Arboricultural Officer
Salary: £30,509t to £39,152 depending on experience and qualifications
Hours: 37 hours per week
Location: Eastbourne Borough and Lewes District Councils
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 22/07/2026 at 12:00
Interviews: TBC
We are seeking a positive individual with drive and enthusiasm to join our Green Consultancy team at Lewes District and Eastbourne Borough Councils.
The Green Consultancy team is dynamic, high performing, fast paced and plays a substantial role in delivering an attractive and varied environment throughout Lewes District and the Borough of Eastbourne.
Key Responsibilities
· Planning & development: providing specialist arboricultural advice on planning applications, administering tree preservation orders, and assessing trees in conservation areas.
· Tree inspections & surveys: conducting routine safety inspections and comprehensive surveys on parks, council open spaces and housing estates.
· Pest & disease control: monitoring tree health and managing outbreaks of pests and disease.
· Customer service: investigating enquiries from residents and resolving complaints regarding dangerous trees, high hedges, fallen limbs, or neighbour disputes.
· Planning and delivering tree planting schemes to improve local biodiversity and air quality.
Essential Qualifications & Knowledge
· A minimum level 3 qualification in arboriculture, or ability to demonstrate an equivalent level of knowledge is required; also it would be desirable to hold a professional tree inspection qualification or be prepared to work towards one.
· A strong understanding of UK planning laws, conservation area regulations, and health and safety requirements.
· Familiarity with tree management mapping software and databases (e.g. Arbortrack)
Skills & Competencies
· Communication: excellent verbal and written communication for liaising with councillors, developers, and the general public.
· Conflict resolution: the ability to negotiate and make objective, evidence-based decisions when interests collide (e.g., between developers and conservationists).
· Risk assessment: sound judgment in evaluating tree hazards and prioritising remedial works based on risk
· Budget management: ability to manage works within set budget constraints.
· Contract management: manage and administer contracts as per the Council's procurement regulations.
Working as part of an effective team across Lewes District and Eastbourne, you will need to be initiative-taking, self-motivated and well organised with excellent communication skills and the ability to use your initiative and will have a strong commitment to providing service excellence.
This is a role which can be undertaken remotely at a variety of locations and working from home but with an emphasis on being able to attend site visits; therefore it is essential that you have a full, clean, current driving licence and use of your own vehicle.
How to apply
Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.
