Forestry and Landscape Officer

Based in the heart of Warwickshire, the beautiful district of Stratford-on-Avon is, without doubt, one of the most scenic and historical regions in the UK. Stratford-on-Avon District Council's headquarters are located in the heart of William Shakespeare's hometown. In the District, you will find thriving market towns, home to over 135,000 residents and a tourist destination for millions of visitors each year, from across the globe. We are proud to provide public services to residents, businesses and visitors across this magnificent region, making it a great place to live, work and visit.

At the Council, our people are our superpower and by choosing to bring your talents to our organisation, you will be joining a great team where everyone feels that they truly belong, full of dedicated people all working with passion and purpose, across a dynamic portfolio of work providing high-quality services.

Benefits

As part of our team, you will enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Flexibility

• A minimum of 25 days of annual leave, plus Bank Holidays (pro-rata for part time posts)
• Hybrid working arrangements with the flexibility to work from home for up to 60% of your hours (dependent upon the role)
• Flexi-time scheme for a better work-life balance.

Lifestyle

• Health Cash Plan Scheme for medical and dental expenses.
• Eye test voucher scheme
• Everyone Active Gym Membership discount

Professional Development

• Training and Development opportunities.
• Payment of one professional subscription fee

Financial Planning

• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme to secure your future.
• Access to free Will writing services.
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Salary Sacrifice schemes e.g. Cycle to Work etc.
• Free town centre parking

What to Expect in the Role

You will work closely with our Forestry and Landscape Officer within the Planning Applications Team to support the protection, maintenance and enhancement of the Authority's rural character. Using your specialist Arboriculture knowledge and expertise, you will manage your own caseload of Section 211 Notifications (works to trees in Conservation Areas) and applications relating to trees covered by Tree Preservation Orders.

Bringing strong technical knowledge and skills, you will also be responsible for preparing new Tree Preservation Orders, providing professional advice and liaising with applicants, agents, Parish Councils and Ward Members. The role includes the preparation of delegated and committee reports as well as attending Planning Committee meetings when required.

Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities

• To evaluate notifications for works to trees within Conservation Areas or those covered by a TPO involving validation, site visits, professional interpretation of relevant policies and guidance, assessment of comments and consultations received
• Provide specialist landscape and arboriculture advice across the Council's Development service, including Planning Applications, Policy, and Enforcement.
• Support planning officers with detailed assessments and written advice on planning applications.
• Co-ordinate and undertake the administration of hedgerow legislation
• Attend meetings, including Planning Committee to provide specialist advice regarding landscape and arboriculture matters.
• Provide advice to the Policy Team on emerging and proposed policies insofar as they relate to landscape and tree matters. This may include master plans, development briefs and district wide strategies involving trees or landscape.

What You'll Need

• Degree or Post Graduate qualification in Forestry, Arboriculture, Landscape Architecture or Landscape Design and Management
• Chartered membership or working towards chartered membership of the Institute of Chartered Foresters, the Arboricultural Association or the Landscape Institute or other appropriate professional body.
• Experience in providing advice on landscape, arboricultural and forestry matters in planning applications.
• Good knowledge and experience of current arboriculture legislation, policy, and best practice.
• Effective communication skills, including writing detailed comments on planning applications relating to landscape impact.
• For an informal chat about the role, please contact Helen Watson (Team Leader Assistant Planners and Forestry) on or .
• Applications will close at midnight on Monday 13th April 2026.
• Interviews will be held in person (Face to face) week beginning 20th April 2026.