Tree Services Officer

MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB: Tree Services Officer Be responsible for the implementation of a range of strategies and initiatives designed to preserve and enhance the boroughs tree stock To carry out all necessary monitoring activities to ensure that the service is delivered to specification, budget, legal requirements and meets all policy objectives. Recommend changes to policies and strategies as necessary. Be responsible for professional advice to Members, Senior management team and the Councils Insurance and Risk Group on all issues relating to the management of the boroughs tree stock. Summary of responsibilities and personal duties: Responsibilities Tree Services Officer 1. Assist with the recruitment, development and training of new staff and the engagement of contractors and consultants 2. Manage operational and project budgets (circa 150k) ensuring that the service operates within allocated budgets and complies with all financial regulations and standing orders. 3. Oversee the delivery of a wide range environmental improvement projects, including initiatives and projects proposed by ward assembly coordinating groups. Allocate resources sufficient for the cost effective completion of projects within designated timescales and acceptable quality standards. 4. Provide professional advice to the Councils Insurance and Risk Group in relation to insurance claims for alleged property damage. Produce detailed reports and recommend appropriate action as required. 5. Be responsible for the continuous monitoring of all tree management contracts and the supervision of contractors staff to ensure compliance with agreed standards, Health & Safety legislation and service objectives. Recommend and implement amendments to contract terms .and specifications including appropriate action in the event of underperformance. 6. Ensure that reports required to process tree related insurance claims are produced and presented in a timely manner. 7. Be responsible for the maintenance and continual development of the Arbortrack (or equivalent ICT system) database. 8. Be responsible for the development of a comprehensive communication strategy to maximise opportunities for positive publicity for the councils tree management activities. Personal Duties 9. Carry out site inspections and surveys to determine the maintenance needs of the boroughs tree stock as necessary. Be responsible for the safe keeping of allocated vehicle and equipment The person specification is a picture of the skills, knowledge and experience needed to carry out the job and will be used in the shortlisting and interview process for this post. Those categories marked will be used especially for the purposes of shortlisting. Only those applicants who meet these requirements will be shortlisted. You should therefore address these fully in your application form. If you are a disabled person, but are unable to meet some of the job requirements specifically because of your disability, please address this in your application. If you meet all the other criteria you will be shortlisted and we will explore jointly with you if there are ways in which the job can be changed to enable you to meet the requirements