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
arboricultural 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.
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.
Further Information & Services
Arboricultural Association www.trees.org.uk
Forestry Commission www.forestry.gov.uk
Lantra www.lantra.co.uk
Royal Forestry Society www.rfs.org.uk
You may find further information about this area of work through
Careers Wales (www.careerswales.com/) or
in your local library, careers office or school careers
library.