Trees Outside Woodlands (TOWs) Projects Officer

JOB TITLE	omg tg Trees Outside Woodlands (TOWs) Projects Officer
BASED	The Tree Council HQ in Canada Water, London SE16 with flexible working from home but with easy connections to the whole of England (the majority of the team is remote working across the UK). To include some days out across the UK with occasional
SALARY	overnight stays. £32,000 - £35,000 per annum
PENSION	7% contribution by The Tree Council
TERMS	Full-time, fixed-term role to March 2028 (with possibility of
	extension). Starting asap, with 25 days annual leave, plus Public Holidays and the period between Christmas and the New Year
REPORTING TO	Science & Action Research Manager
	INTERNAL LIAIsON Wider S&R Team, Community Grants Team, Comms Team
	EXTERNAL LIAIsON Research Partners: Defra, Forest Research, Fera Science, RBG Kew Variety of conservation NGOs, landholders, university partners and

It is a vital moment for the environment as we face the dual nature and climate crises and the world has become increasingly aware of the important role ancient trees and hedgerows play in helping support biodiversity and tackle climate change.

Looking after the nation’s precious ancient and veteran trees (England has more ancient native oaks than the rest of Europe combined) and Inspiring new hedgerow planting are key elements to help safeguard our heritage and a green future.

Recognising this, The Tree Council’s Science & Research (S&R) team is engaged in two new Defra-funded research projects:

1. Working with specialists in the arboricultural industry, stakeholder groups and researchers to build evidence and review and improve understanding of the threats to ancient and veteran trees - identifying and sharing how to protect and manage them better.

2. Contributing expert input to co-design recommendations for hedgerow policy and practice, with a focus on non-agricultural hedgerow incentive trials.

To help deliver this research, we are recruiting a new Trees Outside Woodlands (TOWs) Projects Officer.

The Officer will support the Science and Research Team to deliver high-quality action research in the Trees Outside Woodlands space, with a focus on research relating to hedgerows and ancient and veteran tree conservation and protection. The role will involve carrying out a range of qualitative research methods, coordinating and delivering stakeholder engagement and co-design activities,

This role is ideal for someone with knowledge of, and practical experience in, applying qualitative research methods and with a degree-level qualification in environmental science, social science or a related discipline. They will have strong organisational skills and a good understanding of rural landscapes, ecosystems and the role of trees and hedgerows within them. Good at building relationships, they will have experience of producing academic, technical or research-based reports to high standards.

We are looking for someone who is used to being hands-on in a small team, in a fastpaced environment. Communication, a warm and enthusiastic attitude and attention to detail are key. Above all, you should be keen to use your strong research qualitative research skills to support The Tree Council’s S&R Team to deliver their objectives.

You will be based at our nine-desk office, in a Grade 2 listed building at Canada Water in East London, with considerable flexibility for working from home. The role will include regular travel across the UK, with occasional overnight stays.

The role is varied, giving the post-holder opportunity for desk-based work and fieldwork, with additional support to our Community Grants Programme team at times of high pressure and occasional help at corporate volunteering days.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

E= Essential D=Desirable	Criteria *
Qualifications
•Degree-level qualification in environmental science, social science or arelated discipline	E
Experience and Skills
● Knowledge of, and practical experience in, applying qualitative researchmethods e.g. organising and facilitating workshops, carrying out andanalysing interviews and questionnaires	E
Confident to build, manage and maintain constructive relationships atevery level with a diverse range of stakeholders.	E
Strong organisational skils, with the ability to manage multiple projectactivities, priorities and deadlines.	E
Good understanding of rural landscapes, ecosystems and the role oftrees and hedgerows within them.	E
Excellent written and verbal communication skils, with the ability tocommunicate clearly to a range of audiences.	E
Experience of producing academic, technical or research-based reportsto a high standard.	E
● Experience of supporting communications activity, including websiteupdates and social media content.		D
Experience of working at the science-policy interface or contributing topolicy-relevant research.		D
Specialist knowledge or experience relating to hedgerow ecology,hedgerow policy, ancient & veteran tree ecology, or wider TOWs work.		D
• Experience of undertaking literature reviews to inform research or policy		D
Experience of participatory research methods or co-design approaches.		D
Demonstrable interest in and enthusiasm for trees, nature, biodiversity	E
● Highly proficient in office IT systems with good knowledge of all Ms Officeprogrammes, with Canva and 2zz? an advantage.	E
Self-motivated, high-energy and proactive with a 'can do' attitude anda tendency to smile rather than frown	E
Wilingness to "muck in" and be hands-on, with both routine and lessscheduled tasks	E
Able to use initiative and anticipate potential "'sticking points"– goodintuition and confidence to flag up potential issues early		D

Tree Council Attitudes:

• Naturally warm and enthusiastic

• Diplomatic and collaborative, builds positive relationships quickly

High professional standards

• Approachable, with the gravitas to be listened to seriously

Highly practical and resourceful problem solver

Can-do, self-starter

• Ability to manage competing priorities effectively

The Tree Council team works in a collegiate way, delivering projects together. As a result, there is regular cross-over and collaboration.

The Tree Council is a charity and umbrella body bringing everyone together with a shared mission to care for trees and our planet’s future. We inspire and empower organisations, government, communities and individuals with the knowledge and tools to create positive, lasting change at a national and local level.

We inspire people to plant and care for trees – the trees in your city street, your local park or school playground, in orchards and hedgerows and rural pastures around the UK. (Other charities focus on forests and larger woodlands.)

Our work includes:

• Support for 3,000+ volunteer Tree Wardens who help plant and care for trees

Seasonal programmes, connecting people with trees and nature, including ‘National Tree Week’ to celebrate the start of the winter planting season.

Grants programmes that help local authorities, schools and community groups fulfil their vision to plant and care for trees, orchards and hedgerows.

Science and social research programme in partnership with Defra, Forestry Commission, Fera Science and top UK universities.

National Schools and Young Tree Champions programmes, encouraging young people to engage with nature and speak up for trees

Partnership with our 120 Member organisations including other charities, academic partners and our generous corporate and other supporters.

YOUR APPLICATION

If you wish to apply, please provide a CV (maximum 2 pages A4) and cover letter (maximum 2 sides A4) outlining your experience, skills and personal attributes that demonstrate your ability to perform this role.

Please submit your application by midnight on Sunday 6 September 2026. Interviews will be held in the first two weeks of September. The contract will begin in September/October (subject to availability and references).

Acceptable Use - Artificial Intelligence (AI) We understand that candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their job applications - for example, to help structure or edit written responses. We welcome the use of AI in this way, particularly where it helps improve accessibility, such as for neurodivergent applicants. However, personal writing can often convey enthusiasm, energy and character better than AI so please bear this in mind when writing your letter. During interviews, candidates will be expected to respond independently without the use of AI tools.

Pre-employment checks for the successful candidate will include:

DBS check

Two professional references

Verification of ‘Right to Work in the UK’

The Tree Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, disability, gender, ethnicity, religion and sexual orientation.