Senior Arboriculturist

Why First Ecology?

At First Ecology, we are not just a consultancy; we work to preserve and enhance the natural beauty of Somerset and neighbouring counties. Our commitment to excellence extends beyond professional services and achieving pragmatic project outcomes for our clients; we channel our profits directly back into Somerset Wildlife Trust to support their invaluable charitable nature conservation initiatives.

To deliver services of the highest quality, First Ecology is committed to the recruitment and training of talented individuals with the expertise to provide technical advice and support on development, research, conservation and management schemes. We specialise in ecology, arboricultural, land advice and land management services and routinely work collaboratively as part of multidisciplinary teams. Most of our team operate a hybrid working pattern and when not working from home, work from our office near Cheddar.

Due to our dedicated work ethic and positive approach, we have established a broad customer base which extends across public, private and commercial sectors. This affords a diversity of project types from minor habitat management tasks to participation in national development projects for clients who want to make a difference and help nature’s recovery, and ensures a varied and interesting project portfolio.

THE ROLE

The Senior Arboriculturist role is a fantastic opportunity for an individual who is passionate about arboriculture, nature positive outcomes and enjoys and thrives on having variety in their working day. Each day will bring new challenges and interesting projects to apply your skills to and lead on. The role includes delivering a range of arboricultural consultancy and advisory services for a variety of projects and contracts; liaising with clients, contractors and statutory agents; assisting with managing project budgets and timescales, undertaking arboricultural surveys and the production of high-quality technical reports.

• Co-ordinate and undertake arboricultural surveys and prepare reports and plans to BS5837:2012 specifications (including pre-planning and construction stage support).
• Undertake tree risk surveys and reports.
• Produce woodland management strategies.
• Act as technical specialist to support clients with pragmatic solutions to complex issues, such as ancient trees and urban conflicts on interesting projects.
• Support the expansion of the business via the application of industry insight and market trends.
• Maintaining and building strong working relationships with existing and new clients.
• Opportunity to develop new areas of arboricultural specialisms for the company.

REQUIREMENTS

• Professional experience in a similar role, with a track record in successful project management.
• An Arboricultural Qualification to Level 4 or higher, or demonstrable equivalent experience.
• Proficient in, and capable of, tree surveying (to BS5837:2012), tree risk assessment and management (using QTRA, Threats or similar (Lantra Professional Tree Inspection certificate is desirable)), and the use of relevant software (i.e. AutoCAD). Knowledge of species identification, morphology, management, planning, legislation and best practice.
• Professional membership of an arboricultural / forestry industry body (or ability to obtain this).
• Full UK driving licence.
• CSCS card, or ability to obtain one.
• Ability to apply a proportional and pragmatic approach to technical challenges implementing innovative arboricultural solutions that align with conservation goals and client requirements, with exemplary professional conduct.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to produce accurate reports to high standards.
• Personal qualities consistent with First Ecology values.
• Eligibility to work in the UK without sponsorship.

BENEFITS

• 25 days paid holiday plus bank holidays and three additional days discretionary leave at Christmas.
• Flexible working hours, including hybrid working/working from home, if desired.
• Paid membership of the Arboricultural Association (or similar).
• Paid training as part of an individual CPD commitment and the opportunity to progress professionally.
• Full Time Off in Lieu system.
• 7% employer pension contribution.
• Access to company pool vehicles.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program.
• Local work, with minimal overnight stays required.
• Working alongside a multi-disciplinary, positive and friendly team.

If you're ready to make a positive impact on the environment, take your career to new heights, and contribute to the charitable efforts of Somerset Wildlife Trust, apply now! Send your CV and covering letter to recruitment@firstecology.co.uk.

The closing date for applications is the 23rd February 2024. Please note we will review applications throughout the advertising period and may close the advert early if a suitable candidate is found.

No recruitment agencies please.

Somerset Wildlife Trust has an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Plan and is committed to continuing to improve the equality, diversity and inclusion of every aspect of our work; we know we need to engage with everyone to live our values and achieve our goals. We welcome applications from everyone and are happy to discuss any accommodations or arrangements that would make the recruitment process better for you, and the working environment should you be employed.

Are you a passionate arboriculturist with a deep love for nature and a commitment to excellence? Are you ready to take your career to new heights while contributing to the conservation of Somerset's breath taking landscapes? Look no further! First Ecology (shortly re-branding as Somerset Wildlife Trust Consultancy) is seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Arboriculturist to join our team.