Tree Officer

Cotswold District Council is seeking a practical and motivated Tree Officer to join our Natural, Built and Historic Environment Team, based in Cirencester.

22.2 hours per week, 2 years fixed term contract

You will be part of a specialist, supportive team of around 14 professionals covering trees, biodiversity, landscape and conservation and design, working together to protect and enhance the district’s natural environment. This is a part-time role (22.2 hours per week) with flexible working arrangements available, subject to the needs of the service and the successful candidate.

In this role, you will play a key part in supporting the Development Management and Planning Policy Teams, providing specialist arboricultural advice on planning applications and the Local Plan review. In addition, you will be required to review and progress applications for tree works, create and review Tree Preservation Orders and inspect and manage Council-owned trees, ensuring trees are protected and appropriately managed in response to climate and ecological priorities. This work will require collaboration with colleagues from across the Council, including the planning services, property and assets and building control.

We are looking for someone who is hands-on and field-focused, with at least two years’ relevant practical experience gained in either the public or private sector. You will have a strong understanding of arboriculture within the planning system, be confident carrying out site visits and inspections, and be comfortable managing your own caseload. If you enjoy balancing technical expertise with collaborative working and want to make a real impact on the Cotswolds’ landscape, we would love to hear from you.

You will need

• GCSE Maths and English or equivalent to grade C/4 or higher.
• A relevant arboricultural related qualification or similar at NQF level 4 or above and/or relevant experience of at least five years.
• Accredited tree inspection qualification (such as PTI) and at least 2 years’ experience of undertaking tree condition inspections.
• High level of knowledge, understanding and experience of all aspects of trees, woodland and arboriculture, including those relevant to the planning system and tree/woodland management

Advert Closing Date: 12th February 2026
Interview date: 28th February 2026

For more information about this role please see the Job Description/Person Specification on our website.

Special Conditions

• You will be expected to work reasonable additional hours in line with the needs of the service.
• There may be a requirement to work at other locations to meet the needs of the business.
• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Ability to travel/access to a vehicle for work purposes.

What can we do for you

• Agile working allowing a mix of home and office working
• Flexible working arrangements (depending on the role)
• 27 days paid annual leave (pro rata if you are working part time) plus bank holidays, which increases to 30 days after five years of service
• An extra two volunteering days per year to support a charity of your choice
• A health cash plan giving you cash back on health, dental and eye care
• Generous contributory local government pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme 24/7, providing positive, preventative and supportive advice and counselling to deal with everyday events and issues
• Cycle to work scheme
• Salary sacrifice car lease scheme with significant tax and NI savings to be made on electric cars
• Generous sickness cover above statutory entitlements

About Us

We are rightly proud of the businesses, communities and residents who live in this beautiful part of the world, putting them first and at the heart of everything we do. We’re busy recreating a council set up for success, which can deliver for the needs of our communities in a fast-changing environment. That means we need to be ‘fleet of foot’ and look for innovative and creative ways to deliver against our Corporate Plan priorities.

That plan focuses on a range of important priorities including delivering good services for residents, responding to the climate emergency, supporting strong local communities, and evolving the district’s vibrant economy.

Accredited of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies – Please state this within your covering statement or in a separate email.

Our organisation is committed to meeting its statutory and moral duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people under 18 years of age and adults at risk who are the recipients of its services and/or activities.

Safer recruitment practices are applied to all job vacancies. Successful candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment medical questionnaire; provide references; proof of identity; nationality and immigration status; three years’ employment or education history (if applicable) and, in some cases, verification of criminal record.