With over 75 years’ experience, our client has an amazing track record of providing environmental consultancy and research expertise to an enviable range of clients both in the private and public sector. They are a recognised and highly respected leader in the environmental and rural sectors.

Their Landscape team in Oxfordshire is well established and provides high quality advice for all types of developments from the initial feasibility stage through to construction. As a result of their success they have a vacancy for a Landscape Consultant to join a growing team of professionals who work closely with colleagues in other disciplines, such as Planning, Ecology, Arboriculture and Archaeology.

The role would be home-based until mid-2021 when it is expected to be located with the rest of the landscape team in Oxfordshire. The client would be open to candidates based in another of their offices primarily Bristol, Cambridge and Leeds, but would consider the right candidate from other locations with the UK.  Both full and part time candidates would be considered.

The role would primarily be landscape, but they are specifically looking for those highly skilled multitalented landscape architects with a specialism in other environmental disciplines. Although a multi-disciplined landscape architect is desirable, a very strong solely landscape architect candidate would be considered.

The Role:

To primarily deliver landscape-based projects in a friendly, fast moving, client focussed commercial environment where much of the work relates to landscape and visual assessment with a strong focus on Strategic Green Infrastructure studies with some design work. This will involve:

• Carrying out landscape and visual impact assessments and opportunities and constraints work, particularly relating to housing and energy developments under the guidance of the senior members of the team. It will be necessary to work flexibly with regard to type of work, timing and location.
• Carrying out desk studies, consultations, research, data management and analysis and report writing, liaising with clients and statutory bodies as necessary.
• Assisting in the delivery of landscape and other requested input into Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and planning applications.
• Assisting in the delivery of Landscape Research and Strategic Green Infrastructure studies.
• Designing mitigation schemes for developments and undertaking other design projects from sketch scheme to detailed construction drawings.
• Preparing landscape implementation and management plans.
• Managing small landscape and other contracts, liaising with internal and external deliverers, third parties and clients.
• Supporting sales activities to meet team sales targets, to include building good client relationships, preparing proposals, assisting with tenders and working on sales initiatives.

The role would primarily be landscape, with a specialism in other environmental disciplines which might include experience in one of the following:

Ecology: Carrying out protected species surveys and monitoring, undertaking phase one surveys, natural capital assessments and Ecological Clark of Works (ECOW) along with associated reporting. Holding protected species licences and membership of CIEEM would be an advantage.

Arboriculture: Carrying out BS5837, NJUG and tree risk assessments and Arboricultural Clark of Works (ACOW). Holding a Professional Tree Inspection (PTI) certificate would be an advantage.

Master planning / urban design: Carrying out site design of small to medium size residential and commercial developments. Being a member of the Urban Design Group would be an advantage.

Planner: Production of pre-app planning statements, planning states, design and access statements, planning appraisals and consultation responses for local planning authorities. Being a member of or working towards chartered membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute would be an advantage.

Archaeology / built heritage: Producing archaeological written schemes of investigations, carrying out archaeological watching briefs and producing fieldwork reports and archiving for small-scale projects. Experience of undertaking setting assessments and Conversation Area appraisals would be an advantage with accreditation, with the Chartered Institute of Archaeologists or the Institute of Historic Buildings Conversation would be desirable.

Successful landscape candidates will:

Efficiently undertake landscape and visual impact assessments and landscape opportunities and constraints reports ensuring that work is delivered on time, meets the project profit target, and is delivered to the clients’ satisfaction.

Write reports concisely, prepare plans and accurately carry out desk studies, consultations, research, data management and analysis, liaising with clients and statutory bodies as necessary.

If CMLI produce landscape sections of Environmental Impact Assessments and planning applications, accurately following the guidance given, to conform with legislation and EIA guidelines.

Assist in the production of Landscape Research and Strategic Green Infrastructure studies.

Demonstrate creativity and technical competence in design schemes, including good horticultural and ecological knowledge and awareness of sustainability criteria.

Use AutoCAD and Adobe Creative suite with a high level of technical competence to produce plans, sections and construction details. Although not essential, knowledge and experience of GIS would be an advantage.

Build professional relationships with colleagues, using good communication and organisational skills, working co-operatively to deliver projects on time and within budget.

Help to achieve team sales targets through building good client relationships, undertaking sales activities such as writing proposals, assisting with tenders and working on sales initiatives.

Person specification

• A full driving licence will be required as will the need for flexible working with regard to type of work, timing and location.
• High technical competence in AutoCAD and Adobe Creative Suite particularly Photoshop and InDesign.
• Experience in both fieldwork and desk work in undertaking Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments and/or Landscape and Visual Appraisals.
• Proficient photography skills including a good understanding of manual photography.
• Experience in design including detail landscape construction and planting plans.
• Experience in Landscape Research, Strategic Green Infrastructure and Landscape Capacity / Sensitivity studies although not necessary would be an advantage.
• Experience in the other environmental disciplines (ecology, arboriculture, master planning, planning and historic environment) as listed above. Although this is desirable a very strong solely landscape architect candidate would be considered.
• Proficiency in GIS and KeySCAPE would be an advantage.
• Be a Chartered Member of the Landscape Institute (CMLI) or be on the Pathway to Chartership.
• A willingness to learn new skills through project related training and continuous professional development.
• A valid CSCS card (e.g. professionally qualified person) is desirable.

Salary and benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Contributory Pension Scheme
• A flexible benefits programme including the option to buy additional holidays and private health care
• Regular training and career development
• Support with the Pathway to Chartership