Join the team

CAREERS

Nicholsons was founded over 40 years ago and has grown to form a community of passionate and professional consultants and contractors, delivering expert advice and quality results in garden and landscape design, forestry and woodland and tree management, ecology and biodiversity net gain, environmental planning, soil science and plant trade.

At our site in North Aston, we are also proud to offer expert horticultural advice and complimentary consultancy, as well as excellent dining experiences in our Michelin Guide recommended restaurant, The Yurt.

Working hours are 7.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, unless otherwise specified. Nicholsons offers a competitive rate of pay, depending on experience and qualifications, and is proactive in providing training to aid career progression. Uniform, PPE and tools are provided, where applicable. We also offer a number of benefits that can be viewed through the button below. These may vary slightly depending on your role.

Continued growth and new opportunities mean that Nicholsons is regularly seeking fresh recruits to join the workforce. At present, we have the following vacancies – see below.

At Nicholsons we are proud of our team – why not join us?

Contact the Team

Rachel Verdon
HR Manager
01869 340342

Career Development And Progression: A Case Study

Current Job Vacancies

Click on each of the tabs below to read about the corresponding job vacancy.

Consultancy

Principal/Associate Ecological Consultant

Location: North Aston, Oxfordshire, or Corby, Northamptonshire
40 hrs per week, Monday to Friday | Salary £45,000 – £60,000 as well as a company vehicle

Flexible working arrangements | Training, development & industry representation

As part of our continued growth, we are looking for a friendly and enthusiastic Principal Ecological Consultant to support the ecology team with the delivery of client projects, providing a technical and professional lead in all aspects of work. Promoting opportunities for training and development across the team through mentorship and inclusion will be key, as well as supporting the wider company in encouraging cross team interaction and knowledge sharing.

This position can be situated at either our Oxfordshire or Northamptonshire office.

We offer a competitive basic salary plus an excellent benefits package of pension, training, uniform and boot allowance plus flexible working opportunities. A full time role would be 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

A full UK driving licence would be necessary.

Click here to view the full job description.

 

Senior/Principal Arboricultural Consultant

Location: North Aston, Oxfordshire, or Corby, Northamptonshire 

This position is designed for someone wishing to take a lead in the development of Nicholsons arboricultural services and business. This will include integration with a wider team, working closely with the directors and other practitioners who are currently discharging instructions on landscaping, green infrastructure, ecology and forestry.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Discharging professional instructions and managing additional resources where needed such as sub consultants and support staff.
  • Assisting & giving advice on a wide-range of tree related tasks, providing high levels of service to our existing & new clients & current key instructions.
  • Addressing issues with regards to trees on development sites through BS:5837, tree assessments, design guidance, planning support & implementation works, retain tree protection & mitigation schemes etc.
  • Working with the wider team at Nicholsons in order to support development projects.
  • Engage with the board and senior management team in respect of business strategy, marketing and innovations for new work streams.
  • Tree risk management: Preparing management strategies, policies, tree surveys, recommendations for remedial works.
  • Trees and the law: Advising on TPOs & Conservation Areas, boundary trees & dispute resolution.

This is a day-time position, 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

A full UK drivers licence is required for the role.

Click here to download the full job specification and benefits package.

Senior Woodland Manager

Location: 7-8 Melbourne House, Corbygate Business Park, Weldon, Northamptonshire, NN17 5JG

Are you an experienced forester seeking new challenges? We are looking for Senior Woodland Manager to join the Corby branch of our Woodland Management Division. You will be welcomed into a friendly team with a wide breadth of experience and specialist interests. There is great potential for you to utilise your skills and experience by contributing to both team and business development and supporting a highly varied and interesting client base. Working alongside other seniors in the woodland management team, you will take the immediate lead on new and existing instructions, undertake line management, mentoring and coaching of less experienced foresters and look to secure new instructions.

  • Developing the Forestry division, delivering comprehensive services that exceed client expectations.
  • Managing some of the finest lowland forestry estates in the country.
  • Assessing, pricing, planning and executing forestry contracts and management services, obtaining necessary permissions.
  • Preparing management plans, securing grant aid and overseeing the day-to-day management of clients’ woodlands.
  • Collaborating with colleagues to identify new opportunities for woodland owners, such as agroforestry, carbon initiatives and Continuous Cover Forestry (CCF).
  • Fostering employee development within the division, providing guidance and support to nurture their potential.

Click here to download the full job specification and benefits package.

