Assistant Tree Officer

We’re building thriving communities as one of the UK’s largest housing groups and a leading developer of affordable housing.
We believe everyone is entitled to a good home they can afford, in a place they are proud to live. More than 100,000 people live in our homes.
If you want to experience work that’s truly rewarding, join us. Because when we achieve together, customers and communities thrive.
Work for Orbit. Believe in people.
The role
The purpose of the Assistant Tree Officer is to implement and oversee the cyclical tree inspection and management programme for all Orbit Group’s owned trees and working in conjunction with internal teams and contractors to inspect and record the condition of the trees and make decisions about remedial/maintenance works required, ensuring H&S and VfM.
This role is part of Property where you'll help us to lead the way investing and maintaining 46,000 homes.
The role will involve travel across various Orbit sites, primarily in the South and East regions, but may be required to travel to sites in the Midlands.
What you'll achieve
This role aims to promote partnerships and seek funding to implement tree planting, woodland, and biodiversity schemes, engaging communities and promoting ownership as part of Orbit Earth’s environmental objectives.
* Undertake a cyclical tree inspection / survey and management programme of all Orbit Group’s owned trees within the South and East Regions.
* Work in conjunction with the Tree Officer, internal teams and contractors to inspect and record the condition of the tree stock and make decisions about remedial/maintenance works required for health & safety; ensuring value for money.
* Advise and write technical reports relating to all aspects of arboriculture, as per the needs of Estate Services or other stakeholders
* Promote partnerships and seek funding to implement tree planting, woodland creation and biodiversity schemes; engaging communities and promoting ownership as part of Orbit Earth’s environmental objectives
* Coordinate the data entry of tree surveys within our systems and Ezytreev to keep an up-to-date inventory of all trees which are Orbit Group’s responsibility and manage work from initial contact to completion of work
* Deal with day to day enquiries from customers, inline with our Customer Commitments. Ensure that enquiries are investigated, appropriate records are kept, and replies are given to customers and stakeholders within agreed timescales
* Analyse technical reports from insurers and to investigate and provide reports to Orbit Group’s Insurance Department about claims of tree damage to property or people. Offer advice to both customers and stakeholders regarding insurance claims within policy and to decide on appropriate works required to mitigate potential claims
* Carry out tree condition surveys and develop woodland management plans across all of Orbit Group’s estates for new and current development sites
What you'll bring
Essential skills
* Minimum of Level 3 Diploma in Arboriculture or similar qualification
* Experience of working in a similar capacity
* Knowledge of the law and procedures relating to the protection of trees
* Extensive knowledge of tree inspection techniques, risk assessment, fault diagnosis and maintenance techniques gained from practical experience
* Ability to survey trees and to assess species, age, condition and amenity value, and to identify tree pests and diseases with a working understanding of British Standards 5837 and 3998
* Knowledge of Health and Safety requirements relating to tree works and ability to assess the impact of development on trees
* Ability to monitor the performance of surveyors and contractors against contract conditions and specifications
* Ability to act as an expert witness on behalf of Orbit
* Have a valid UK driving licence and a working vehicle with the ability to travel nationally
Desirable
* LANTRA Professional Tree Inspection (PTI)
Why Orbit?
Choosing us means being rewarded in every sense.
Here’s what you can expect to enjoy with us.
A rewarding experience that works for you
We strive to create an inclusive experience with benefits and wellbeing programmes designed to help you, and your loved ones, to thrive. For a better work life balance, we offer flexible working opportunities for many roles.
A place to progress
From training programmes to professional qualifications, we provide opportunities to learn and develop at every stage of your career. Whether you’re a student, graduate or experienced professional we’ll support you to grow.
For leaders, our tailored development journeys are designed to stretch and strengthen your leadership skills. As well as practical training, we give you access to renowned business schools and experiential programmes for greater breadth and depth of learning.
A purpose to feel proud of
We’re proud to make a difference to people together. We’re values-driven with a commercial focus on performance - because the more profit we make, the more we can achieve for people.
What brings us together is a passionate belief in progress and people.
Read more about the values and purpose that drive us on our careers website.
How we hire
We aim to make our hiring process simple and fair:
1. Online application
2. Interview(s)
3. Decision and offer
We put the safeguarding of our customers, colleagues and contractors at the heart of everything we do and as such, certain roles will be subject to a DBS check