Principal Tree Officer

Principal Tree Officer

Grade J: £45,091 - £49,282 per annum (pay award pending)

Role Number: DP374

Permanent – 37 Hours per week

Benefits to you:

• Standby Payment (current standby payment is £150.43 per 7-day standby period, pay award pending)
• Essential Car User Allowance
• Payment of One Professional Fee per Annum
• Corporate Management Training
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• 26 days annual leave rising to 31 days after 5 years continuous service
• Flexitime scheme to support work–life balance
• Discounted Council Leisure Centre Membership
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Free Car Parking

With over 1300 TPOs, 45 Conservation Areas, and 80,000 trees covering an area of 261 square miles, we have a unique opportunity for tree professionals in a number of roles. Successful candidates will be able to stamp their own mark on this new shared service between Cannock Chase District and Stafford Borough Councils. We are looking for passionate and ambitious officers to drive this service forward and you will already have some experience of tree management in some of the disciplines in the role.

This area combines rural and urban environments with areas of nature conservation, SSSIs and Local Nature Reserves all set against the Cannock Chase National Landscape offering challenging work in a beautiful setting. We are looking for some exceptional candidates who want to make a difference for our residents and treescape.

You will be working within the Natural Environment Team and will be responsible for managing the shared tree service across both Councils and developing tree policy.

You will need a minimum Level 5 qualification in Arboriculture e.g., BSc (Hons), FDSc, HND, RFS Dip, ABC Level 6 dip., ideally with proven experience of managing staff dealing with tree and landscape protection issues, preferably in a Local Government setting. You must have a detailed knowledge and understanding of modern arboricultural practices and associated legislation.

You must hold a professional tree inspection certificate.

You will be highly motivated, ideally with proven experience of making and managing TPO’s, managing other protected and non-protected trees. You will be expected to undertake staff appraisals and set exacting standards within the tree team.

In addition, you will have excellent written and verbal communication skills being able to communicate clearly and effectively face to face, by telephone or other means, whilst demonstrating courtesy and tact in dealing with a wide range of people.

Possession of a valid full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes is an essential requirement.

This role will be subject to a Basic DBS Disclosure.

To apply for this role online please go to https://staffordandcannockjobs.engageats.co.uk

If you require alternative ways of applying or need any reasonable adjustments, please contact us on 01543 462621 or email us quoting the role number at:

✉recruitment@cannockchasedc.gov.uk

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is Sunday 12th July 2026.

Cannock Chase District and Stafford Borough Councils are Equal Opportunities Employers.