At a Glance
- Tasks: Support forestry teams by managing and analysing spatial data for effective forest planning.
- Company: Join Forestry England, a passionate team dedicated to sustainable forest management.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, discounts on shopping, free parking, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to lifelong learning.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on the environment while developing your GIS skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with GIS, strong communication skills, and a valid UK driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 30105 - 30105 £ per year.
Salary & Hours: £30,105 per annum (Fixed‑term contract – 3 years, with possibility of extension to permanency). 37 hours per week.
Vacancy Closing: Monday 22nd June, 23:58.
Job Overview: Forestry England is a government body dedicated to managing the nation’s forests. We live and breathe forests and are a passionate team who share enthusiasm and want to make a positive difference for you and the environment.
What You’ll Do: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are increasingly valuable tools for managing the nation’s forests. In this role you will support our forestry, environment and wider land management teams in the East Forest District by coordinating the collection, processing and management of accurate and insightful spatial data. You will use this data to support important decision‑making processes, such as forest planning and operational planning. This will involve the production of maps, reports and other analyses and visualisations of spatial data, and working with a wide range of colleagues, from ecologists to foresters, to make sure that outputs are accurate and meet the high standards of our sustainable forest management certifications. You will be an important part of the Planning Team, working closely with the Forest Planner to assist in the production and review of forest plans and the coordination of our operational planning processes.
Where You’ll Work: The role will be based in the Santon Downham office with flexibility for optional blended working. The district consists of a variety of habitats across the south‑east of England, from North Norfolk to East Sussex. Duty may require occasional travel to remote locations that are not accessible by public transport; a full and current UK driving licence is required.
Benefits:
- 25 days holiday a year, increasing by one day each year of service, up to 30 days (pro‑rated for part‑time employees) plus bank holidays.
- STaR benefits scheme offering discounts on everyday shopping, hotel stays, clothes, mobile phones, other electrical items, medical and car insurance, holidays, gym discounts, household bills, and the Headspace wellbeing app.
- Free parking at Forestry England sites and free entry to our National Arboretums at Westonbirt and Bedgebury.
- A commitment to lifelong learning through career development, including continual professional development, support for individual learning plans and sponsored membership of professional bodies.
Qualifications: Experience with GIS and spatial analysis, ability to produce maps, reports and visualisations, strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, knowledge of forestry and sustainable forest management, good organisation and attention to detail, willingness to travel and maintain a valid UK driving licence.
Equal Opportunity Statement: Forestry England is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds.
GIS and Planning Assistant employer: Forestry England
Forestry England is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a collaborative and passionate work environment where employees can make a meaningful impact on the nation's forests. With a strong commitment to employee growth through continuous professional development and a generous benefits package, including 25 days of holiday and discounts through the STaR benefits scheme, we ensure our team members thrive both personally and professionally. Located in the picturesque East Forest District, our flexible working arrangements and access to stunning natural landscapes make this an ideal place for those who are enthusiastic about environmental stewardship.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land GIS and Planning Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the forestry and GIS sectors on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups and engage in discussions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Forestry England and their projects. Show your passion for sustainable forest management and how your GIS skills can contribute. Tailor your answers to reflect their values and mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply through job boards; head straight to our website! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative to apply directly. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of our team.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview with a thank-you email. It’s a great way to reiterate your interest in the role and remind them why you’re the perfect fit. Keep it friendly and professional!
We think you need these skills to ace GIS and Planning Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the GIS and Planning Assistant role. Highlight your experience with GIS, spatial analysis, and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about forestry and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your enthusiasm!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since you'll be working with a variety of colleagues, it's important to demonstrate your strong communication skills in your application. Share examples of how you've effectively engaged with stakeholders or collaborated on projects in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you'll find all the details you need about the role and our team there. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Forestry England
✨Know Your GIS Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your Geographic Information Systems (GIS) knowledge. Be prepared to discuss your experience with spatial analysis, map production, and data visualisation. Think of specific projects you've worked on and how they relate to the role.
✨Show Your Passion for Forestry
Forestry England is all about making a positive impact on the environment. Share your enthusiasm for forestry and sustainable land management during the interview. Talk about any relevant experiences or interests that demonstrate your commitment to these values.
✨Prepare for Teamwork Questions
Since you'll be working closely with various teams, expect questions about collaboration and stakeholder engagement. Have examples ready that showcase your communication skills and how you've successfully worked with others in past roles.
✨Plan for Practical Scenarios
You might be asked to solve practical problems related to forest planning or operational processes. Think through potential scenarios you could face in the role and how you would approach them. This will show your analytical thinking and readiness for the job.
