Arboricultural Consultant

Ocean to Earth Recruitment is working with an established, growing environmental consultancy seeking an experienced Arboricultural Consultant to join its Winchester team.

This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys the technical aspects of arboriculture but would also welcome the chance to contribute to the development of a growing consultancy service.

Our client brings together expertise in arboriculture, ecology, landscape architecture and planning, delivering integrated environmental advice across a wide variety of development projects.

With continued growth across Hampshire and the wider South East, they are looking for an experienced professional who can combine technical expertise with a proactive, collaborative approach.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

If you are currently working within arboricultural consultancy and feel ready for greater responsibility, this position offers something more than simply managing another portfolio of tree surveys and reports.

You will have the opportunity to help develop arboricultural services within a growing regional team, working alongside experienced environmental professionals and contributing to the future direction of the service.

You will benefit from the support of an established arboricultural team while having the autonomy to manage your own projects, build relationships and develop new opportunities.

The role offers a balance of technical delivery, fieldwork, client engagement and business development, making it particularly attractive to someone who enjoys variety and wants to progress their career.

The Role

As Arboricultural Consultant, you will provide specialist arboricultural advice across a range of planning, development and environmental projects.

Working with colleagues across arboriculture, ecology, landscape architecture and planning, you will support clients throughout the development process, from initial site assessments through to planning applications and construction.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Undertaking BS 5837 tree surveys and assessments.

• Preparing Tree Constraints Plans and Tree Retention Plans.

• Producing Arboricultural Impact Assessments (AIAs).

• Preparing Arboricultural Method Statements (AMS) and Tree Protection Plans.

• Undertaking tree condition, hazard and physiological assessments.

• Identifying tree pests, diseases and pathogens.

• Advising clients on tree retention, removal, protection and mitigation.

• Providing arboricultural input into planning applications and development proposals.

• Liaising with Local Planning Authorities, developers, architects and planning consultants.

• Supporting arboricultural supervision and implementation on development sites.

• Managing your own projects, workloads, budgets and deadlines.

• Working collaboratively with ecology, landscape architecture and planning specialists.

• Contributing to the development of arboricultural services and client relationships across Hampshire and the South East.

The position combines site surveys, technical reporting, CAD-based plan preparation and project management, providing an opportunity to work across different stages of the planning and development process.

About You

We are looking for an experienced Arboricultural Consultant who is confident delivering technical work independently, enjoys working with clients and is motivated by the opportunity to help develop a growing service.

Ideally, you will have:

• A minimum of five years' experience within arboricultural consultancy.

• A relevant arboricultural qualification at Level 3 or above, such as FdSc, HNC, NDip Arb, Arboricultural Association Technician's Certificate or equivalent.

• Strong knowledge of BS 5837 and its application within the planning and development process.

• Experience undertaking tree surveys and preparing professional arboricultural reports.

• Experience producing Tree Constraints Plans, Tree Retention Plans, Arboricultural Impact Assessments and Arboricultural Method Statements.

• Competence using AutoCAD and/or KeyTREE.

• Good knowledge of tree physiology, tree risk assessment, pests and diseases.

• Strong technical report-writing and communication skills.

• The ability to manage projects independently and meet agreed deadlines.

• Confidence communicating with clients, planning authorities and multidisciplinary teams.

• An interest in developing client relationships and supporting the growth of an arboricultural consultancy service.

Additional experience that would be welcomed:

• Membership of the Arboricultural Association.

• LANTRA Professional Tree Inspection (PTI) qualification.

• Experience providing arboricultural supervision on development sites.

• Experience working on larger or more complex planning and development projects.

• Involvement in fee proposals, client development or business growth.

What's on Offer?

Our client offers a friendly, professional and collaborative working environment where individuals are encouraged to develop their expertise and contribute ideas.

Benefits include:

• Competitive salary, negotiable depending on experience.

• Flexible hybrid working arrangements.

• 24 days' annual leave plus bank holidays.

• Enhanced company pension scheme.

• Annual performance-related bonus.

• Paid professional membership fees.

• Ongoing training and CPD opportunities.

• Regular CPD events and professional development activities.

• Cycle to Work Scheme.

• Company social events.

• Opportunities for career progression and increased responsibility.

A Chance to Make Your Mark

One of the most attractive aspects of this position is the opportunity to contribute to the growth of arboricultural consultancy services within the Winchester team.

You will not be starting from scratch. There is an established technical team providing expertise, resources and support.

However, there is genuine scope to take ownership of projects, develop new client relationships and help shape how the service grows across Hampshire and the surrounding region.

For an experienced Arboricultural Consultant who enjoys technical work but is also interested in developing their commercial and leadership skills, this could be an excellent next career move.

You will also have the benefit of working closely with ecologists, landscape architects and planning professionals, broadening your project experience and providing opportunities to contribute to more integrated environmental solutions.

Interested in Finding Out More?

At Ocean to Earth Recruitment, we specialise in connecting arboricultural, ecological and environmental professionals with organisations where their experience, ambitions and values are well matched.