Forest Service is an Executive Agency of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland. Forest Officer III posts make a significant contribution to protect and enhance our environment; improve its sustainability, grow a vibrant economy; and support the development of thriving rural communities.

Forest Service is committed to enhancing the skills and capacity of Forest Service to deliver a diverse portfolio of forestry and plant health programmes. There are a number of Forest Officer Grade III full-time vacancies.  Applications are invited from candidates who have forestry knowledge, skills and experience, and who meet the eligibility criteria, to apply for this opportunity.

Forest Service offices are located in Enniskillen (County Fermanagh), Newry (County Armagh) and Garvagh (County Londonderry).  Forest Officer III is a mobile grade and successful candidates will be expected to work in forests and other operational bases, including DAERA offices, throughout Northern Ireland during their employment.   NICS Hybrid Working Policy arrangements will apply.

Forest Officer IIIs are responsible for leading and safely managing forestry activities across the range of forestry and plant health services. The duties vary between posts, and will include:

• Planning, commissioning and controlling forestry operations including day to day management of staff and contract work
• Management and development of staff
• Coordinating activities on the Forest Service estate to secure Forest Service interests in relation to public safety and protection of forests
• Developing and maintaining good relations with customers, landowners and forestry stakeholders
• Use of IT systems in budgeting, procurement, reporting, surveying, data collection and analysis, including working with geographical information systems (GIS) for the purposes of disease control, business planning, forest management, timber supply, policy development and customer service
• Inspecting and enforcing legislation for the purposes of aid schemes, forest protection and public access to forests, felling control, environmental protection and plant health
• Providing professional and technical input to policy development
• Driving official vehicles and operating machinery and equipment
• Support the delivery of forestry programmes which will include site inspections and working on hazardous and physically demanding terrain

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must, by the closing date for applications:

Possess a degree in Forestry or another relevant qualification* with appropriate experience that is assessed by the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) to meet a minimum requirement of 5 points

* These qualifications may include those acquired outside the UK.

Note: A list of current ICF Accredited courses can be found at: https://charteredforesters.org/what-we-do/education-careers.

AND

2.a. Hold at least current Associate Membership of ICF or be a current member of an industry recognised professional forestry body

OR

2.b. Have at least 10 months practical experience actively working within any of the following ICF competency areas:

• Business Management
• Forestry and Woodland Management
• Arboriculture and Urban Woodland Management
• Environment, Biodiversity and Wildlife Management
• Recreation Management and Planning
• Public Consultation and Participation
• Harvesting, Marketing and Utilisation
• Forest Engineering
• Policy Development and Strategic planning
• Timber Conversion
• Tree Nursery Management
• Forestry and Arboricultural Research
• Forestry and Arboricultural Teaching

AND

3. Hold a full and current driving licence which enables the holder to drive in Northern Ireland and have access to a form of transport which will permit them to meet the requirement of the post in full.

Salary and benefits

Salary will be within the range £37,076 – £37,840, rising to £39,301 – £40,110 with effect from 1 August 2025, within which pay progression will be performance related.

As a Forest Officer within the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) you will enjoy:

• An annual leave allowance of 25 days, increasing to 30 days after 5 years, in addition to public and privilege holidays
• An attractive pension package
• Access to NICS career pathways and job opportunities

For more detailed information and to apply, please go to www.nicsrecruitment.org.uk

Completed application forms must be submitted no later than 12:00 noon (UK time) on Friday 16 May 2025.