Principal Arboricultural Consultant - Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited : Job Details

Your new companyThis is a well-established, employee-owned environmental consultancy based in Oxfordshire, offering a collaborative and inclusive working environment. The organisation brings together a multidisciplinary team of landscape architects, ecologists, arboriculturalists, and urban designers.With a strong reputation for quality and professionalism, the company is accredited by leading industry bodies and is committed to environmentally responsible design. Employees benefit from a supportive culture, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for professional development and cross-disciplinary collaboration.This is an excellent opportunity to join a forward-thinking consultancy where your voice is heard, your expertise is valued, and your career can thrive.Your new roleAn exciting opportunity has arisen for a Principal or Associate-level Arboriculturalist to lead a small but growing arboriculture team within a well-established multidisciplinary environmental consultancy. This is a senior position, ideal for someone confident working independently, mentoring junior staff, and keen to shape the future of arboricultural services within the business.You'll be the most senior arboriculturalist in the organisation, taking over from a retiring team member. Initially, you'll work alongside one junior colleague, with the opportunity to grow the team over time. The role is hands-on, involving field surveys, report writing, and strategic input across a wide range of planning-focused projects.Main duties include...

• Leading and delivering BS5837 tree surveys, AIA and AMS reports
• Advising on TPOs, Conservation Area applications, and tree works
• Supporting planning applications from single dwellings to large-scale developments (up to 5000 units)
• Collaborating with in-house ecology and landscape teams for integrated environmental advice
• Mentoring junior staff and contributing to team development
• Using CAD/GIS tools with graphic support available
• Working across the South of England, from Worcester to Kent

What you'll need to succeed

• Extensive experience in Arboriculture consultancy
• Strong knowledge of UK tree species and legislation (TPOs, Hedgerow Regs, etc.)
• Excellent report writing and communication skills
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
• Proficiency in MS Office, AutoCAD, and GIS software
• Membership of the Arboricultural Association
• Minimum Level 5 qualification in Arboriculture (Ideal)

What you'll get in return

• Competitive salary of £45,000-£50,000 depending on experience
• Annual bonus scheme (typically 5-10% of salary)
• Additional Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) bonus (up to £3,000, tax-efficient)
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Hybrid working: Office-based Tuesday-Thursday, WFH Monday and Friday
• Pension contributions with flexibility to convert bonuses into pension
• Paid professional memberships and CPD budget
• Supportive and collaborative working environment

What you need to do nowIf you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk