At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of forests by developing long-term management plans and collaborating with experts.
- Company: Join Forestry England, a leader in sustainable forest management.
- Benefits: Enjoy tailored learning, flexible working, and a competitive salary of £33,854.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse culture with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on biodiversity and forest resilience while enjoying outdoor work.
- Qualifications: Degree in forestry or related field; GIS experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 33854 - 33854 £ per year.
A Forest Planner at Forestry England plays a key role in shaping the long-term future of the nation’s forests. Forestry England manages over 1,500 forests, each guided by a detailed forest management plan that sets out how the woodland will be cared for over the next 30 years or more. As a Forest Planner, you will develop these plans, working collaboratively with colleagues from across the organisation and drawing on their specialist knowledge to inform evidence-based decisions. The role involves carefully balancing multiple objectives, including conserving wildlife and biodiversity, supplying sustainable, home-grown timber, and ensuring forests remain welcoming and accessible for people to enjoy. Ensuring forest plans are UKFS compliant and that Forestry England maintains its UKWAS certification is also an important part of Forest Planner’s responsibilities.
Forest Planners consult widely, both internally and with external stakeholders and partners, to gather expertise, build support, and meet statutory requirements, such as the protection of scheduled monuments and designated sites. They are also responsible for maintaining accurate data systems and using a range of digital tools, including GIS and standard office software, to underpin both operational and longer-term planning work. Forestry England’s Central District covers an area from Liverpool, across to Hull and down to Bedfordshire. As a Forest Planner you will work across Central England, helping to deliver our goals for biodiversity, forest resilience, timber production and more. You’ll be supported with tailored development and training, opportunities for coaching and mentoring, and you will sit within a wider national network of forest planning specialists. You can expect to spend around a quarter of your time outdoors, often working on your own. You will usually be expected to manage your own time to maximise efficiency and effectiveness.
Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities
- Forest Planning: Collect and verify data relating to Forest Plan areas to inform the forest planning process. Design and prescribe long term forest management which delivers resilient forests in industry best practice Forest Plans ensuring that Forestry England land is managed for people, wildlife and timber. Communicating, consulting and consensus building with a wide range of Forestry England staff, statutory and non-governmental organisations to ensure proposed plans are in compliance with policies, UK Woodland Assurance Standard and UK Forest Standard. Monitor and report on progress with delivery.
- Data, mapping and monitoring: Interrogate and manage Geographic information Systems. Provide support in areas of data analysis to inform business decisions, including timber production and long-term financial models. Undertake forest surveys to improve data and maintain monitoring programme.
- Operational support: Support the district team in areas of survey, data management and mapping to support forest operational planning to ensure all opportunities and constraints are fully considered. Provide support to colleagues in areas of specialism such as UKWAS, regulatory approvals, GIS, and production forecasting as training and skills allow. Champion high standards of health and safety within the team resource, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and guidance.
- Project management: Project manage a range of small to medium-sized projects related to forest planning, biodiversity, and forest resilience programmes, including project planning and the management of delegated budgets. Contribute to other project teams as a forest planning specialist.
Person specification
Skills, Knowledge & Experience
- Essential Professional and Technical experience: Good team worker with the ability to work alone and use own initiative as necessary. Excellent written communication skills. Excellent verbal communication skills with an ability to bring people together and gain consensus. Experience working in forestry, conservation, or other land management areas. Experience with Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to manipulate and analyse spatial data. Competent IT user with experience in MS Office suite of applications. A good understanding of Health & Safety in the workplace.
- Desirable Professional and Technical experience: Knowledge and understanding of forestry industry standards and best practice, including UKWAS and UKFS.
Qualifications
- Essential: Degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) or significant equivalent experience in forestry or land management, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), geography or environmental sciences. Full driving license that allows you to drive in the UK.
- Desirable: Membership of the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) or a commitment to achieve membership.
Behaviours: Changing and Improving, Working Together, Delivering at Pace, Making Effective Decisions.
