Graduate Arboriculturist Career Path

Birmingham, United Kingdom / Leeds, United Kingdom / Manchester, United Kingdom

Before making an application, please browse all graduate opportunities available as we will only accept one application per candidate. Once you have made an application you will not be able to make changes to your selection or make a new application. The exception is if we open new vacancies in the new year.

To avoid missing out on your preferred role, we recommend applying as early as possible, as positions will close once filled.

Turn your ambition into action - apply now and shape your future with us.

Champion biodiversity. Shape resilient environments. Make a lasting impact.

At Mott Mac Donald, we’re proud to be one of the largest employee‑owned companies in the world, delivering sustainable infrastructure and development solutions across 150 countries. Our Arboriculture team plays a vital role in protecting natural assets and enhancing the environmental value of infrastructure projects—both in the UK and globally.

As a Graduate Arboriculturist, you’ll be part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment team, working on projects that range from bespoke designs to nationally significant infrastructure. You’ll be supported to grow, empowered to contribute, and inspired to make a real difference to people and the planet.

What You’ll Be Doing

You’ll work alongside ecologists, landscape architects, engineers, and environmental specialists to deliver arboricultural services that protect trees and promote biodiversity.

Your responsibilities may include:

• Tree Surveys & Assessments - Conduct BS5837:2012 surveys for infrastructure projects of all scales, from local enhancements to major national schemes.
• Technical Reporting - Prepare arboricultural method statements, scoping assessments, health and safety reports, and veteran tree assessments.
• Ecological Collaboration - Support protected species surveys, including tree climbing for bat inspections, in partnership with our ecology team.
• Design & Protection - Advise on statutory designations (e.g. TPOs, Conservation Areas, Ancient Woodland), and design bespoke tree protection measures.
• Site Supervision - Oversee contractors on‑site to ensure tree protection is upheld throughout project delivery.
• Interdisciplinary Engagement - Collaborate with landscape, heritage, environmental management, and engineering teams to embed tree protection into project design.
• Professional Development - Refine your report writing and technical skills with support from experienced mentors and training programmes.

Some of our current major projects and clients include:

• HS2 – Leading the arboriculture and tree protection on the UK’s largest infrastructure project.
• East West Rail – Arboricultural technical leads coordinating survey and assessment work.
• Ash Dieback– novel application of AI to identify and assess ash dieback disease nationwide with driven camera surveys and machine learning.
• National Highways – BS5837:2012 surveys to support nationally significant road projects including A428 Blackcat to Gibbet, A303 Stonehenge and Lower Thames Crossing.
• Environment Agency – a variety of projects from habitat creation to flood alleviation including Hebden Bridge Flood Alleviation Scheme and Five Rivers.
• Numerous water companies – including support for Thames Water, Southern Water, Scottish Water, Welsh Water, Wessex and United Utilities in protecting the environment.
• Network Rail – Longstanding and trusted relationship nationally.
• Numerous Local Authorities – providing a broad range of environmental services.

We are looking for committed and motivated graduates with a genuine passion and a desire to make a difference in the world. If this describes you, apply today to launch your career at Mott Mac Donald.

To be eligible for this opportunity, you will have less than 12 months relevant experience (excluding placements), have a degree or are expected to achieve one of the following degree disciplines:

• Arboriculture or Forestry
• Degree in a related environmental discipline (ecology, environmental management or similar) and can demonstrate experience within the arboricultural sector.

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