Location: based in Bury St Edmunds, with site work across East Anglia, the South East and wider UK project locations
Salary: Competitive entry to developing consultant salary, dependent on experience, qualifications and arboricultural capability
We are seeking an enthusiastic, reliable and detail-focused Arboricultural Assistant to support the delivery of high-quality arboricultural consultancy services across planning, development, tree safety, land management and environmental projects. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a practical or academic arboricultural background who wants to build a professional consultancy career through structured mentoring, varied site work, technical training and increasing responsibility.
The Opportunity
You will work alongside experienced arboricultural consultants, supporting tree surveys, data collection, report preparation, mapping outputs and client project delivery. The role will initially focus on accurate fieldwork, BS 5837:2012 survey support, tree safety inspections, condition assessments and practical project administration, with progression towards independent surveying, technical report writing, client liaison and consultant-level project responsibility as your skills develop.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with arboricultural surveys, including BS 5837:2012 surveys, tree condition assessments, tree safety inspections and tree inventory work.
- Collect accurate field data using tablets, survey software, mapping tools and standard arboricultural survey methods.
- Support the preparation of tree schedules, survey plans, Tree Constraints Plans, Arboricultural Impact Assessments, Arboricultural Method Statements and Tree Protection Plans.
- Assist with report drafting, data checking, photographic records, plan mark-ups and project documentation.
- Support site visits, construction monitoring, tree protection checks and arboricultural clerk of works activities where appropriate.
- Liaise professionally with colleagues, clients, landowners, site teams and contractors under the guidance of senior staff.
- Follow health, safety, environmental and biosecurity procedures when working on sites and handling survey data.
About You
A relevant arboricultural, forestry, countryside management, environmental or land-based qualification, ideally Level 3 or above, or equivalent practical experience.
Good tree identification skills and a developing understanding of tree biology, defects, pests, diseases, risk and management recommendations.
An interest in BS 5837:2012, planning-led arboriculture, tree safety and consultancy work, with a clear willingness to learn.
Good written communication skills, attention to detail and confidence using Microsoft Office and digital survey tools.
Organised, dependable and comfortable working outdoors in varied weather conditions and on different site types.
Positive, professional and enquiring approach, with the ability to work independently on routine tasks and as part of a team.
Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to sites as required.
Desirable Experience
- Previous experience in practical arboriculture, tree surveying, ecology, landscape, planning support, utilities, estates or land management.
- Awareness of AutoCAD, QGIS, tree survey software, GPS data capture or digital mapping systems.
- Experience assisting with BS 5837 surveys, tree risk surveys, TPO or conservation area matters, woodland surveys or contractor supervision.
- Lantra Basic Tree Inspection, Professional Tree Inspection, CSCS, First Aid or relevant site safety training, or willingness to work towards these.
- Membership of, or interest in working towards membership of, the Arboricultural Association or another relevant professional body.
What We Offer
- A structured route into arboricultural consultancy with mentoring from experienced consultants and exposure to real project work from the outset.
- A varied mix of fieldwork, office-based reporting, mapping, planning support, tree safety work and client project delivery.
- Training and development support towards higher arboricultural qualifications, tree inspection training, software skills and professional membership.
- Flexible working arrangements combining site, home and office-based work depending on project needs and experience level.
- Competitive salary, equipment, software, PPE and support appropriate to the role.
- Clear progression towards Arboricultural Consultant responsibilities as technical confidence, reporting ability and project experience develop.
This Arboricultural Assistant role offers a genuine career-development opportunity rather than a narrow field support post. It combines practical site experience, BS 5837 survey exposure, tree safety work, digital data collection, report preparation and structured mentoring, making it attractive to candidates moving from practical arboriculture, recent graduates or early-career professionals looking to progress into consultancy.
Is this for you?
If you are motivated to develop your arboricultural knowledge, enjoy working outdoors, take pride in accurate survey work and want to build a long-term consultancy career, we would be pleased to hear from you. Please apply with your CV and a short introduction outlining your arboricultural background, current skills and the areas of consultancy you are most interested in developing.
Pay: £28,000.00-£32,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
