Senior Arboriculturalist

My client is a fast emerging major player in the property and infrastructure consultancy markets, capable of challenging the ‘status quo’ and delivering outstanding client facing results.

There are strong career opportunities in the Northern region and across the group nationwide and overseas, with a strategy of secondment and resource sharing to enable maximum opportunity for individuals.

The culture is one of promotion according to talent and impact, not time-served in the business. Ambition is expected and rewarded.

Responsibilities:

• To ensure the delivery of high quality consultancy services relating to arboricultural matters that meet current best practice and relevant British Standards, having regard to the corporate objectives. The range of work will cover the following areas:

Business Development:

• To seek out new work with existing and new clients in order to help strengthen my clients arboricultural consultancy business nationally;
• To assist in the preparation of bids and tenders and be able to work on projects nationwide as and when required;
• To establish and maintain good working relationships with clients and other parties in order to achieve the rapid and harmonious completion of work programmes.
• Project & Programme Management
• To ensure efficient and timely delivery of project work, the management of costs and resources and the provision of the information required for effective financial management within required timescales;
• Client liaison on individual projects as appropriate including acting as a senior focal point for clients to resolve project issues as required and to receive feedback on performance.

Technical Responsibilities:

• To prepare tree surveys and reports with recommendations for remedial works, work programming and estimated costings in accordance with client requirements;
• To be able to assess applications/notifications for work to trees subject to Tree Preservation Orders or within Conservation Areas, and make recommendations for suitable action as appropriate;
• To be able to carry out objective assessments as to whether a tree or trees should be protected by a TPO and to carry out TPO reviews;
• To provide advice to clients on planning applications, in particular:
• Where trees are affected – or affecting – development proposals;
• In the assessment of Tree Reports submitted with planning applications;
• To identify trees to be retained and protected and suitable protection measures required;
• And generally regarding planning conditions, landscaping requirements, etc.
• To assist in the development of tree strategies and policies;
• To deal with matters covered by the Hedgerow Regulations & with issues associated with High Hedges;
• To undertake tree inspections, tree hazard assessments and inventories;
• To carry out pre-development tree surveys and provide advice on Method Statements, layout design, mitigation measures etc;
• To provide advice generally as required by other clients and colleagues within other disciplines.

Other Responsibilities:

• To contribute to business planning activities, as appropriate;
• To provide accurate financial information and other support to the Technical Director, Arboriculture, as required;
• To contribute to business improvement initiatives, as appropriate.

Objective Qualities:

It is essential that the successful candidate should be able to demonstrate the following:

• HND Arboriculture, Degree in Arboriculture and/or Arboricultural Association AALGO
• Experience of working in local government and fully conversant with Trees in the Planning Environment
• Experience of programming work, project management and monitoring and skills in the same
• Experience of preparing tree surveys in accordance with BS5837 to accompany planning applications
• Demonstrable ability to complete tree risk surveys, inspections, reports and hazard analysis using objective risk assessments
• Knowledge, ability and experience of applying Health and Safety legislation and practices.
• A thorough knowledge of tree-biology, hazard evaluation and tree risk assessment, tree identification, pests, diseases and disorders, and tree related law
• A thorough knowledge of trees in the planning environment
• A thorough understanding of the QTRA system
• An understanding of relevant legislation, British Standards and Codes of Practice.
• Computer literacy
• A demonstrable ability to draft briefing documents and reports
• A demonstrable ability to assess contract values and prepare and let contracts.
• Ability to maintain records and systems in accordance with company protocols and procedures

Ideally, the candidate will also be able to demonstrate some or all of the following:

• Professional Member of the Arboricultural Association
• QTRA licensed
• Solid post qualification experience with a portfolio of work for a range of clients
• Experience in collecting tree inventory data and hazard surveying electronically (eg. experience of data collection with hand-held computers)
• Experience of developing business with new and existing clients
• Experience of dealing with a range of governmental, non-governmental organisations, statutory bodies and the public
• Experience of implementing new systems or procedures
• Experience of supervising staff and/or contractors
• Knowledge, ability and experience of effectively using specialist (e.g. GIS and mapping) software
• Experience in Excel, Word and Access
• Financial awareness.

The successful candidate will also require a full driving licence.

Subjective Qualities:

It is essential that the successful candidate can demonstrate the following qualities:

• Willingness to work throughout the West Midlands and further afield as dictated by the flow of work
• Ability to work within a small team with minimum supervision
• Ability to demonstrate a flexible approach to work and to adapt quickly to the needs and processes employed by a range of clients
• Ability to respond positively to delivering programmes of work on time and within budget
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with clients, colleagues and contractors
• Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and to a high standard both verbally and in writing
• Ability to demonstrate a flexible approach to work and to adapt quickly to needs
• Good level of fitness

Ideally, the candidate will also be able to demonstrate the following:

• Experience of working within a multi-disciplinary environment.
• Possess drive and commitment and an enthusiastic approach to work
• Demonstrate continuous personal improvement and development
• Committed to continuous professional development

Ref: JB467