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. We aim to at least treble tree planting rates in England by the end of this Parliament, reflecting Englands contribution to meeting the UKs overall target of planting 30, 000 hectares per year 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 governments wider environmental targets. This is supported by the 640m Nature for Climate Fund (NCF) announced in the March 2020 budget.
The Department for the Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Forestry Commission have set up a joint NCF tree programme for England to support the forestry sector, landowners and communities in the delivery of these ambitions.
Forestry Commission leads the delivery of the following parts of the tree planting programme: developing sector capacity woodland creation on public land woodland creation on private land promotion and engagement. If you are passionate about the role of forestry in creating a better future for England, and want to play a key part in realising that, 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 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 transform how we work together and reach new stakeholders.
Job Description
This role will provide ecological advice on forestry schemes and proposals to Area colleagues and support the work of the national Natural Environment Advisors. This local, expert specialist advice will enable well informed and timely decision making that fully accounts for the existing ecological interests of both woodland and non-woodland (open) priority habitats and species and their potential for enhancement in line with the Governments 25 Year Environment Plan.
The South East and London area contains 40% of the UK total of Ancient Woodland you will be expected to work alongside our planning officer, reviewing and commenting on large projects with potential detrimental impacts to ancient woodland and protected species, Influencing design to avoid or mitigate impacts and reduce Ancient Woodland loss.
Although not unique to the South East and London there are several key habitats of local and national significance within the area which require specialist knowledge and critically, a working relationship with key stakeholders. Such areas include the Wealden oakwoods, Beech dominated woodlands of the Chilterns, 9 designated National Landscapes and The New forest and South Downs National parks.
Current estimates suggest that up to 41, 000 Hectares of lowland chalk grassland remain in the UK. with major concentrations of these on the chalk downs of Kent, Hampshire, Sussex and some significant areas in the Chilterns and Cotswold areas.
Less than 30, 000ha of acid grassland remain in the UK. The South East and London area has several SACs notified with acid grassland being the principle reason for designation and the area also contains significant sites of Lowland heath in Hampshire and parts of Surrey/Berkshire.
Supporting The Area Team And National Natural Environment Team To Enable The Forestry Sector To Protect, Improve, Expand And Connect Englands Woodland Resource, Through
- Providing technical expertise on ecological issues relating to forestry and woodland protection, management and creation across the area.
- To support the Area team in promoting and delivering sustainable forestry and woodland management to ensure the Governments woodland and tree establishment targets enhance biodiversity for woodland and non-woodland priority habitats and species.
- To build and maintain a network of contacts across the statutory and NGO ecology and conservation sector to promote the work of the Forestry Commission and foster collaborative working. This post is also supporting the England Tree Planting Programme (ETTP) and will help ensure that the Forestry Commissions commitments and responsibilities to protect and enhance the natural environment are met in delivering this programme. The successful applicant will have a passion for woodlands and forests and for the benefits to society, the environment and the economy they provide. They will advocate the knowledge and enthusiasm the environmental and other benefits that woodland creation provides and will be a trusted and reliable source of sound ecological advice related to woodland creation and management.
Provision of ecological advice Work closely with area and national team colleagues to provide casework support as needed, most notably concerning woodland creation and management proposals
Work with Area team colleagues to provide technical input to woodland creation and woodland management plan development, benefiting both wooded and open priority habitats and associated species
Work with Area team and national colleagues to support the delivery of national scale projects at the Area level, g. contribute to the development of Local Nature Recovery Strategies
Provide ecological advice on major infrastructure project occurring within the Area, g. road, rail, airport, energy and reservoir projects etc.
Provide input to Local Plan consultations responses where there will likely be a significant impact upon ancient and native woodland and its associated biodiversity
Provide technical advice on ecology across the Area, ensure European Protected Species (EPS) guidance is embedded in practice, raise awareness of EPS guidance, supporting national team colleagues as appropriate
Provide representation on / contribute ecological expertise to species recovery projects in the area where forestry and woodland is a key issue/ habitat g. woodland birds, threatened lepidoptera, red squirrel, beaver and pine marten etc.
Keep up to date with the latest developments in conservation, ecology and biodiversity in the region and communicate these to Area colleagues.
Provide support with special projects as required and the development and delivery of specialist training to national and Area teams.
