The Tree Management Office (TMO) is under the Greening, Landscape and Tree Management Section in Works Branch of the Development Bureau. The TMO is the policy authority and a provider of expertise in tree management and gives policy steer on tree management matters to the executive departments.

Reporting to the Head of Greening, Landscape and Tree Management Section, the Head of Tree Management Office (H/TMO) heads the TMO. His/Her main duties include:

• (a)To assist in the formulation of policies and strategies on tree management from policy inception and team management through departmental implementation and public awareness;
• (b)To ensure effective implementation of the "integrated approach" to vegetation management by defining the scope of vegetation management work of executive departments; promulgating standards, guidelines and best practices at the central level; coordinating inter-departmental efforts; and resolving issues when such arise;
• (c)To provide expert advice as well as act as the authority to departments in handling complex cases;
• (d)To oversee the development, implementation and review, as appropriate, of tree risk assessment arrangements for application by departments;
• (e)To oversee the setting up and maintenance of a tree management database;
• (f)To oversee research into vegetation management policies, practices and technologies;
• (g)To liaise with government bureaux/departments and external parties on vegetation management matters, including identifying possible areas and measures for improvement; and
• (h)To assist in community involvement, public education, complaint handling and emergency response arrangement on vegetation management, including media, District Council and Legislative Council appearances.

The candidate should have:

• (a)a degree, preferably at post-graduate level, in arboriculture or a related field such as biology, botany, forestry, horticulture, landscape architecture and landscape management from a Hong Kong university or equivalent;
• (b)a recognised qualification or certification offered by a professional institution or industry organisation on arboriculture, such as the International Society of Arboriculture, the Arboricultural Association of the UK, the European Arboricultural Council and the Arboriculture Australia, after successful completion of examination or assessment process conducted within or accredited by the institution or organisation;
• (c)senior management experience and strategic thinking relevant to tree management matters. Having policy formulation experience, including a clear understanding of the diverse policy considerations that are pertinent to the development and implementation of tree management policies and practices, along with sound knowledge of Hong Kong tree management, would be an advantage;
• (d)strong background on arboriculture, practical knowledge of and operational experience in the planning, design, implementation, management, maintenance and monitoring of tree management within an urban landscape setting;
• (e)strong project management, leadership, analytical and organisational capabilities;
• (f)good interpersonal and communication skills; and
• (g)a strong command of written and spoken English and be able to communicate in Chinese.