Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) have an exciting opportunity to join us as our Head of Wildlife Management playing a pivotal role in supporting successful delivery of our organisational objectives as we manage Scotland’s national forests and land. This work will be an important contribution to delivery of the Scottish Government’s forthcoming updated biodiversity strategy.
FLS is the Scottish Government agency that is responsible for the day-to-day management of Scotland’s national forests and land and was formed in 2019 following the devolution of the former cross border body known as the Forestry Commission.
We are looking for an individual who can see the big picture, think strategically and communicate and collaborate effectively across FLS teams and with external partners to lead wildlife management in an evidence-based way that focuses on the highest standards of safety and animal welfare.
Support and mentoring will be provided by the Head of Operational Support and the Head of Technical Services Group to help you ‘grow’ into the role and to connect and work with colleagues across government and the wildlife management sector. A key part of the role will involve providing professional practitioner advice to policy makers in Scottish Government to help implement the recommendations of the deer working group across Scotland.
Job description
We are looking for a leader that inspires and works collaboratively across multiple teams to foster a ‘one team’ approach to wildlife management and to delivering increasingly challenging environmental outcomes on Scotland’s national forests and land.
Your role will be to act as ‘head of profession’ for Wildlife Management in FLS by leading, communicating and collaborating with staff across FLS and external partners and policy makers. As such we are looking for an individual who can build and maintain excellent working relationships and as a result is respected by others in the wildlife management profession.
You will also have delegated responsibility from the CEO for firearms management within FLS and provide assurance to Head of Operational Support and the Head of Technical Services that deer and other wildlife management programmes are being delivered in line with targets, standards and the aims of “Scotland’s Wild Deer – a National Approach”.
The role also involves overseeing work to provide guidance and support to regional teams on wildlife management and encouraging good use of data and evidence to inform decision making particularly around cull setting and working collaboratively with Planning and Environment colleagues.
You will act as a focal point for other national teams to seek contributions and advice on wildlife management e.g., the Planning and Environment team in relation to land management planning matters and the Marketing and Sales team in relation to venison marketing.
FLS has a strong focus on highest standards of safety and animal welfare and was recognised by the independent Deer Working Group as a leader in deer management. We seek to continually improve and play a key role in supporting the Scottish Government implement the DWG recommendations which are vital in the context of responding to the twin crisis of climate and biodiversity loss.