Nick Smith
I originally found Arbtech when I was looking for an opportunity in the ecology sector.
In 2022, I started sub-contracting on bat surveys and my interest in the sector grew. Then, an internship opportunity came up the following year, so I decided to try my luck.
During my year of sub-contracting, I got to know the project managers at Arbtech, and they were all friendly and willing to teach me. This has always been the case when meeting more staff as I’ve progressed, which fills me with confidence when learning and developing.
There are lots of opportunities to grow with Arbtech, and that really keeps me motivated.
Being able to manage my own time and work schedule to suit me, with the mix of working from home and being in the field conducting surveys.
As well as the business structure, I’d definitely say that the people make Arbtech. Everyone is friendly, full of knowledge, and committed to their job. I am always learning every day, which keeps me engaged.
I find it hard sitting around doing nothing, as I like to keep my mind and body active. I try to go to the gym most days, and I’ve also been practising speaking Spanish.
I like exploring new places, so I often go away for the weekend and convert the back of my car into a bed and have an adventure, all while enhancing my skills in botany, ornithology and mycology wherever I go.
Get things done when they need to be done; stop the talking and just get through it.
I haven’t managed to attend any yet, as I have only recently joined Arbtech, but I am excited to get involved with them in the future.
Having studied languages in college – one of them being Russian – I would like to travel to Russia to apply my learning and also to see the huge range of biodiversity they hold.
Inside the UK, I would like to complete Ben Nevis in Scotland, as I have already done the biggest mountain in England (Scafell Pike) and the biggest mountain in Wales (Snowdon).
In 5 years’ time, I would like to have developed professionally to consultant level and be training for senior level. I would also like to develop my botany skills and become more specialised in that area.
Away from work, I’d like to think that I’d have been able to buy my first property by then, maybe even in the countryside.
Professionally, I would like to earn my protected species licences and work my way up to consultant level, and I also intend on working towards progressing in botany and being able to carry out phase 2 surveys.
Personally, I would like to become fluent in Spanish and start learning another language while travelling. As well as this, I would like to live abroad for a year and get involved in conservation in a new country.
Nick joined Arbtech in October 2023.
Meet the other members of our leading ecology and arboriculture team.