WOODLAND CREATION OFFICER - SOUTH EAST LONDON

Location: London (region), South East England

About the job

Never has there been a more important time for trees and forests to help tackle the climate emergency and provide a much-needed sanctuary for people and wildlife. Our government are committed to creating 30,000 hectares of woodland a year across the UK, of which 7,500 ha per year are anticipated to be in England, by the end of this Parliament. This acceleration in current planting rates in England will contribute to meeting the net-zero by 2050 ambitions, and to government’s wider environmental targets.

This was supported by the announcement in the 2021 budget of £640m for a new Nature for Climate Fund ‘to support natural habitats like woodland and peat’ and the publication of the England Tree Action Plan.

By joining the Forestry Commission, you will become part of a team of passionate, committed colleagues, and be able to build on a wealth of expertise to take this ambitious work forward. You will be able to make your mark by helping the Forestry Commission to revolutionise how we work together and reach new stakeholders.

Job description

The Woodland Creation Officer role represents Forest Services front-line woodlands and forestry expertise. It involves ensuring the delivery of Government forestry policy through the effective use of advice and incentives. The role provides an important interface between Forest Services and landowners and forestry agents, promoting, advising on, and helping to facilitate a diverse range of woodland creation proposals.

The post-holders will be expected to focus on woodland creation. They will advocate the benefits of woodland creation and proactively communicate with and advise landowners and investors considering woodland creation. The post-holders will also understand and advise on the regulatory aspects of individual woodland creation applications where required.

The post-holders will operate as part of the Area Delivery Teams, 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.

These Woodland Creation Officer posts will cover:-
• Kent, East Sussex and eastern Surrey; and will be based form our Bedgebury office AND • Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, West Sussex western Surrey and parts of Berkshire; and will be based from our Bucks Horn Oak office.

Responsibilities
• Engaging and enthusing landowners on how new woodland can deliver their aspirations while also delivering multifunctional benefits to the environment, society and the economy.
• Advising on funding options: grants, carbon funding, nitrate offsetting and sponsorship.
• Explaining the requirements of the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS)’s woodland design and planning requirements.
• Working as part of the wider Area teams to proactively identify and engage with landowners/agents with an interest in woodland creation.
• Supporting landowners and forestry agents in identifying consultees, sources of information and relevant contacts to facilitate the preparation of high quality UKFS compliant woodland creation design plans.
• Liaison with relevant stakeholders ( including tenants, Non Government Organisations , Government organisations) to ensure plans take into account relevant views and issues.
• Administration of woodland creation proposals and grant scheme applications.
• Acting as the point of contact for Woodland Creation Planning Grant applications and Woodland Carbon Fund applications.
• Liaising with Area teams and colleagues in the Incentives Development Team over the processing of grants.
• Advising the Incentives Development Manager and Admin Officer when applications are complete or need further input from either applicants or PAt colleagues.
• Responding to queries on applications.
• Liaising with statutory consultees and Defra-group colleagues over proposals, as appropriate. 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.
• Developing and managing good working relationships with advisers and stakeholders.
• Cultivating relationships with advisers and consultees, specifically encouraging and facilitating proposals being shared and discussed as early as possible with relevant stakeholders.
• Presenting Government’s forestry policy clearly.
• Requesting support from National Office and Area team colleagues as required.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL
•Forestry or land management based degree (or equivalent qualification) and / or significant forestry or land management experience.
Please clearly demonstrate how the above applies to you throughout your application. Failure to do so will mean that your application is automatically sifted out.
• Experience of managing or advising on woodland creation and management.
• Competent IT user with experience of the MS Office suite of applications.
• Proven ability to communicate with clarity, conviction and enthusiasm.

DESIRABLE:
• Working knowledge of the UK Forest Standard.
• Experience of delivering forestry incentives / regulations.
• Experience of working with a diverse range of stakeholders who may have conflicting views or objectives.Membership of (or working towards) a relevant professional institute (e.g. Institute of Chartered Foresters).
• 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)

Salary: £31,973- £34,650
To apply, please visit here.

Tel: Not Specified | E-mail: Not Specified
Web: www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk | Closing Date: Apply before 11:55 pm on Sunday 18th September 2022

(Uploaded 19/8/22)

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