Woodland Manager

Location: 7-8 Melbourne House, Corbygate Business Park, Weldon, Northamptonshire, NN17 5JG

As we continue to expand our forestry operations and unique service offer, we recognise the need for a skilled and experienced Woodland Manager to work alongside and under the guidance of our dynamic senior forestry and land management team.

As a Woodland Manager you will be responsible for:

  • Conducting assessments, pricing, planning, and execution of forestry contracts.
  • Developing comprehensive management plans for clients’ woodlands.
  • Applying for and negotiating grant applications.
  • Timber marketing.
  • Providing clear instructions and briefings to contractors and staff for efficient operations.
  • Conducting thorough health and safety audits on site to ensure compliance.
  • Driving specific business development initiatives for the division, as required.
  • Securing relevant permissions, such as felling licences and permits, for work activities.
  • Collaborating with colleagues to offer expert advice on emerging opportunities for woodland owners, including agroforestry, carbon initiatives and Continuous Cover Forestry (CCF).

Click here to download the full job specification and benefits package.

Senior Ecological Consultant

Location: North Aston, Oxfordshire, OX25 6HL or Corby, Northamptonshire, NN17 5JG

As part of our continued growth we are looking for a friendly and enthusiastic Senior Ecological Consultant to join our ecology team at either our North Aston or Corby offices.

This role provides the opportunity to develop your experience of providing specialist ecological input on a variety of projects whilst supporting the wider team with advice on ecological surveys, strategies and mitigation. We are increasingly working with a non-development client base and therefore, a wider understanding on environmental net gain and land management is key. You will have the opportunity to line manage other team members and be expected to assist in the delivery of training and mentorship of junior members of staff.

We offer a competitive basic salary plus an excellent benefits package of pension, training, uniform and boot allowance plus flexible working opportunities. A full time role would be 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. A full UK driving licence would be necessary.

Click here to download the full job specification and benefits package.

Assistant Arboricultural Contracts Manager

Location: North Aston, Oxfordshire, OX25 6HL

We are looking for an Assistant Arboricultural Contracts Manager to join our growing Arboricultural team and support the Arb Contracts Manager with all operational activities.

The purpose of the role is to assist the Arb Contracts Manager with the costing, planning and management of all arboricultural operations within the forestry division.

The successful candidate will be able to:

  • Assist in the assessment, pricing and scheduling of arboricultural contracts within agreed time and financial targets.
  • Assist in managing on-site health and safety in coordination with H&S consultant.
  • Ensure and monitor client satisfaction through QC (quality control) auditing.
  • Offer professional advice as part of the quoting process.

Preferable but not essential:

  • Undertake onsite arboricultural operations including aerial works, ground and chainsaw operations (optional).

This is a full-time position, Monday to Friday from 7:30am to 4:30pm.

Arboricultural Surveyor

Location: North Aston, Oxfordshire, OX25 6HL 

We are looking for an Arboricultural Surveyor to help our Senior Arb Consultant undertake tree condition and other arboricultural surveys.

The successful candidate will be able to:

  • organise and undertake tree surveys and site inspections, to a high standard.
  • be able to identify and record potential Arb hazards, safety issues and necessary works as required.
  • prepare and write inspection reports, updating maps and preparing schedules of arboricultural works as required.
  • Undertake BS5837 surveys and reports.

The role requires someone who is organised, methodical, can work alone on sites collecting data and then in the office inputting data, has good computer and technical skills to enable them to collect the necessary information accurately and in a timely fashion.

This is a full-time position, Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 4.30pm

Click here to download the full job specification and benefits package.

Arboricultural Surveyor

Location: 7-8 Melbourne House, Corbygate Business Park, Weldon, Northamptonshire, NN17 5JG

We are looking for an Arboricultural Surveyor to help our Senior Arb Consultant undertake tree condition and other arboricultural surveys.

The successful candidate will be able to:

  • organise and undertake tree surveys and site inspections, to a high standard.
  • be able to identify and record potential Arb hazards, safety issues and necessary works as required.
  • prepare and write inspection reports, updating maps and preparing schedules of arboricultural works as required.
  • Undertake BS5837 surveys and reports.

The role requires someone who is organised, methodical, can work alone on sites collecting data and then in the office inputting data, has good computer and technical skills to enable them to collect the necessary information accurately and in a timely fashion.

This is a full-time position, Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5.30pm.

Click here to download the full job specification and benefits package.

