Principal Tree Officer
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced tree professional to lead the council’s Tree Team of five officers, delivering all aspects of tree management. The role has a hybrid working pattern with a 60%/40% office/home split.
Trees and woodlands are a key feature of the borough, with an evolving urban forest, surrounded by beautiful Hampshire villages and the North Wessex Downs Area National Landscape. We place great value on our large, diverse, and interesting tree resource on both public and private land, which makes our borough a great place to live and work.
The sound management of the borough’s trees is a priority for the council, due to the benefits they provide for people and wildlife and also the contribution they make to our key priorities, such as the Climate Change Strategy.
Working alongside ecologists, landscape architects and parks officers in the Natural Environment Team, you will have a central role in shaping the natural environment of the borough. This will also include helping to develop and deliver council priorities, including the development of a tree strategy.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated individual who will lead and deliver a forward thinking arboricultural service. You will be involved with the strategic management of a large urban and rural tree population, delivering the council-owned tree and woodland maintenance programme. Working closely with other officers, you will also provide expert advice on development matters and tree protection in the borough.
You will have a proven track record of working within a similar environment, a thorough knowledge and detailed understanding of current issues and professional practices is essential, combined with excellent communication and team working skills.
This position would best suit someone who wants to get stuck in, make a difference and is motivated by having a diverse and varied workload. You will be a people person, who likes making connections and working in a team environment, be that in the office or working from home. The role will involve working with colleagues, councillors and external bodies and partners.
For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Paul Johnston, Natural Environment Team Leader, on 01256 845763 or by email at
Please note applications close Midday on 24 March 2026
Appointment Type Permanent Position Full Time/Part Time Full-time Job Category Environmental Services Hours 37 per week Is this a hybrid working role? Yes Salary Min £50,625 Salary Max £54,606 Interview date 27 March 2026 Closing Date 24/03/2026 Ref No 905 Documents
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What benefits do we offer?
At Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council we offer a wide range of employee benefits to recognise your valued contribution:
4. Generous annual leave allowance plus bank holidays
5. Local government pension scheme and Life Assurance
6. Salary sacrifice schemes for bicycles and electric cars
7. Access to discounts at nationwide retailers through our ‘B Rewarded’ perks discount site
8. Funded healthcare cash plan including optical and dental cover
9. Free flu vaccination vouchers
10. Access to a free and confidential employee assistance program
11. Support towards a variety of training, including professional qualifications, apprenticeships and wider technical and soft skill development courses
The council signs up to the Disability Confident scheme (formerly known as the ‘Two Ticks’ scheme). If you have declared a disability on the application form we can guarantee you an interview if you meet the essential criteria for the job.