We are seeking to recruit a Tree Officer to join the Council’s Heritage and Planning Compliance Team.

Salary & Benefits Package:

£34,314 to £37,035 per annum plus £4,000 market supplement, generous pension contribution and comprehensive benefits package. 

For more information on available benefits, please visit - www.bedford.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/why-work-us

The successful applicant will use your strong communication skills to provide tree/landscape advice to the Planning Services Group and advise and liaise with developers, applicants, agents and tree surgeons on all proposals affecting trees and hedgerows.

You will maintain, review and update the Council’s Tree Preservation Order records, and assist in the service of new Tree Preservation Orders as well as acting as professional adviser and expert witness in appeals and enforcement in relation to trees, hedgerows and landscaping.

You will have the ability to identify trees and diseases and will have thorough knowledge of the current law and guidance in relation to trees and development.

You should have a National Diploma in Forestry or Arboriculture or equivalent level 3 qualification in Arboriculture. Experience of working in Local Government and knowledge and experience of the planning system in relation to trees is also desirable.

How to apply

When you are ready to apply, click on ‘Apply for Vacancy’; you will be asked to upload a CV and answer some application questions.  The application questions require a yes/no response.  Please make sure your CV shows how you meet the requirements for the role you are applying for, the job profile below will show the essential selection criteria.  An optional CV template is provided below.  

Closing Date: 8th August 2025

Please note:

The Council will not normally re-employ ex-employees in receipt of:

· a severance payment (within 12 months of leaving)

· a local government pension (applies to Senior Officers only) unless the appointment is business critical

For further information, please email recruitment.team@bedford.gov.uk

Bedford Borough Council is proud to be a member of the Armed Forces Covenant and the Care Leavers Covenant, we pledge to interview any eligible job applicant who meets the minimum criteria for the job they are applying for.  Bedford Borough Council is also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer and guarantees to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the role they are applying for.  

Visa Sponsorship

Bedford Borough Council is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.