Forest Craftsperson

Forest Craftsperson

Full-Time 22100 - 29100 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join the Kielder West Beat team to maintain and enhance beautiful forests.
  • Company: Be part of the Forestry Commission, dedicated to preserving nature in North England.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, a Civil Service pension, and tailored learning opportunities.
  • Why this job: Work outdoors, develop practical skills, and contribute to environmental conservation.
  • Qualifications: Experience in forestry or countryside management and relevant qualifications are essential.
  • Other info: This is an entry-level full-time role with a supportive team environment.

The predicted salary is between 22100 - 29100 £ per year.

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What you’ll do…

This post is a varied and exciting opportunity to join the Kielder West Beat team, part of North England Forest District. You will play a key role working with the other forest craftspeople to maintain and enhance the Forestry England estate using a range of practical and countryside skills including chainsaw/clearing saw work, grass strimming, fencing, planting, herbicide application, path maintenance and basic surveying. There will be an element of delivering tree saplings and materials for contractors.

Falstone, North East England, NE48 1BB

Job Summary

What you’ll do…

This post is a varied and exciting opportunity to join the Kielder West Beat team, part of North England Forest District. You will play a key role working with the other forest craftspeople to maintain and enhance the Forestry England estate using a range of practical and countryside skills including chainsaw/clearing saw work, grass strimming, fencing, planting, herbicide application, path maintenance and basic surveying. There will be an element of delivering tree saplings and materials for contractors.

Please see the job description below for more information and details about what we need from you.

Where you’ll work…

This role is based in the Kielder West beat which covers 12,600 Ha of conifer forests, mixed woodland and SSSIs. You will be based from Hawkhope Depot at Falstone, NE48 1BB.

Operational:

Job description

  • restock and establishment work: hand planting, tree guard construction, repairing fences and controlling vegetation.
  • clearing and maintaining trees: high pruning, cutting back and felling to maintain access or assist with harvesting operations.
  • tree safety work: from initial surveys through to remedial chainsaw works.
  • surveying, including measuring/tariffing, tree safety, stocking densities.
  • when needed, gather operational data accurately and efficiently and maintain appropriate up to date records to the standard required.
  • contribute to the delivery of key programmes by transporting materials and consumables to work sites across the Kielder Forest area.
  • assist with the running of our coldstore facility – occasionally taking in deliveries, performing quality checks on trees and delivering saplings out to sites.

Team Working And Health And Safety:

  • operate and maintain tools and resources to required standards and make sure work on site meets our health and safety standards.
  • by effectively liaising with colleagues and stakeholders, plan, implement and deliver efficient work programmes that help meet Forestry England’s aims and objectives.
  • maintain a high standard of professionalism when representing Forestry England.
  • carrying out risk assessments working to high health and safety standards which are guided by FISA (Forest Industry Safety Accord).
  • and any other tasks, reasonably requested by your line manager.

Team Working And Health And Safety:

  • operate and maintain tools and resources to required standards and make sure work on site meets our health and safety standards.
  • by effectively liaising with colleagues and stakeholders, plan, implement and deliver efficient work programmes that help meet Forestry England’s aims and objectives.
  • maintain a high standard of professionalism when representing Forestry England.
  • carrying out risk assessments working to high health and safety standards which are guided by FISA (Forest Industry Safety Accord).
  • and any other tasks, reasonably requested by your line manager.

Person specification

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

Essential professional and technical experience

  • practical experience in forestry or countryside / environmental management.
  • general understanding of forestry, arboriculture, nature conservation, outdoor recreation and countryside- related issues.
  • competently use a range of hand tools.
  • awareness of health and safety systems relevant to practical countryside work e.g. risk assessments, Forest Industry Safety Accord (FISA) guides and lone working systems.
  • competent IT user with experience in MS Office suite of applications.
  • good interpersonal and communication skills, and ability to work effectively alone and as part of a team.

Essential Qualifications

  • NPTC or Lantra qualification in one or more practical forestry based skills – such as chainsaw, herbicide application, ATV, strimmer etc.
  • full UK driving license, however Forestry England is willing to consider any proposals put forward by applicants that would allow them to do the job by any other means.

Desirable

  • forestry or land management qualification.
  • further NPTC and Lantra qualifications in Forestry based skills.
  • emergency first aid at work + forestry (F).
  • a GCSE in Maths and English, or functional skills equivalent.
  • knowledge of using Forester Web software.

