Graduate Arboriculturist

We will close for applications on Friday 20th March 2026, however, if this opportunity becomes over-subscribed, we will close early, therefore we recommend applying as soon as possible.

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

Mott Mac Donald is a unique company to work for, combining heritage, vision and values into an ethos that encourages innovative thinking and career progression in technical, management or commercial/client-facing directions, or a combination thereof. Our employee‑owned structure enables us to shape our own future and pursue social outcomes in everything we do.

It also puts our people, their development, and their wellbeing at the heart of our business. With us, you will have control of your own career path, which we will support through mentoring and training, but above all by giving you the opportunities to face new challenges and take more responsibilities.

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.

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.

• 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 (obtained no earlier than 2024) 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.

In your application, you should aim to…