Tree Officer

Trees are an integral part of the urban environment of the city and have many acknowledged benefits for the liveability of the city, the health and well-being of its residents, enhancing the city environment and contributing to biodiversity and mitigating the impacts of climate change. The Council has developed a Tree Strategy and in time will be required to undertake a Tree Survey to guide future tree management and maintenance and to set targets for tree and woodland planting.

The Tree Officer will also be required to coordinate and carry out a City Tree Survey, including supervision of staff in field surveys and data input for use with tree management software and in conjunction with the Biodiversity Officer, coordinate community engagement and a public awareness of city trees, promote tree planting and care of trees in gardens and on private lands, engage with schools, resident associations, community groups and Tidy Towns Associations to assist them with tree planting and taking care of trees. Provide a specialist arboriculture advisory service to other Directorates in Galway City Council.

The Tree Officer will work under the leadership of the Executive Parks & Landscape Officer or their nominee and as part of the Recreation & Amenity team managing the green infrastructure of the city and contributing to the ongoing greening and provision of recreation facilities.

The Tree Officer will be responsible for reviewing and changing (as appropriate) the existing service in order to manage the city trees in a systematic and proactive manner and, to coordinate the works programme and plan for future sustainable planting in the city.

The Strategic Goals associated with this role are:

·         Implementation of the Tree Strategy

·         Identification, Evaluation and Asset Management of Existing Stock.

·         Control all new tree stock through sustainable design, biosecurity systems and management practices.

·         Establish a tree inventory and identification database.

·         Implement and develop further our Heritage trees through Tree protection policy – Tree Preservation Orders (TPO’s).

·         Protecting and promoting Biodiversity.

·         Education on effective management of trees on public and private lands.

The duties may include but will not be limited to;

·         To coordinate the management of the city tree resource in a sustainable and cost-effective manner.

·         To develop tree cover measurement methods and means of comparison with other cities.

·         To assist on tenders for the procurement of ICT based Tree Management Hardware & Software system including mapping and data processing.

·         Use this system for the Asset Management of all urban Trees and maintain a balance sheet of all trees added to or taken from the City’s tree stock each year.

·         Coordinate and carry out Tree Surveys, including coordination of staff in field survey and data input for use with tree management software and analysis of survey information to inform tree management approaches and arboriculture work schedules.

·         To coordinate the development of tree crews including arboriculture training and staff up-skilling.

·         To assist on tenders for the appointment of Tree Contractors and Arborists through a Framework Tender via annual mini competitions for annual works programmes for the Framework duration.

·         To provide a specialist advisory service on arboriculture within the various departments of Galway City Council and in particular to give arboriculture advice in relation to development control, including tree preservation orders.

·         To liaise with utility companies on works affecting public trees and developing/updating codes of practice.

·         To coordinate research with the purpose of advancing tree management in Galway City Council.

·         Input to management of Contractors on site to include contract documentation, health and safety and tree risk assessment are in place.

·         To work with a diverse range of interest and Community Groups.

·         To ensure that all customer contacts (input, feedback, complaints) are responded to within defined standards and that satisfactory conclusions are reached.

·         To provide expert witness statements and representation for the Council if required.

·         Plan, prioritise, organise and schedule workloads.

·         To record and report on all incidents/accidents involving employees and/or third parties in their area of charge.

·         Carrying out Health & Safety inspections and ensuring that all works are carried out in accordance with Health & Safety requirements.

·         Complying with Health & Safety requirements of the Council and wear/use any safety equipment/clothing supplied.

·         Keep such records and submit such reports in relation to the work under their control as required.

·         To liaise with and supervise, when directed, work carried out by contractors/sub-contractors engaged by Galway City Council.

·         To participate fully in any initiatives aimed at increasing quality of service and customer satisfaction.

·         To co-operate with, and contribute to, operational review.

·         To co-operate with, and contribute to, value for money initiatives.

·         To co-operate with, and contribute to, any initiatives aimed at increasing safety in the workplace.

·         To deal with members of the public in a courteous, prompt and efficient manner and to keep the Executive Engineer, or their appointed representative, informed of such dealings.

·         To use as directed, and upon receipt of appropriate training, Information Technology equipment including digital cameras, personal computers, GPS equipment and handheld technologies.

·         To accept the introduction of all new plant, equipment and machinery, and to be flexible in the use of same.

·         To co-operate with, and participate in, new work systems that involve the keeping and updating of work/materials/plant records in either book or electronic format.

·         The holder of the post must make themselves available to respond to emergency situations for example storm damage when required.

