Arboricultural Consultant / Tree Surveyor

Interaction Finance; Greater London; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Interaction Engineering in Borough Green seeks an Arboricultural Consultant / Tree Surveyor to perform surveys, prepare technical reports and provide expert arboricultural advice throughout planning and construction.

You will work with architects, engineers and planning authorities to ensure trees are assessed and protected in line with BS 5837:2012, contributing to successful development projects.

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 4 Diploma in Arboriculture or equivalent qualification.
• Level 5/6 Diploma or BSc/MSc in Arboriculture or Urban Forestry advantageous.
• Strong knowledge of BS 5837:2012 in construction projects.
• At least two years' arboricultural surveys and report experience.
• Experience producing AIA, AMS, TCP and TPP documents.
• Competent in AutoCAD, KeyTREE and QGIS or equivalents.
• Experience with digital tree survey and data collection software.

Responsibilities

• Carry out Tree Surveys & Assessments on development sites.
• Prepare BS 5837 reports and Arboricultural Impact Assessments.
• Create Tree Constraints Plans and Tree Protection Plans.
• Advise architects, engineers and planners on arboricultural matters.
• Monitor construction to ensure tree protection measures are followed.

Education

Level 4 Diploma in Arboriculture

Level 5/6 Diploma or BSc/MSc in Arboriculture/Urban Forestry

Tools

AutoCAD

KeyTREE

QGIS

Pear Technology

Arborcheck

Job description

Interaction Engineering

Arboricultural Consultant / Tree Surveyor

Location

Borough Green

Employment Type

Full Time

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced and suitably qualified Arboricultural Consultant / Tree Surveyor to join our team, specialising in arboricultural consultancy for construction and development projects.

The successful candidate will be responsible for undertaking tree surveys, preparing technical reports and providing professional arboricultural advice throughout the planning and construction process.

Working closely with architects, engineers, developers and planning authorities, you will help ensure that trees are appropriately assessed, protected and managed in accordance with BS 5837:2012 – Trees in Relation to Design, Demolition and Construction.

Key Responsibilities

• Tree Surveys & Assessments
  1. Undertake detailed arboricultural surveys on development and construction sites.
  2. Assess tree species, dimensions, age, health, structural condition, quality and estimated remaining contribution.
  3. Accurately categorise trees in accordance with BS 5837:2012.
• Technical Reports & Documentation
  1. Prepare comprehensive BS 5837 arboricultural reports.
  2. Produce Arboricultural Impact Assessments (AIA) and Arboricultural Method Statements (AMS).
  3. Identify potential impacts of proposed developments on existing trees and recommend appropriate mitigation measures.
• CAD, Mapping & Technical Drawings
  1. Prepare accurate Tree Constraints Plans (TCP) and Tree Protection Plans (TPP).
  2. Use CAD, GIS and specialist arboricultural software to produce technical drawings and mapping.
  3. Calculate and accurately plot Root Protection Areas (RPAs), canopy spreads and other relevant tree constraints.
• Consultancy & Client Liaison
  1. Provide practical arboricultural advice to architects, engineers, developers and project teams.
  2. Identify potential conflicts between proposed designs and existing trees, recommending suitable solutions.
  3. Liaise with Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) regarding Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs), Conservation Areas and planning requirements.
• Construction Monitoring & Site Supervision
  1. Carry out arboricultural site inspections and monitoring throughout construction.
  2. Ensure tree protection measures are correctly implemented and maintained.
  3. Provide site guidance and compliance sign-offs where required.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum Level 4 Diploma in Arboriculture or an equivalent relevant qualification.
• Level 5/6 Diploma, Foundation Degree or BSc/MSc in Arboriculture, Urban Forestry or Forestry would be advantageous.
• Strong practical knowledge of BS 5837:2012 and its application to construction and development projects.
• At least two years' experience undertaking arboricultural surveys and preparing reports for commercial development projects.
• Experience producing Arboricultural Impact Assessments, Arboricultural Method Statements, Tree Constraints Plans and Tree Protection Plans.
• Competent in AutoCAD, KeyTREE, QGIS or equivalent CAD/GIS software.
• Experience using digital tree survey and data collection software, such as Pear Technology or Arborcheck.
• Full UK driving licence.

Professional Memberships & Additional Qualifications

• Arboricultural Association membership at Technician (TechArborA) or Professional Member (MArborA) level.
• Registration with, or working towards membership of, the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF).
• Chartered Arboriculturist status, or a commitment to working towards professional recognition.
• Lantra Professional Tree Inspection (PTI) qualification.
• Valid CSCS card appropriate to the role and site access requirements.

Technical Knowledge & BS 5837:2012 Competencies

1. Tree Retention Categorisation
   1. Ability to assess and categorise trees into A, B, C or U categories based on their condition, quality, longevity and suitability for retention.
   2. Understanding of the implications of each category for development proposals.
2. Root Protection Area (RPA) Calculations
   1. Ability to calculate Root Protection Areas using the relevant BS 5837 methodology.
   2. Understanding of stem diameter measurements, RPA dimensions and the importance of protecting root systems during construction.
3. Tree Constraints Plans (TCP)
   1. Experience preparing accurate Tree Constraints Plans.
   2. Ability to identify and map RPAs, tree heights, canopy spreads and other relevant constraints.
   3. Understanding of how arboricultural constraints influence early-stage design and site layouts.
4. Arboricultural Impact Assessments (AIA)
   1. Ability to assess the potential impact of proposed developments on existing trees.
   2. Identification of direct and indirect impacts, including tree removal, root damage, canopy pruning and changes to ground levels.
   3. Ability to recommend practical mitigation measures and design solutions, including no-dig construction techniques and specialist cellular confinement systems where appropriate.
5. Tree Protection Plans (TPP)
   1. Experience preparing detailed, scaled Tree Protection Plans.
   2. Understanding of appropriate protective fencing, ground protection and construction exclusion zones.
   3. Ability to specify suitable tree protection measures before construction activities commence.
6. Arboricultural Method Statements (AMS)
   1. Ability to prepare detailed method statements outlining how construction activities should be undertaken in proximity to retained trees.
   2. Knowledge of appropriate working methods within Root Protection Areas, including hand excavation, supervised works and other specialist construction techniques.
   3. Ensuring proposed construction methods minimise the risk of damage to retained trees.

Personal Attributes

• Professionally minded, organised and detail-oriented.
• Confident communicating technical information to a range of stakeholders.
• Able to work independently and manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Practical and solutions-focused, with the ability to resolve arboricultural and construction-related challenges.
• Committed to maintaining high professional and technical standards.

Summary

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Arboricultural Consultant / Tree Surveyor to join a team working across a variety of construction and development projects, taking responsibility for delivering high-quality surveys, technical reports and arboricultural consultancy services.