Contracting

Climbing Arborist

Location: North Aston, Oxfordshire, OX25 6HL 

We currently have a vacancy for a full-time climbing arborist with a minimum of two years’ experience in the industry. The position would suit a highly motivated, hardworking and enthusiastic individual looking to develop a career in arboriculture. Applicants need to be able to work in a team and would need to be comfortable communicating clearly with colleagues, ensuring a high standard of professionalism is always maintained.

Applicants will need to have the relevant NPTC qualifications (i.e: CS 30, 31,32, 38, and 39), be able to demonstrate safe and competent climbing and working practices and have a full UK driving licence, ideally with towing experience.   Ideal but not essential would be a certificate of competence in Brushwood Chipper Operations.

In return, you will work very much as part of a close knit team and will be put forward for relevant training to help you progress in your arboricultural work.

Experienced Gardener

Location: North Aston, Oxfordshire, OX25 6HL 

We are seeking experienced gardeners to join our professional team. Applicants should be self-motivated and capable of hard physical work with a good knowledge of gardening practices and plant knowledge. All applicants must be enthusiastic, able to communicate well and have a good client interface. Full, clean driving licence required.

This position is ideally full-time, Monday to Friday 7.30am to 4.30pm.

Salary will depend on experience.

Job Types: Part-time, Full-time

Expected hours: 40 per week

Soft Landscaper – Team Leader

Location: North Aston, Oxfordshire, OX25 6HL 

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an experienced, driven, positive, practically  minded and highly motivated and experienced individual to join and lead our skilled Soft Landscaping team.   

The key requirements for this role are: 

  • dedication to producing exceptional results  
  • excellent communications skills 
  • ability to maintain a high standard of professionalism at all times 
  • training and leading team members and have an ability to work hard, energetically and effectively within and through leading a team.   
  • experience in soft landscaping and some hard landscaping (such as metal edging, gravel paths, fencing, building compost bins) is essential (minimum 3 years), as is interpreting scale and construction drawings and setting out on site.   
  • Excellent plant knowledge and planting experience essential (ie Level 3 RHS or equivalent) 
  • All work should follow best practice in terms of health and safety. 

The successful applicant will be used to managing a team on site, liaising effectively and clearly with clients, designers and contracts manager, managing expectations and listening to what is required.  A full clean UK Driving Licence is necessary and towing experience would be very beneficial. 

Post holders must be physically fit, as the roles require hard physical work, and must be comfortable working outside in all conditions. The position is full time, based on a 40-hour week from 7.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday.   In return, the work is varied, working on some of the most prestigious sites in and around Oxfordshire, and training opportunities are available.  A vehicle will be provided for use at work, as well as tools and uniform. 

At Nicholsons we are proud of our team – why not join us? 

Plants Sales

Horticultural Sales Assistant

Location: North Aston, Oxfordshire, OX25 6HL

Nicholsons are looking for a full time (part-time 4 days considered) Sales Assistant to help in our well-known Plant Centre. Working with clients to help with all plant choices for different areas of the garden or the wider landscape. A passion for plants and a knowledgeable and friendly manner are vital. The role is physical and outdoors and will require working in all weathers. Some focus will be on ensuring that all of our plants culturally cared for, including watering, weeding, feeding, pruning and repotting. Helping customers complete their purchase and following through with any paperwork or till-work will also be a requirement. Working as part of a small team you will be a team player and able to take the initiative and be a self starter. Any competencies such as PA1 and 6 and Loader trained an advantage. Plant knowledge also a requirement for this role.

Working 5 days a week, 7.30am – 4.30pm Monday – Friday and Saturday 8am -4.30pm with one day off in the week. (Sundays & Bank holidays may be required with prior arrangement).

The Yurt

Front of House – Yurt Manager

Location: The Yurt at Nicholsons, North Aston, Oxfordshire, OX25 6HL

Daytime hours: 40 hours per week, approximately 8am until 5pm, with very occasional evening events. 

A wonderful opportunity has arisen for a Front of House Manager to join our Michelin Guide listed restaurant which also has an AA Rosette for its culinary excellence. The Yurt is nestled amongst the Nicholsons nursery in the leafy village of North Aston, 30 minutes north of Oxford.

As Manager, you will oversee the customer experience in The Yurt. Responsibilities will include:

  • Looking after clients through meeting and greeting with a huge generosity of spirit, making the experience high-quality, unique and memorable.
  • Managing the front-of-house team including recruitment, training and organising rotas.
  • Collaborate with the Marketing Team to tell the story of The Yurt through social media and mailers.
  • Reporting on revenue and daily cash up.
  • Liaising with the kitchen team clearly and efficiently to provide smooth table service.
  • Preparing drinks, taking orders, serving, clearing tables and till work.
  • Addressing customer queries.
  • Ordering supplies.
  • Keeping the restaurant clean and tidy.
  • Managing occasional evening events.

