Assistant Arboriculturist

Are you looking to start your career in Arboricultural Consultancy and looking to join an established consultancy practice who pride themselves in offering a great place to work? If so, we are interested in hearing from you. FPCR Environment and Design Ltd is one of the UK’s leading integrated design practices working extensively throughout the UK. Over the last 60 years, the practice has developed a valuable mix of multi-disciplinary expertise in masterplanning, environmental assessment, urban design, landscape, ecology, architecture, arboriculture, and green infrastructure. We have implemented many award-winning schemes in environmentally sensitive locations.

Due to our ever-increasing client portfolio and the continuing development of our arboricultural department, we are looking to appoint an Assistant Arboricultural Consultant who is starting their career. The position provides the right candidate with an ideal opportunity to be a part of a highly motivated team who provide a broad mix of technical advice to a diverse range of clients covering development projects across all aspects of arboriculture. Our team undertakes tree surveys and prepares Arboricultural Impact Assessments in accordance with BS5837: Trees in Relation to Design Demolition and Construction – Recommendations. They will also be involved in projects covering the preparation of Woodland Management Plans, Veteran Tree Assessments, NHBC Surveys and Tree Risk and Benefit Assessments for management of trees.

Responsibilities:

• To undertake tree surveys for a range of development applications and construction projects (to BS 5837:2012);
• Assist with carrying out tree health surveys, hazard assessments, visual tree inspection and risk assessment surveys;
• Prepare Tree Survey Plans including Tree Protection Plans;
• Assist with a range of reporting including Arboricultural Impact Assessments and Arboricultural Method Statements;
• Collating information to assist with advice on a broad range of arboricultural issues for a range of clients;
• Undertake on-site construction supervision where retained trees are being protected.

Skills and Experience:

The candidate may not necessarily have a background in consultancy, but must have a passion for trees and ideally experience in a related environmental subject such as:

• Tree surgery/Arboriculture/Forestry
• Ecology/Conservation/Habitat Management
• Planning/Local Authority Surveying/Engineering

Ideally, the Assistant Arboricultural Consultant candidate will:

• Have a Level 2 or higher qualification in arboriculture or equivalent environmental discipline;
• Have excellent tree identification skills;
• Have a good level of written English;
• Enjoy working outside at all times of year, but also work within an office;
• Have a professional attitude being punctual, self-disciplined and having an ability to proactively manage their time to required working deadlines;
• Have a passion for Arboriculture and sustainable environmental design;
• Have computer literacy with experience of MS Word and Excel;
• Hold a current UK driving licence and access to own vehicle.

Desirable skills and experience:

• Membership of a relevant professional association/body such as the Arboricultural Association, Royal Forestry Society or Institute of Chartered Foresters;
• Knowledge of GIS/AutoCAD systems would be advantageous, but training will be provided;
• Experience of technical report writing including Arboricultural Impact Assessments and Arboricultural Method Statements;
• Experience of undertaking tree hazard surveys and surveys in accordance with BS5837:2012;
• A working knowledge of practical tree management and working practices.

What you can expect in return:

We are offering a competitive salary of £24,500 - £26,000 (dependent on experience) with the opportunity for annual bonuses, enrolment on our pension scheme, 25 days holiday, compressed working week and a holiday purchase system. Everyone is enrolled in a BUPA health and wellbeing cashback scheme. Staff well-being is very important to us, and the teams frequently have a range of volunteering and social activities going on. All our Team are offered Continued Professional Development, and this would include support for working towards professional qualifications in arboriculture.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

FPCR is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion within the workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their race or gender. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.