Tree Officer

Company: Mole Valley District Council
Closing Date: 15-07-2026
Location: Dorking
Salary: £37,028-£41,642
Hours: Fixed term
Contact Title: Recruitment Lead & HR Officer
Contact Name: Amy Rowe
Contact Email: Amy.Rowe@molevalley.gov.uk
Contact Telephone: 01306 879107
How to Apply: Apply here: https://ce0203li.webitrent.com/ce0203li_webrecruitment/wrd/run/ETREC179GF.open?WVID=7278795FOY For an informal chat about the role, please contact Louise Nolan (Development Manager) on 01306 879240

Description

The Tree Officer contributes to the work of the Development Management Team by taking ownership of a caseload of tree related applications, including applications for works to trees under Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and works to trees in Conservation Areas, as well as contributing to pre-application enquiries and appeals, and other service related tasks as required.

Do you have experience in assessing the amenity value of trees and want to expand on this?

We are keen to support someone who is looking to progress their career in tree protection. At Mole Valley District Council, we have a number of officers throughout the Development Management team who have done just this, starting in Assistant roles and progressing to Senior roles. We very much value our staff and strive to help them achieve their professional aspirations.

Much of the District is located within the Green Belt and National Landscape designations, which introduces interesting considerations for officers and decision makers. In our built-up areas, we have historic market towns and associated heritage issues, which pose a different set of thought provoking issues for our team.

Trees, and their protection and maintenance, are integral to the quality of our rural and built-up areas and we are looking for an officer who recognises their value also.

This is a politically restricted role.

About the team

The Tree Officer position sits within the Development Management Service which aims to deliver high quality decisions in a timely fashion to ensure that the high-quality environment of Mole Valley is protected and enhanced.

Collaboration and sharing knowledge is key to our success and we encourage new team members to help us maintain our high performance while promoting new ideas, constantly looking for ways to improve our working practices.

We pride ourselves on a wider-service mentality. You will be working with colleagues from development management, planning policy, planning support and more.

About you

You have a recognised arboricultural qualification or qualification in a closely related discipline
You ideally have experience working in or with Local Planning Authorities
You can demonstrate experience in dealing with a caseload of tree related applications/enquiries and report writing
You have experience in assessing amenity value of trees and can identify constraints and issues in their condition
You can demonstrate a sound understanding of key legislation and standards
You are a positive and self-motivated individual who will bring a strong work ethic and enthusiasm to the team
You are a team player, who can contribute innovative ideas and be committed to achieving high quality results
You hold a current driving licence and access to own a vehicle to use for work

For you

Hybrid working with flexibility (if your role can offer hybrid working)

We will support and encourage you through our annual Performance and Development Review to identify training and career development opportunities. Helping you to reach your career goals and full potential.

We’re less about you driving to work and more about driving down our carbon footprint (meeting our pledge to be carbon neutral by 2030).

Our hybrid working policy offers many employees the opportunity to work from home up to three days a week should they wish (pro rata for part time working).

In support of our people and our Climate Change Strategy, we welcome hybrid working and are happy to talk flexible working too, where appropriate to the role. There are some roles where hybrid and/or flexible working may not be possible, particularly where we need to be responsive to meet the needs of our residents and businesses.

Further info

For an informal chat about the role, please contact Louise Nolan (Development Manager) on 01306 879240

Closing date for applicants: Midday 15th July 2026

Interview dates: w/c27th July 2026