Tree Strategy Officer (Maternity Cover)

Are you passionate about trees, wildlife and tackling climate change? We have an opportunity that covers all three. Continuing the delivery of our successful Tree Chichester District project, the Tree Strategy Officer will:

• secure external resources for the project, including grant capital funding, trees and ancillary items;
• identify potential planting sites, working with landowners and other stakeholders;
• develop a planting and maintenance plan following a “Right Tree, Right Place” approach;
• organize the on-the-ground delivery of the project by landowners, farmers, parish councils, community groups and other stakeholders;
• monitor the success of the project including estimating the carbon sequestration by the trees;
• report back to funders, senior management and elected members of the council, stakeholders and the community in the district on the projects on project outcomes.

You should have a degree or equivalent in a relevant environmental field (e.g. Environment, Ecology, Arboriculture) and experience of managing tree, landscape or wildlife projects. A full driving licence will be needed as this is a large rural district.

This is an 0.9 Full Time Equivalent post, providing temporary maternity cover for up to year from November 2025. You will be working in the Council’s dynamic Environmental Strategy team and based in the scenic cathedral city of Chichester, with the opportunity for some home-working where appropriate.

See www.chichester.gov.uk/treescheme for information about the scheme. For an informal discussion or more information regarding the position, please contact Andrea Smith on 01243 521175 or [email protected] from 6 October 2025. Interviews will be conducted on 27 October 2025. Online interviews possible.

Employee benefits include:

• Excellent defined benefits Pension Scheme
• Minimum 26 days holiday going up to 31 days after 5 years (or before with previous service) plus paid Bank Holidays
• Flexi-time (available for most positions) - potential to build up an extra 12 days leave a year
• Flexible working arrangements including working from home and 9-day fortnight options
• Employee Assistance Programme for staff and their relatives
• Cycle to Work Scheme/Car and Cycle Loan Scheme/discounted city centre parking/ Lease Car Scheme
• Health & Wellbeing initiatives including free health checks and free eye tests plus subsidised leisure centre membership
• Payment of your main professional subscription fee.
• Training and development opportunities – including funding of professional qualification training
• Staff Awards Scheme

Chichester District Council has a commitment to Equality of Opportunity in Employment. If you have a disability which makes it difficult for you to complete our application form please contact the HR Section who will assist you.