Behaviours

We\’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

  • Managing a Quality Service
  • Making Effective Decisions
  • Working Together

Alongside your salary of £26,123, Forestry Commission contributes £7,567 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

  • Learning and development tailored to your role
  • An environment with flexible working options
  • A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
  • A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.

How To Apply…

You will be asked to write a 200 word statement on your relevant experience and career history, along with a personal statement of no more than 500 words. You will be assessed on both during sifting. More details about how to apply are listed on the application form.

You will be assessed on a technical skill and strength based questions during your interview.

The Behaviours being assessed at interview are –

  • Managing a Quality Service
  • Making Effective Decisions
  • Working Together

Successful candidates will undergo a criminal record check and the government baseline personnel security standard check.

If you require any reasonable adjustments, please email fcrecruitmentteam@forestryengland.uk.

Read more about our application process and working with us on the Forestry England website.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.

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.

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

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

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.

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.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

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 : FC Recruitment Team
  • Email : fcrecruitmentteam@forestryengland.uk

Recruitment team

  • Email : fcerecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Further information

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.

Seniority level

  • Seniority level

    Entry level

Employment type

  • Employment type

    Full-time

Job function

  • Job function

    Management and Manufacturing

  • Industries

    Government Administration

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Forest Craftsperson employer: Forestry Commission

The Forestry Commission is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in the stunning Kielder Forest area, where you can engage in meaningful conservation efforts while developing your practical skills in forestry and countryside management. With a strong commitment to employee growth, flexible working options, and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, you will be part of a dedicated team that plays a vital role in maintaining and enhancing our natural environment. Additionally, the generous Civil Service pension scheme and tailored learning and development opportunities make this a rewarding place to build your career.
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Contact Detail:

Forestry Commission Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Forest Craftsperson

Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific skills mentioned in the job description, such as chainsaw operation and herbicide application. Consider taking a short course or workshop to enhance your practical experience, which will make you stand out during the interview.

Tip Number 2

Network with current or former employees of Forestry England. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for the technical skill assessment by practising relevant tasks, such as tree safety surveys or using hand tools. Being able to demonstrate your competence in these areas will boost your confidence and impress the interviewers.

Tip Number 4

Showcase your teamwork abilities by preparing examples of past experiences where you successfully collaborated with others. This is crucial since the role involves working closely with a team to achieve common goals.

We think you need these skills to ace Forest Craftsperson

Chainsaw Operation
Herbicide Application
Grass Strimming
Fencing Skills
Tree Planting
Path Maintenance
Basic Surveying
Risk Assessment
Health and Safety Compliance
Team Collaboration
Interpersonal Communication
Record Keeping
Operational Data Gathering
Tool Maintenance
Driving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read through the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and skills required for the Forest Craftsperson position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience in forestry or countryside management.

Craft Your Personal Statement: Prepare a personal statement of no more than 500 words that showcases your passion for forestry, your practical skills, and how your experiences align with the role. Be sure to include specific examples of your work with tools and teamwork.

Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Make sure to mention any NPTC or Lantra qualifications you hold related to forestry skills, such as chainsaw operation or herbicide application. This will demonstrate your technical competence and commitment to safety standards.

Keep it Concise and Clear: When writing your 200-word statement on relevant experience, be concise and focus on the most impactful aspects of your career history. Use clear language and avoid jargon to ensure your application is easily understood.

How to prepare for a job interview at Forestry Commission

Showcase Your Practical Skills

Make sure to highlight your hands-on experience in forestry or countryside management. Be prepared to discuss specific tasks you've completed, such as chainsaw work or planting, and how these experiences have equipped you for the role.

Understand Health and Safety Protocols

Familiarise yourself with health and safety standards relevant to forestry work, especially those guided by FISA. Be ready to discuss how you’ve implemented safety measures in past roles to ensure a safe working environment.

Demonstrate Teamwork and Communication Skills

Since this role involves working closely with others, be prepared to share examples of how you've effectively collaborated with colleagues or stakeholders in previous jobs. Highlight your ability to communicate clearly and work as part of a team.

Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect to face technical skill and strength-based questions during the interview. Brush up on your knowledge of practical forestry skills and be ready to explain how you would approach various tasks outlined in the job description.

Forest Craftsperson
Forestry Commission
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