Associate Director Arboriculturalist

WSP; Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm seeks an Associate Director (Arboriculture) to manage and lead the Arboriculture and Forestry team. This role involves overseeing project delivery, generating new business opportunities, and supporting staff development. Ideal candidates have extensive planning experience, knowledge of regulatory requirements, and a passion for mentorship. Flexible working conditions and a supportive development environment are offered.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Employee resource groups for inclusivity

Health and wellbeing programs

Qualifications

• Proven ability to support NSIP/DCO planning applications.
• Experience with BS5837 Arboricultural Impact Assessments.
• Track record of successful internal and external networking.

Responsibilities

• Assist in leading and managing the Arboriculture and Forestry team.
• Generate new business opportunities.
• Deliver consultancy and support for clients.

Skills

Extensive experience in arboricultural planning and project delivery

Strong communication and networking skills

Experience with GIS and CAD software

Positive health and safety attitude

Ability to manage project financial targets

Leadership and team development

Knowledge of planning for veteran and ancient trees

Education

Member of an accredited industry body

Job description

Job Description

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs?

At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

A little more about your role…

As Associate Director (Arboriculture), you'll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our industry, leading a talented team and delivering innovative solutions for clients across the UK.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Directors in leading and managing the Arboriculture and Forestry team, ensuring technical excellence and effective workload management.
• Engage with others to develop and support achievement of medium-term strategic direction.
• Work alongside the directors to support the creation of high performing teams through strategic resourcing decisions.
• Generate new business opportunities, prepare tenders, and oversee the delivery of a range of arboricultural services (technical, commercial, and financial).
• Contribute to recruitment activities to grow the team.
• Engage with peer groups and forums to build networks and share knowledge.
• Proactively contribute to tackling issues impacting team effectiveness.
• Support the development of others through sharing knowledge and experience, mentoring and developing junior team members while fostering an enthusiastic and productive working environment.
• Report on financial status of the individual teams and produce regular updates to enable strategic planning.
• Deliver site and office‑based consultancy, supporting clients through survey programmes, regulatory engagement, and project implementation.

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…

• Extensive experience in arboricultural planning and project delivery.
• Proven ability to support NSIP / DCO planning applications and deliver strategic survey programmes across the U.K.
• Experience with BS5837 Arboricultural Impact Assessments, Method Statements, and Environmental Impact Assessment chapters.
• ArbCoW experience of overseeing site works and managing an effective team to ensure successful client project delivery.
• Knowledge of planning and regulatory requirements for veteran and ancient trees and woodlands.
• Role model with positive health and safety attitude and behaviours. Understands the health, safety & wellbeing needs of the team and proactively works to ensure safe working practices are implemented.
• Experience in GIS, CAD and other relevant mapping software to assist in high quality service production.
• Track record of successful internal and external networking to win work from clients.
• Experience in managing project financial targets and budgets.
• A positive can‑do attitude with a passion for leading and developing teams.
• Member of an accredited industry body relevant to the sector.

Don't quite meet all the criteria? Apply, and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities within the team.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Join our close‑knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.

With us, you can. Apply today.

About Us

We are one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Our 72,800 passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long‑lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 9,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

Work-life balance

At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It's important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community. Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging

We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote our culture of inclusivity.

Health & Wellbeing

We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme. Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time

To enhance work‑life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day. We also provide part‑time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

Your development

We understand the importance of development and training to you. That's why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

#WeAreWSP

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.