A ‘can do’ approach, excellent spoken English and a friendly manner are all necessary too. Previous experience will of course be considered, so do tell us about that, especially if you are Barista trained.

In return, you will be part of our larger team here at Nicholsons and will be offered training opportunities to build your skills where necessary.

Your own transport is essential due to our remote location.

Benefits

Click here to view Nicholsons benefits which include an enhanced pension scheme, Smart Health membership and access to heavily subsidised holiday cabins in Wales, Scotland and France. An allowance for uniform is provided.

Marketing, Administrative & Central Services Teams

Digital Marketing Assistant

Location: North Aston, Oxfordshire, OX25 6HL

Are you passionate about environmental sustainability and captivated by garden design, landscape architecture, woodlands and wildlife? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to join our dynamic marketing department as a Digital Marketing Assistant at Nicholsons.

Our marketing team plays a crucial role in promoting our business with a strong emphasis on natural capital and sustainability. Additionally, our renowned restaurant, recognised with a Michelin recommendation and an AA rosette for culinary excellence, is located within our plant centre.

As a Digital Marketing Assistant, you will benefit from a varied and creative role:

  • Managing social media platforms.
  • Crafting engaging content – visual and written.
  • Supporting and attending company events.
  • Managing data and our customer relationship management system.
  • Completing market research and developing our branding efforts.

We’re looking for a friendly, politely inquisitive, detail-orientated and creative individual with strong writing skills. The candidate must be confident in the use of Microsoft Office. A knowledge of WordPress, Canva and Adobe InDesign would be beneficial, however full training on these packages can be provided. An interest in photography/videography would be an advantage.

In return, we offer extensive training, support and opportunities for growth. This full-time position is primarily based at our North Aston office, with occasional visits to our Corby office. Working hours are Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 4:30 pm or 8.30am to 5.30pm. Don’t forget to check out our great benefits package too.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Nicholsons Benefits:

We will offer a competitive salary depending on experience.
Our wide range of benefits include an enhanced pension scheme, company sick pay, access to heavily subsidised holiday cabins in Wales, Scotland and France and Smart Health membership. View our full range of benefits by clicking here…

Office Manager

Location: Corby, Northamptonshire

20 hrs per week | Flexible working options are available
Competitive salary depending on experience | www.nicholsonsgb.com

Nicholsons is looking for a part-time office manager to work 20 hours per week in our Corby office in Northamptonshire. The role involves the co-ordination of office facilities and the reception as well as providing administrative support to colleagues as required. The successful applicant will be the heart of this small, friendly office, delivering environmental consultancy nationwide. A kind and supportive manner is essential with good IT skills as well as a preparedness to support the varied needs of the business.

Role responsibilities:

  • Lead on the customer experience in the office, answering phone calls in a warm and friendly manner.
  • Greet and look after guests on arrival, answering queries and handling post.
  • Co-ordinate boardroom bookings for company meetings, ensuring that the area is set up correctly with all required resources.
  • Organise catering requests for meetings and office socials, including ordering and collecting.
  • Keep communal areas clean and tidy, including the kitchen and board room.
  • Provide administrative support to colleagues when required.
  • Purchase resources for the office – stationery, cleaning supplies, checking office stock levels regularly and replenishing.
  • Record purchase orders for the PAs on the log and Interprise.
  • Record minutes in company meetings where required.
  • Keep CVs up to date for tenders, checking with practitioners to ensure that the information is up to date, converting CVs to company format for new starters (Consultancy).
  • Organise vehicle booking and manage associated administration.
  • Ensure that new starters have everything they need, including access to the correct systems and technical equipment.
  • Ensure smooth communication between the North Aston and Corby offices and be an ambassador for company initiatives.
  • Organise property repairs and office maintenance as required.

Key skills:

Excellent customer care and communication skills – email and telephone correspondence, good computer knowledge and understanding, particularly on Excel and Word, good administration skills with attention to detail, ownership of workload and ideally an interest in the countryside.

Nicholsons Benefits:

We will offer a competitive salary depending on experience.
Our wide range of benefits include an enhanced pension scheme, company sick pay, access to heavily subsidised holiday cabins in Wales, Scotland and France and Smart Health membership. View our full range of benefits by clicking here…

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Contact the Team

Rachel Verdon
HR Manager
01869 340342

Career Development And Progression: A Case Study