Do you have a passion for protecting and enhancing our natural environment? Are you looking for a role where you can develop your career, gain specialist qualifications and make a real difference to local communities?
We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to play a key role in protecting and managing the district’s valuable tree stock. This is an exciting opportunity to join our busy Development Management team, working alongside specialists in heritage, ecology and planning to help safeguard the character of the district, enhance biodiversity and ensure trees continue to provide lasting benefits for residents and wildlife.
About the Role
As part of our multidisciplinary team, you will provide specialist arboricultural advice on:
- Tree work applications
- Development management applications
- Planning and enforcement matters
- Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)
- Conservation area trees
You will also help maintain and review our database of Tree Preservation Orders, assess new requests for protection, and contribute to balancing sustainable development with the preservation of the district’s most important tree assets.
This is a varied and rewarding role that offers the opportunity to influence the future of the local environment while working on a wide range of planning and tree-related matters.
Training and Career Development
We recognise that great Tree Officers are developed through experience and training. That's why this position offers an excellent career development pathway.
Candidates may join at Trainee Arboriculture Officer level, with full support to develop the technical knowledge, practical experience and professional skills required for the role. Through structured on-the-job learning, mentoring from experienced professionals and opportunities for further training and qualifications, you will be able to build a rewarding long-term career in arboriculture and planning.
As your skills, experience and qualifications grow, there will be opportunities to progress through to:
- Arboriculture Officer
- Senior Arboriculture Officer
This makes the role ideal for motivated individuals who are keen to learn, develop professionally and take on increasing levels of responsibility over time.
About You
We are looking for someone who is passionate about trees and committed to protecting and enhancing the local environment.
You will ideally have:
- Knowledge of Tree Preservation Orders, conservation areas and planning controls
- Understanding of tree amenity, arboriculture and landscape principles
- Experience of report writing and digital mapping systems
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
Most importantly, you will be self-motivated, eager to learn and committed to developing your expertise. You will enjoy working independently while also contributing positively to a collaborative team environment.
Why Join Us?
- A meaningful role helping to protect and enhance the district’s natural environment
- A supportive team of planning, ecology and heritage professionals
- Structured training and mentoring opportunities
- Clear career progression from Trainee to Senior Officer level
- Varied and rewarding work that makes a visible difference to communities and biodiversity
- The opportunity to develop specialist skills and professional qualifications
If you are passionate about trees and looking for a role where you can learn, grow and make a lasting impact, we would love to hear from you.
If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact John Chaplin ([email protected]) or Gemma Davis ([email protected])
INTERVIEW DATE: 17th or 18th September 2026
In exchange for your expertise, experience and enthusiasm we provide a range of staff benefits. Please click here for more information: https://www.stroud.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/benefits-of-working-for-us
A local government reorganisation is planned for Gloucestershire, which may result in changes to structures and services. Potential changes are provisionally timetabled for April 2028. We are committed to supporting all employees through this transition and ensuring continuity of employment wherever possible. Joining us now means you’ll be part of shaping an exciting new chapter for local government.
It is important that our staff reflect the diversity of our community, and we therefore welcome and encourage applications from people of all genders and sexual orientation, those from Black, Asian and other minority ethnic backgrounds, and people with disabilities.
We welcome applications from neurodivergent candidates and value the diverse lived experiences they bring.
We recognise the wide range of cognitive strengths that contribute to delivering high-quality services.
We are committed to ensuring that every applicant can participate fully and fairly in our recruitment process. To support this, we offer workplace adjustments at every stage. Please let us know if you have any additional requirements as we are here to help create a positive, inclusive, and equitable experience for all.
Responsible recruitment practices for safeguarding are in place within the Council’s HR policies and processes. This is part of our commitment as a Council to safeguard the welfare of vulnerable adults, young people, and children.
Stroud District has an energy unlike any other place. It’s green and dynamic, climate conscious and motivated, creative and collaborative, and unapologetically ambitious. To find out more about what makes our place, our people and our businesses so special, please follow the link to our dedicated website: Stroud District – The Natural Place
