to date with changes in tree related legislation;
  • collating and giving evidence in court in connection with unauthorised tree works;
  • giving advice to other council departments, such as planning and building control, about the effect a proposed development may have on trees in the area;
  • writing reports for engineers, solicitors and insurance companies to provide information for insurance claims relating to trees, for example, if a tree root system is damaging a building.

Some local councils may not carry out the tree maintenance work directly, they may outsource it to an external company.  In this case, tree officers may be involved in the procurement process to decide on a suitable contractor.
 

Skills & Interests

Local government tree officers need:

  • a good knowledge of trees,
  • an interest in the environment and conservation,
  • good practical ability, for example, being able to use equipment such as a chainsaw safely,
  • to be able to record data accurately,
  • good analytical and report writing skills,
  • to be able to deal with members of the public politely and efficiently.

Entry Requirements

Most local councils will expect a nationally recognised qualification in aboriculture, for example an HND or HNC in arboriculture, or a degree in forestry/woodland management, or other relevant subject.  They might also look for some previous experience working with trees.


You might be able to start work as an assistant or technician and gain qualifications while at work, such as N/SVQs levels 2 and 3/an Apprenticeship in trees and timber, or a Technician’s Certificate in Arboriculture, which is recognised by the Arboricultural Association.You might be able to start work as an assistant or technician and gain qualifications while at work, such as N/SVQs levels 2 and 3/an Apprenticeship in trees and timber, or a Technician’s Certificate in Arboriculture, which is recognised by the Arboricultural Association. 
The Aboriculture Association also runs NVQ style accreditation and training especially for local government tree officers, which leads to professional accreditation.
  

You might be able to start work as an assistant or technician and gain qualifications while at work, such as N/SVQs levels 2 and 3/an Apprenticeship in trees and timber, or a Technician’s Certificate in Arboriculture, which is recognised by the Arboricultural Association. The Aboriculture Association also runs NVQ style accreditation and training especially for local government tree officers, which leads to professional accreditation.  Estimated salary range

 

Local government tree officers might expect to earn £18,000 - £27,000.
Please note that salary information is a guide only and there may be local agreements in place. For further information about salaries for particular positions, please contact your local council directly.

Future prospects & opportunities

There is a career path from assistant or technician, to tree officer, and then through to managerial positions, such as arboricultural foreman/manager.  There may also be progression opportunities wider within the local council’s street scene, grounds maintenance, parks, or planning departments.  There may also be opportunities to work within general countryside management, as a ranger, or manager.

Related Occupations

Follow this link to view a list of all related occuptions in Protecting Your Community.
 

Further Information & Services

Arboricultural Association www.trees.org.uk

Royal Forestry Society www.rfs.org.uk

Lantra www.lantra.co.uk

Lantra careers websites:
For young people: www.ajobin.com
For adults: www.afuturein.com

Forestry Commission www.forestry.gov.uk

You may find further information about this area of work in your local Connexions service/careers office/school careers library - under HB.

What should I do next?

Look for current local government Tree Officer vacancies in the following places:

 

 

  • LGjobs.com - the official recruitment website for local government.
  • Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly jobs bulletins produced by local councils themselves, available from libraries, community centres, town halls/main civic buildings and central council personnel departments.
  • Local council websites.
  • Local newspapers
  • National newspapers - The Guardian is particularly well known for its public sector job advertisements on a Wednesday.

Find out about the council and get some work experience if possible by:

  • Making the most of work experience placements arranged through your school, college or university.
  • Contacting councils close to your home to find out about the work experience opportunities they offer.
  • Talking to someone who does the job you are interested in - ring your local council to see if someone can spare some time.
  • Making an appointment to see a careers adviser for more specific information about jobs and training.