What made you choose Arbtech?
On the way to university back in 2023, I was sent the job profile for the 2023 Arbtech internship.
In university, we were always told that, although the job is important, the life of an early-stage ecologist is hard; you’re overworked and undervalued. When reading the job profile and learning more about Arbtech, I wasn’t sure whether or not to believe it was true. Here was an ecological consultancy that actually valued its ecologists and didn’t treat them like donkeys to do only the worst sort of tasks.
From that moment on, it was Arbtech or nothing.
What do you love most about the company?
In a word, freedom.
I am a father of two young boys, and they are the single most important thing in my life. When choosing to pursue a career in ecology, I thought I would have to sacrifice time with my family to make the job work. Not with Arbtech.
I have almost full control over how, when and where I work. This is invaluable to me. But it also means that Arbtech trusts and respects me enough to manage my time and workload correctly, without the need to micromanage.
The people I get to work with are just amazing too. There is such a wealth of knowledge and experience between them. Everyone is always there to lend a hand or give a second opinion if needed.
There’s a real sense of camaraderie that just makes the job even sweeter.
What do you do when you are not in Arbtech?
Outside of work, I spend most of my time with my two boys, husband and family.
I am an avid Formula One and tennis fan and play once a week when I can.
Other than that, I’m a proud nerd and love all things sci-fi and fantasy.
What is the biggest tip to achieve the most in life?
I don’t know who first said it, but the quote I live by is:
“You will achieve everything you want in life, but not always at the same time”
I try not to be in a constant state of self-improvement. I feel, for me at least, it undervalues the progress I’ve already made.
I’m content with slow growth knowing that, so long as I show up and put in the work, progress will come.
What is the best social you’ve been on at Arbtech?
Having only joined Arbtech recently, the only social I’ve been to was at the Crystal Maze in Liverpool.
It was such a fun experience though and I cannot wait for the Christmas party at the end of 2025!
Where do you want to travel to next?
I’m not too keen on travelling the globe, particularly as I believe the UK has so many amazing destinations to see and explore.
I’d like to eventually see more of the south, such as Devon and Cornwall, as well as the highlands of Scotland.
The only place abroad I wish to visit in the future is Japan. Japanese culture is a real obsession of mine. The way they go about even the smallest of tasks and how they find beauty in the imperfect is inspiring.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
Still with Arbtech – I’m here for the long haul!
I hope to have gained a number of protected species licences and FISCs level 4 by then too.
In five years, I hope to be living in my forever home, with a nice big garden with lots of trees, a pond, loads of wildflowers, and a vegetable patch.
What is a goal you have for the future, in or out of work?
Outside of work, my only real goal is to become healthier. I’ve never made it a priority before. There’s always been something else I put more effort into, but moving forward, I want to make it a priority.
Inside work, my first goal will be to obtain a level one bat licence.
David joined Arbtech in October 2024.