Work With Others
Develop a close working relationship with the Area woodland resilience officers to support their work on climate change adaptation and the responses to tree pest and disease, providing expertise on biodiversity issues
Build and maintain good working relationships with Defra group colleagues including Natural England and the Environment Agency and the non-governmental conservation sector, contributing to partnership projects and facilitate knowledge exchange and sharing of best practice
Engage in catchment level working with EA team biodiversity technical specialists where woodland biodiversity and wider environment benefits can be achieved e.g. species recovery and natural flood management
Develop and maintain a close working relationship with Forestry England District ecology teams that overlap the area and in particular to support collaborative working where the nations forests provide an important contribution to existing local ecological restoration zones / the developing local nature recovery strategies
Person specification
Experience
ESSENTIAL
- In-depth understanding of woodland and forestrys role in providing biodiversity benefits (habitats, species and ecosystem services), and how to build the resilience of the woodland resource
- Working knowledge of environmental impact assessments, habitat and species surveys and how they apply to forestry and conservation
- Working knowledge of environmental regulations, standards and good practice of relevance to forestry and nature conservation
- Experience of advising on conservation land management including on non-woodland priority habitat restoration / creation
- An understanding of the key Section 41 habitats present across the Area, both wooded and open habitat types such as species-rich grassland and lowland heathland
- Competent IT user with experience of the MS Office suite of applications
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Expertise in ancient and native woodland restoration
- A knowledge of the peatland resource and its condition
- Experience of the planning system, development control and planning gain and land-use change
- Experience of successfully operating in a complex stakeholders landscape
- Experience of developing site management plans for protected areas and priority habitats
- Working knowledge of the forestry sector
- Masters degree in Ecology, Environmental Management or a closely related discipline
- Membership of (or working towards membership of) the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF)
Essential
- Membership of (or working towards membership of) the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM). Applications will also be considered where applicants do not possess CIEEM full membership but meet the other essential job criteria and would be willing to work towards achieving this status (with our support) within their first year of appointment.
Qualifications
Degree or equivalent in Ecology, Environmental Management or a closely related discipline
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Making Effective Decisions
- Working Together
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Managing a Quality Service
- Working Together
- 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, with 1 additional day for each years service up to 5 years (pro rata), plus 10.5 bank holidays/privilege days (pro rata).
- Ability to buy or sell 5 days annual leave.
- 3 days volunteering per year (pro rata).
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window) , and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.
This is a Fixed Term Appointment until 31 March 2025 with the possibility of extension or permanency, but no guarantee.
As part of the application process, you will complete the following online:
- A tailored CV (curriculum vitae) setting out your qualifications, career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. Please ensure you have provided reasons for any gaps within the last two years. The CV will be split into 3 parts and request: Job History, Previous Skills/Experience, Full Qualification Details.
- A personal statement in no more than 500 words showing how you meet the relevant skills and experience as set out in the Person Specification.
- A statement, of no more than 250 words, providing an example of how you have demonstrated the key behaviour of Working Together.
Application sift is planned for week commencing 8th April 2024
Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the lead behaviou r, Working Together. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift, or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
Interview
Interviews will be held 22 April 2024 - this date is subject to change. The interviews are likely to take place in person at our Bucks Horn Oak Forest office, Farnham, GU10 4LS.
Those invited to interview will be further assessed on Behaviours and Strengths in addition to Technical Skills and Experience. You may be asked to complete a simple exercise as part of this.
Further information will be available for candidates invited to interview.
Further Information
Existing Civil Servants and applicants from accredited NDPBs are eligible to apply, but will only be considered on loan basis (Civil Servants) or secondment (accredited NDPBs). Prior agreement to be released on a loan basis must be obtained before commencing the application process. In the case of Civil Servants, the terms of the loan will be agreed between the home and host department and the Civil Servant. This includes grade on return.
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Any move to Forestry Commission from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstance some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.
The duties of this post require the applicant to have a full current driving licence that enables them to drive in the UK. However, the Forestry Commission is willing to consider any proposals put forward by applicants that would allow them to do the job by any other means.
This role is full-time. Applicants who wish to work an alternative pattern are welcome to apply however your preferred working pattern may not be available and you should discuss this with the vacancy holder before applying.
Where a role has been identified as one which falls under the scope of the Public Sector English Language Requirements, within Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016, it is essential that applicants should have the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English. Applicants will be assessed in the selection process in accordance with the requirements.
The Forestry Commission is actively working to reduce the carbon emission of official travel and applicants should be aware of the broad principles which are being applied to reduce carbon emissions to less than 50gCO2/km.
Travel Options Include
- Use of private car: some Officers choose to use their private car and receive payment for the miles they drive on official business. Vehicle emissions are measured in CO2 grams per kilometre (g/km). The cap is currently 115 gCO2/km and will be reduced to 100 gCO2/km on 1st April 2026. After that date, we expect private vehicles used for official travel to emit significantly less.
- Use of Forestry Commission van: usually based from an FC office, though may be based at officers home if the candidate lives within their area (NOTE: such vehicles can only be used for official business).
- Use of CAPES (lease) Cars: after an employee has successfully completed their probation, they can opt for a CAPES car (the user pays a monthly rate for private use). All CAPES cars must emit less than 50gCO2/km
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should: Contact Government Recruitment Service via FCERecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
Complete the Assistance required section in the Additional requirements page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if youre deaf, a Language Service Professional.
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality Requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window) .
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window) .
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job Contact
- Name : FS Recruitment
- Email : fs.recruitment@forestrycommission.gov.uk
- Email : fcerecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Our recruitment process is underpinned by the principle of appointment on the basis of fair and open competition and appointment on merit, as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners Recruitment Principles.If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should in the first instance contact FCE by email: englandhr.services@forestryengland.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission, which regulates all Civil Service recruitment.
