Principal Arboricultural Consultant

Role Overview

Step into a leadership role where your arboricultural expertise shapes major projects and influences sustainable development. As a Principal Arboricultural Consultant, you will guide complex commissions, mentor professionals, and uphold technical excellence within a national team, working on significant infrastructure and development initiatives across the UK and Ireland.

Responsibilities

• Lead and review Arboricultural Impact Assessments, Method Statements, Tree Protection Plans, and Environmental Impact Assessment inputs.
• Deliver arboricultural consultancy on nationally significant infrastructure and complex development projects.
• Manage client engagements, project timelines, budgets, scopes, and risks effectively.
• Provide strategic arboricultural insights to multidisciplinary design teams and stakeholders.
• Support recruitment, mentoring, career growth, and succession planning for technical staff.
• Coach and lead consultants and senior consultants, fostering professional development.
• Advise senior leadership on technical and operational issues.
• Prepare tenders, fee proposals, work scopes, and conduct commercial evaluations.
• Provide specialist knowledge concerning veteran/ancient trees, woodland restrictions, statutory protections, and mitigation strategies.
• Champion quality assurance, consistency, and technical standards across project execution.

Candidate Profile

Mandatory Qualifications and Experience:

• Substantial experience in arboricultural consulting, including planning and project management.
• Expertise in BS5837 assessments and reporting techniques.
• Proven ability to advise multidisciplinary project teams.
• Competence in managing complex projects, budgets, and client relations.
• Commercial acumen in scope and budget management.
• Strong interpersonal skills for client and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience leading and mentoring technical professionals.
• Commitment to health, safety, and promoting well-being in project teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Chartered Arboriculturist or Forester status, or in pursuit of chartership.
• Experience with Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP) or Development Consent Order (DCO) projects and environmental impact assessments.
• Background in supporting public inquiries, expert witness roles, or planning appeals.
• Track record in business development, tendering, and client acquisition.
• Knowledge of forestry considerations within planning frameworks.
• Familiarity with digital survey tools, canopy cover analysis, and AI-enhanced workflows.

Benefits and Work Environment

• Engagement with nationally important, high-profile development and infrastructure projects.
• Opportunities for leadership and career progression within an inclusive, supportive culture prioritizing professional growth.
• Annual training budget aligned with personal growth objectives.
• Flexible and hybrid working options to balance work and life commitments.
• Possibility to contribute to digital innovation and global service initiatives.
• Paid memberships in professional bodies and participation in a comprehensive employee benefits program.
• Competitive pension contributions.
• 37.5-hour work week with flexible and core working hours.
• Health and wellbeing support programs, including virtual GP access, gym discounts, and menopause support.
• Flexibility in work time through the “WSP My Hour” initiative.
• Options for part-time work, flexible schedules, additional leave purchase, and bank holiday flexibility.

Company Vision

Join a globally recognized engineering and professional services firm dedicated to creating positive, lasting impacts on communities. Embrace innovation, integrity, and inclusion as core cultural values and work alongside over 11,000 professionals committed to sustainable development across the UK and Ireland.

Inclusivity Statement

The organization values diversity and inclusivity, welcoming applicants of all backgrounds and ensuring reasonable workplace adjustments for candidates with disabilities.