Woodland Creation Officer x2

These two posts will grow our Woodland Creation Officer resource in South West England. We are ideally looking for suitable candidates from within (or willing to relocate to) the following areas:

Position 1: Devon and west Somerset including Exmoor and Dartmoor.

Position 2: A new post which will divide an existing area currently covering Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Bristol and Avon, Somerset and Dorset. The location will be agreed with the existing and new staff member.

About the job

Never has there been a more important time to plant trees and forests to help tackle the climate emergency and provide a much-needed sanctuary for people and wildlife. The UK government are committed to creating 30,000 hectares of woodland a year across the UK by the end of this Parliament. This acceleration in planting rates in England will create and connect woodlands that provide habitats for biodiversity, it will increase and secure a future timber resource, and will contribute to meeting the net-zero carbon ambitions by 2050. This ambition is supported by the £640m Nature for Climate Fund, launched in 2021, ‘to support natural habitats including woodland and peat’.

The Department for the Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Forestry Commission have set up the England Tree Planting Programme to support the forestry sector, landowners and communities in the delivery of woodland creation ambitions. Forestry Commission will lead the delivery of the following areas of the tree planting programme:

Developing forestry sector capacity;

Woodland creation on public land;

Woodland creation on private land; and

Engagement with stakeholders and public.

If you are passionate about the role that forestry has in creating a better future for England, and you want to play a key part in realising our woodland creation ambitions, we want to hear from you.

By joining the Forestry Commission, you will become part of a team of passionate, committed colleagues, and be able to utilise a wealth of expertise to deliver our ambitious aims for woodland creation. You will be able to make your mark by helping the Forestry Commission to revolutionise how we work together and reach new stakeholders.

Our staff engagement levels are consistently well above average, and staff turnover is well below, for the Civil Service. We value our people, we look after them, and we will look after you. We hope you will join us for the challenge.

Job description

We are seeking two enthusiastic and dynamic individuals with experience in forestry and/or land management, who are quick to learn, able to inspire and enjoy working with a range of stakeholders and landowners.

The Woodland Creation Officer role represents Forest Services as our front-line expertise on woodlands and forestry. The role involves engaging with landowners, agents and organisations to facilitate the take-up of woodland grants, and ensuring the delivery of Government forestry policy. The role provides an important interface between Forest Services and our customers, and you will be advising on and helping to administer a diverse range of woodland creation proposals.

The post-holders will advocate the benefits of woodland creation and proactively communicate with and advise landowners and investors considering woodland creation. The post-holder will also understand and advise on the regulatory aspects of individual woodland creation applications where required, though the post does not have any direct regulatory remit.

The post-holder will operate as part of the South-West Area Delivery Team, and also have close working links to the national Incentives Development team and the Promotion and Engagement workforce. They will also work closely with the national Policy and Advice team (PAt) to ensure that proposals meet the requirements of the UK Forestry Standard. Regular travel across the FS Delivery Area and occasional overnight stays will be required.

Responsibilities

Providing front line advice and engagement on diverse woodland creation proposals:

• Engaging and enthusing landowners on how new woodland can deliver their aspirations while also delivering multi-functional benefits to the environment, society and the economy;

• Advising on FC funding options and signposting to other sources of income: Woodland grants, carbon funding, nitrate offsetting and sponsorship;

• Explaining the requirements of the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS)’s woodland design and planning requirements;

• Liaising with South West Area team colleagues and further FC specialists to process woodland creation design plans and grant applications;

• Working with Forest Services Promotions and Engagement team to proactively identify and engage landowners/agents with an interest in woodland creation;

• Supporting landowners and forestry agents in identifying consultees, sources of information, and relevant contacts required to achieve UKFS-compliant woodland design plans;

• Liaise with relevant stakeholders (tenants, NGO’s, Government organisations) to ensure woodland creation plans take into account relevant views and issues;

• Administration of woodland creation proposals and grant scheme applications;

• Acting as the point of contact for the Woodland Creation Planning Grant and Woodland Carbon Fund applications; and

• Regular contact with the Incentives Development Manager and Admin team.

Playing an active role in the Area team:

• Engaging as part of the Area team in routine activities and discussions including health and safety, team meetings, vision and culture, and business change and improvement;

• Communicating and sharing lessons learned and good practice on woodland creation proposals;

• Leading and supporting local targeted initiatives aimed at promoting woodland creation opportunities in the South West Area;

• Developing and managing good working relationships with advisers and stakeholders;

• Cultivating relationships with advisers and consultees, and encouraging sharing of proposals with relevant stakeholders as early as possible;

• Clearly presenting UK Government forestry policy and England Tree Planting Programme aims; and

• Requesting support from National Office and Area team colleagues as required.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL:

• Good interpersonal and influencing skills, demonstrating the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with internal colleagues and our customers;
• Ability to prioritise and manage a varied workload;
• Good computer skills with experience of MS Office and Excel; and
• Ability to proactively deal with complex and contentious issues relating to people and woodland interests, leading to the delivery of project outcomes and development of work areas as necessary.

TECHNICAL:

• Proven knowledge and experience of lowland forestry, with a focus on creation and/or management of multi-functional woodlands; and

• Degree/ Higher Diploma in forestry / land management / countryside management, and/or significant equivalent experience in forestry and woodland management.

DESIRABLE:

• Experience of practical woodland management;

• Experience of practical urban forestry;

• Experience and knowledge of forestry regulations, incentives and tree health;

• Experience of promoting, designing and establishing new woodland;

• Proven ability to deliver online and face-to-face informative events (webinars, farm walks, agri shows);

• Experience of working in partnership across delivery organisations;

• Experience in facilitating market growth in the forestry sector;

• Experience of supporting integrated land / woodland management;

• Practitioner level understanding of landscape;

• Membership of (or working towards) a relevant professional institute (e.g. Institute of Chartered Foresters); and

• Evidence of maintaining Continuous Professional Development

Benefits

• A Civil Service pension
• A range of family friendly benefits
• An environment with flexible working options
• Learning and development tailored to your role
• A culture which promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment
• A range of wellbeing benefits including discounted Civil Service Healthcare, access to an Employee Assistance Programme 24/7, Bike to Work Scheme, plus many more.
• 25 days annual leave, rising to 30 after 5 years service, plus 10.5 bank holidays/privilege days (pro rata)
• Ability to buy or sell 2 days annual leave
• 3 days volunteering per year (pro rata)

About the Company

Job Information

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