Woodland Officer

Overview

This position is stationed at the Sherwood office and serves the Lincolnshire region. Applicants should reside within an hour’s travel of their assigned area to facilitate practical commute arrangements.

The urgency of trees and woodland management in combating climate change and providing refuge for wildlife and people has never been greater. The UK government aims to raise the tree canopy coverage across England from 14.5% to a minimum of 16.5% by 2050, targeting the addition of 34,000 hectares of new tree cover by 2028. This enhanced tree planting effort supports net-zero goals and broader environmental ambitions.

A joint initiative by Defra and the Forestry Commission oversees this nationwide tree planting program, focusing on boosting forestry sector capacity, creating woodlands on public lands, and encouraging private land planting.

The Forestry Commission seeks candidates who share a commitment to improving England’s forestry landscape and are eager to contribute to this significant environmental mission.

Role Responsibilities

The Woodland Officer acts as the primary contact and representative of the Forestry Commission to landowners, managers, and stakeholders within a designated geographical zone. This role entails understanding local landscapes, challenges, and opportunities, fostering networks, and proactively supporting forestry operations.

• Facilitate woodland expansion by promoting benefits such as natural capital, biodiversity, water quality, flood mitigation, and carbon sequestration.
• Manage applications for grants and administer forestry regulations, including Environmental Impact Assessments related to woodland creation.
• Enforce forestry regulations including Felling Licences under the Forestry Act to ensure responsible tree felling, assess environmental impact for forestry operations, and offer expert advice on woodland management within protected areas.
• Support active management of existing woodlands to enhance resilience against pests and diseases like ash dieback and Phytophthora ramorum and adjust to climate change pressures.
• Collaborate with multiple forestry stakeholders to promote integrated land and woodland management and facilitate market growth within the forestry sector.
• Engage with partners, stakeholders, and the public to raise awareness of woodland benefits and encourage stewardship and sustainable management practices.
• Contribute to internal team efforts, including supporting investigations of unlicensed tree felling and contributing to national guidance reviews.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Strong interpersonal and influencing abilities to cultivate effective internal and external relationships.
• Competent in managing diverse workloads and prioritising tasks efficiently.
• Proficient with MS Office and Excel.
• Capable of handling complex and sensitive issues related to woodland interests to achieve project outcomes.
• Holds a degree or higher diploma in forestry, land management, countryside management, or equivalent substantial experience in forestry or woodland practice.

Desirable:

• Experience in practical woodland management.
• Knowledge of forestry regulations, incentives, and tree health issues.
• Proficiency in promoting, designing, and establishing new woodland.
• Experience working collaboratively across delivery organisations and promoting forestry sector growth.
• Understanding of integrated land and woodland management and landscape considerations.
• Membership or progress towards membership of a professional body such as the Institute of Chartered Foresters.
• Commitment to continuous professional development.

Licenses and Requirements

• Valid Driving Licence.

Behavioral Competencies

• Effective communication and influence.
• Collaborative teamwork.
• Ability to deliver results efficiently.
• Sound decision-making skills.

Technical Expertise

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in lowland forestry, focusing on multifunctional woodland creation and management.

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual salary of £37,537.
• Employer pension contribution of £10,874 towards the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
• 28.97% employer contribution to pension.
• Flexible working arrangements as part of a blended working approach.
• Family-friendly benefits.
• Opportunities for role-specific learning and development.
• Diverse and inclusive workplace culture.
• Well-being programs including discounted healthcare, 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, and Bike to Work Scheme.
• 25 days annual leave plus one extra day per year up to 5 years, 10.5 bank and privilege holidays (pro rata).
• Option to buy or sell up to 5 days annual leave.
• 3 days volunteering leave annually (pro rata).

Employment Terms

This is a fixed-term contract to cover maternity leave ending on 30th March 2027 with potential but no guarantee of extension or permanency.

Interviews and assessments will occur in person at Sherwood Pines Forest Park, Kings C.

Application Process

Application requires submission of a detailed CV split into job history, skills/experience, and qualifications; a personal statement addressing essential criteria; statements on communication behavior and technical skills with relevant evidence and qualifications.

Initial sifting may focus on personal statement and communication behavior. Candidates passing this stage proceed to full assessment including interview, behavioral and technical evaluations, possibly including a technical exercise.

Additional Information

Artificial intelligence tools may assist in preparing application materials but must not produce plagiarized or false content. Applications containing non-original or deceptive content may be rejected.