·         The holder of the post must make themselves available for emergency callouts as required.

·         Be available at weekends, evening and night to respond to calls from management, external bodies, councillors and the general public as required.

·         To participate in training provided by Galway City Council, and to facilitate the training of employees under their direct control.

·         To carry out any other instructions which may be given by the Executive Parks & Landscape Officer or Executive Engineer, or their appointed representative, from time to time.

 

The person employed will be required to perform assigned duties exercising duty of care, in the interest of safety to oneself, fellow employees and the general public, at all times in compliance with Galway City Council’s Health & Safety Management system

1.    Character

Candidates shall be of good character.

2.    Health

Each candidate must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

3.    Citizenship:

Candidates must, by the date of any job offer, be:

             i.        A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; or

            ii.        A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or

          iii.        A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or

          iv.        A non-EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA or UK or Swiss citizen and has a stamp 4 visa; or

            v.        A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act 2015 or any family member entitled to remain in the State as a result of family reunification and has a stamp 4 visa  or

          vi.        A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, and resident in, an EEA member state or the UK or Switzerland and has a stamp 4 visa

4.    Education, Training, Experience, etc.

Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms:

·         Hold a minimum Advanced Certificate in Horticulture (previously known as National Craft Certificate) (QQI Level 6) or an equivalent qualification (Please submit a copy of your Certificate with your application).

·         Have a minimum of seven years satisfactory experience, after completion of apprenticeship, as Craftsperson.

·         Have at least three years satisfactory experience in a supervisory role.

·         Have good technical knowledge and be capable of working on their own initiative.

·         It is required that Candidates be computer literate with a working knowledge of e-mail, word, excel etc.

·         Be capable of writing clear and concise reports and keeping works records.

·         Be capable of organising work schedules and motivating staff in completing works efficiently and effectively.

·         Have experience in dealing with the public.

5.    Driver’s Licence

Candidates must hold a current full driving licence (Class B) valid in Ireland, free from disqualification and medical limitations. A copy of Licence must be submitted with your application. Should you be disqualified from driving you may be subject to an appropriate sanction which may include demotion/suspension or other disciplinary action.

6.    Safe Pass

Candidates must have a valid Safe Pass Registration card prior to taking up appointment.

*Non-Irish Qualifications must be accompanied by a determination from Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) to establish their comparability against the Irish National Framework of Qualifications, overseas qualifications must also be accompanied by a translation document.

Desirable:

It is desirable that candidates should have the following:

·         Sufficient knowledge of trees or training that demonstrates their suitability for the role.

·         Self-motivated with a record of demonstrating initiative and ability to use judgement in a workplace environment.

·         Capacity to contribute to and work well in a team.

·         Sufficient knowledge and understanding of Health & Safety requirements.

·         Flexibility in terms of working hours as the duties can involve working outside of normal hours, evening and weekend work as required.

·         Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

·         People management skills.

·         Leadership skills and experience.

·         Report writing skills.

·         Sound judgement.

·         Ability to use technology.

·         Ability to plan and manage workloads.

·         Problem solving skills.

 

Each candidate must include on the application form details of all qualifications obtained by them. The invitation to attend for Interview is not to be regarded as an admission that you possess the prescribed qualifications and/or requirements for this post or are you qualified by law to hold the post. Documentary proof will be required before appointment where you claim credit for particular qualification, experience, etc

Type of Post

Future relevant permanent and temporary posts will be filled from the panel(s) formed. The post(s) will be whole-time, permanent/temporary and pensionable.

Remuneration

The salary (Circular EL 07-2025, Revised Local Authority Scales Operative from 1st August 2025) is as follows:

01/08/2025

Point 1

€1,023.82

after 0.5 years

€1,034.80

after 1.5 years

€1,040.13

after 2.5 years

€1,046.06

after 3.5 years

€1,051.71

after 4.5 years

€1,054.65

after 5.5 years

€1,057.48

after 6.5 years

€1,060.40

after 7.5 years

€1,063.37

after 8.5 years

€1,067.96

after 9.5 years

€1,071.57

after 10.5 years

€1,080.22

IMPORTANT NOTE: Candidates should note that the starting salary is not subject to negotiation. Entry into the pay scale above the minimum point will only apply to existing public servants in the context of the relevant Government Pay Circulars. Candidates who are not covered by such Circulars will enter the pay scale at the minimum point i.e. €1,023.82

The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy.

The holder of the office shall pay to the local authority any fees or other monies (other than their inclusive salary) payable to and received by them by virtue of their office or in respect of services which they are required by or under any enactment to perform.