Benefits: Learning and development tailored to your role, an environment with flexible working options, a culture encouraging inclusion and diversity, salary of £33,854 with no 28.97% employer contribution to the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
Forest Planner in Mansfield employer: Elbichologo
Forestry England is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for Forest Planners to contribute to the sustainable management of over 1,500 forests across Central England. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working options, and a culture that values inclusion and diversity, you will thrive in a collaborative environment where your expertise directly impacts biodiversity, forest resilience, and community engagement. Join us to make a meaningful difference while enjoying tailored training and support within a national network of specialists.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Forest Planner in Mansfield
✨Get Involved in Local Agricultural Communities
Join local farming cooperatives or agricultural societies in your area. By attending their meetings, you can network with industry professionals and learn about potential job openings in the agricultural sector.
✨Showcase Your Expertise at Industry Events
Keep an eye out for agricultural fairs, conferences, and exhibitions. These events are golden opportunities to meet face-to-face with hiring companies like Elbichologo. Don’t forget to bring some business cards or a digital portfolio showcasing your hands-on experience in agricultural and forestry sciences.
✨Consider Certification Programs
Enrol in agricultural certification programs to stand out from the crowd. Many employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about ongoing education and relevant certifications, making you a more attractive option for a full-time role.
✨Check Out Career Pages Directly
Instead of just relying on job boards, make sure to visit the career sections of companies' websites like Elbichologo. They often post openings there first. Plus, many firms prefer candidates who show an interest directly in their organisation!
We think you need these skills to ace Forest Planner in Mansfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience with Field Work:In the agricultural and forestry sciences field, practical experience is golden. Be sure to highlight any field work, internships, or volunteer opportunities you've had that relate to this area. We want to see your hands-on skills, so don’t forget to sprinkle in any specific tasks you undertook or technologies you used in your applications for Elbichologo.
Get Technical with Your Qualifications:In your CV and cover letter, dive into any relevant technical skills or certifications you've gained. If you've got knowledge in areas like soil science, pest management, or environmental conservation, flaunt it! Listing out specific qualifications and how they tie into the role can really set you apart from the rest when applying for Forest Planner at Elbichologo.
Tailor Your Personal Statement:Your personal statement or cover letter should reflect your passion for the agricultural and forestry sciences. Talk about why you're excited about the role and how you envision contributing to Elbichologo. This is your chance to showcase your motivation and cultural fit, so keep it engaging and genuine!
Keep It Professional Yet Approachable:While we love to see your personality shine through in applications, remember to maintain a level of professionalism in your writing. Use clear and concise language, and make sure your application materials for Forest Planner at Elbichologo are free from jargon unless necessary. This will help the hiring team easily understand your qualifications and enthusiasm.
How to prepare for a job interview at Elbichologo
✨Know Your Crops!
Make sure you brush up on the specific crops, soils, and pest management strategies relevant to the role in agricultural sciences at Elbichologo. Be prepared to discuss your practical experiences with eco-friendly farming techniques, as this will demonstrate your commitment to sustainable practices – something that’s becoming increasingly important in our field.
✨Showcase Your Field Work
Since this is a full-time role, it’s vital to bring along your portfolio showcasing any projects or research you've conducted. Talk about your hands-on experience in the field, whether it’s data collection, experimentation, or working with farmers. This not only illustrates your knowledge but also your willingness to get your hands dirty!
✨Embrace Tech in Agriculture
The agricultural sector is rapidly embracing technology, so don’t shy away from discussing tools like GIS, remote sensing, or precision agriculture software you’ve used. Highlighting your tech-savviness can set you apart, especially at a forward-thinking company like Elbichologo.
✨Passion for Sustainability
Full-time roles demand a genuine passion for what you do, especially in agriculture where sustainability is key. Be ready to share your ideas on how to improve agricultural practices, reduce environmental impact, and contribute to food security. Showing your long-term vision for the industry can really impress the interviewers at Elbichologo.
