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- Tasks: Lead a team to enhance biodiversity and oversee ecological projects in England's forests.
- Company: Join Forestry England, committed to conservation and sustainable timber production.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, a generous pension scheme, and discounts on various services.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a supportive environment for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in preserving nature while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in ecology and strong leadership skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 33854 - 33854 £ per year.
Salary – £33,854 per annum. Hours – 37 hours per week. Vacancy closes – 10th May 2026 23:58.
The District Ecologist will lead the team of Area Ecologists, inspiring and supporting staff to deliver Forestry England’s vision for England’s forests. You will oversee biodiversity and ecological projects at a district level, work with local partners, and ensure that conservation and timber production objectives are met. Your role will involve strategic planning, policy development, stakeholder engagement, data analysis and reporting, and the management of funding and resources.
The postholder will be based in the district office at Bank House, Coleford, Gloucestershire, with the possibility of working at other Forestry England offices within the district. A blended working pattern can be agreed, with a minimum attendance of two days per week at the office.
Benefits:
- 25 days holiday a year, increasing by one day per year of service, up to 30 days (pro‑rated for part‑time employees) plus bank holidays.
- Access to the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension Scheme with Forestry England contributing an average of 28.97%.
- Employee benefits scheme (STaR) offering discounts on supermarket shopping, hotels, mobile phones, insurance, holidays, gym, household bills and a wellbeing app.
- Free parking at Forestry England sites and free entry to National Arboretums at Westonbirt and Bedgebury.
- Commitment to lifelong learning through career development, including professional development, learning plans and sponsored membership of professional bodies.
Selected Behaviours:
- Seeing the Bigger Picture
- Making Effective Decisions
- Working Together
- Communicating and Influencing
- Delivering at Pace
Nationality Requirements: Applicants must be able to provide accurate spoken English.
Equal Opportunities & Civil Service Information: Forestry England is part of the Civil Service and commits to fair, open competition and merit-based appointments. Candidates with disabilities are guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme. The role is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans and Prison Leaver Recruitment initiative.
District Ecologist - Biodiversity employer: Forestry England
Contact Detail:
Forestry England Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land District Ecologist - Biodiversity
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that District Ecologist role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Forestry England’s projects and values. We want you to show your passion for biodiversity and conservation. Tailor your answers to reflect how your experience aligns with their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. We recommend focusing on the key behaviours they’re looking for, like 'Seeing the Bigger Picture' and 'Making Effective Decisions'.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace District Ecologist - Biodiversity
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of District Ecologist. We want to see how you can inspire and support a team while overseeing biodiversity projects.
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for ecology and conservation shine through in your written application. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference in England’s forests!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us understand your qualifications quickly.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can process your application smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Forestry England
✨Know Your Biodiversity Basics
Brush up on your knowledge of biodiversity and ecological principles. Be ready to discuss how these concepts apply to Forestry England's vision and the specific projects you might oversee as a District Ecologist.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since you'll be leading a team of Area Ecologists, prepare examples of how you've inspired and supported teams in the past. Think about times when you successfully managed projects or engaged stakeholders to achieve conservation goals.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions around strategic planning and policy development. Familiarise yourself with current trends in forestry and conservation, and be ready to share your thoughts on how to balance timber production with ecological objectives.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Effective communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your ideas clearly, especially when discussing data analysis and reporting. Use examples from your experience to demonstrate how you've influenced decisions and worked collaboratively with partners.