Lochaline Community Forest Development Officer

Morvern Community Woodlands (MCW) are in the process of purchasing 100ha of Forestry outside the village of Lochaline for the creation of woodlands crofts, community woodland, woodlots and productive native woodland. Our aim is to restore the site to native woodland as part of rainforest restoration in the area. MCW are now looking for a Community Forest Development Officer to take this exciting project forward.

The Lochaline Community Forest Development Officer will manage the development and delivery of the Lochaline Community Forest project during its pre-acquisition, acquisition and early development stages.

This will include support for asset transfer and funding processes, project planning, croft creation, forestry management, community consultation, governance, budgeting, reporting, stakeholder liaison, and the development of key policies and supporting documents.

The role is responsible for ensuring that the project progresses in a coordinated, transparent and community-led way, in line with the vision of Morvern Community Woodlands.

Note:We are open to applicants wishing to job share you do not need to have identified another applicant. Please state this on your application with your preferred hours.

Deadline: 21st August, 5pm

Interviews: 3rd September

Main Duties and Responsibilitie

Project Development and Delivery:

• Manage the overall development of the Lochaline Community Forest project in consultation with the MCW Board and Steering Group.
• Co-ordinate project activity and ensure key actions, deadlines and target dates are tracked and progressed.
• Develop, update and refine project documents and plans as the project evolves.
• Work from existing feasibility, business planning and funding documents to support project delivery and decision-making.
• Plan for the future development and implementation of woodland crofts, woodlots, proposed felling operations, associated project infrastructure, restocking obligations, deer management and the woodland management plan.

Funding, Asset Transfer and Reporting:

• Respond to information requests relating to asset transfer, acquisition and associated funding applications.
• Prepare, draft and submit funding applications, monitoring reports and supporting documents.
• Identify and pursue future funding opportunities for project staffing, capital works and development.
• Maintain clear records of project progress, outputs and funding-related documentation.

Governance and Board Support:

• Support the MCW Board and Steering Group with clear and timely information to inform decision-making.
• Attend all relevant meetings and provide updates, papers and reports as required.
• Schedule meetings where needed and support minute-taking and follow-up actions.
• Advise the Board on project governance, process and key delivery considerations where appropriate.
• Ensure that project administration and reporting are carried out in a clear, organised and accountable manner.

Budgeting and Financial Oversight:

• Monitor project budgets and expenditure.
• Keep track of project finances and anticipated spending – working with the Treasurer and Board
• Prepare and update budgets, costings, funding projections and cashflow information

Community Consultation and Stakeholder Liaison:

• Coordinate community consultation and engagement relating to the project.
• Develop policies, plans and proposals requiring community input, including allocation processes where relevant.
• Liaise with project partners, contractors, funders, statutory bodies, consultants and other stakeholders.
• Ensure communication between the Board, community, funders and delivery partners is clear and well-coordinated.

Administration and Communications:

• Maintain project files, records, correspondence and core documentation.
• Provide general administrative support to the Lochaline Community Forest project and the Morvern Community Woodlands board of trustees.
• Prepare all publicity, updates and communications relating to the project.

Person Specification

Essential

Applicants must be able to demonstrate:

• A strong knowledge and understanding of the Morvern community, its people, context, opportunities and challenges.
• Strong project management skills, ideally with a qualification and/or willingness to undertake training and mentoring.
• Skills needed for contract management
• A basic understanding of forestry and woodland management
• An ability to work in a team
• Experience of working with voluntary boards, trustees or community organisations.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills.
• Ability to manage work independently and prioritise tasks effectively.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience of preparing successful funding applications and monitoring reports.
• Experience of managing projects involving multiple stakeholders and moving parts.
• Experience of budgeting, record keeping and financial administration.
• An understanding of cash flow forecasts
• Good digital skills, including confidence with email, online meetings, file management and standard office software (e.g. Microsoft Office / Google Workspace).
• An understanding of and commitment to community-led development.
• Ability to handle sensitive information appropriately and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to present information clearly and accessibly for board or community decision-making.

Desirable

• A qualification in project management
• Experience of community land, asset transfer, rural development or land reform work in Scotland.
• Familiarity with Scottish Land Fund, Community Asset Transfer Scheme (CATS), or similar funding/application processes.
• Knowledge of forestry, native woodland restoration, woodland crofting, community woodland management or related rural land use issues.
• Experience of community consultation or engagement.
• Experience of preparing project budgets and cashflow forecasts.
• Basic map-reading, mapping or site planning skills.

Eligibility Requirement

This role requires strong local knowledge, trusted community relationships and regular in-person engagement. For this reason, we expect applicants to be resident in Morvern at the point the contract begins. New affordable housing will be available later in 2027. Until this point Morvern Community Woodlands will provide advice and support on temporary housing options.

Standards of Conduct

The postholder will be expected to:

• Act with integrity and professionalism.
• Work in line with the aims and values of Morvern Community Woodlands.
• Support transparent and community-led decision-making.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality where required.
• Avoid conflicts of interest and declare them where relevant.