At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of a masterplan for Westonbirt Arboretum, inspiring conservation and education.
- Company: Forestry England, passionate about forests and making a positive environmental impact.
- Benefits: 25 days holiday, discounts, free parking, and commitment to lifelong learning.
- Other info: Join a thriving community with over 600,000 annual visits and extensive volunteer support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in conservation while working in a beautiful environment.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in masterplan development and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
We are Forestry England. We live and breathe forests. We are a passionate team of foresters, professionals and experts who love to share our enthusiasm and want to make a positive difference for you and the environment. Our mission is to grow the nation’s forests for everyone, adapting our landscapes for tomorrow, creating amazing places and experiences for people to enjoy. We provide vital homes for wildlife, clean air and sustainable timber.
Position Details
- Job Reference: forestryengland/TP/446/629
- Number of Positions: 1
- Contract Type: 2 year Fixed Term (with the possibility of extension or permanence)
- Working Hours: 37 hours per week
- Closing Date: 30/06/2026
- Location: Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury, Glos, GL8 8QS
Responsibilities
- Lead on the development of a masterplan to build on our current success and realise Westonbirt’s vision to be a world leader in trees, inspiring people through conservation, education and participation.
- Develop an implementation plan to deliver the masterplan, including capital development and, where relevant, weaving in related activity programmes that support the vision and secure funding.
Location and Environment
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum is one of the world’s finest temperate tree collections and an internationally important historic landscape of incredible beauty. The arboretum is a major visitor attraction, thriving community with over 600,000 visits per year and almost 40,000 members, plus extensive on‑site businesses generating a turnover of more than £14m. It is supported by almost 400 volunteers covering 23 different roles and includes ancient woodland areas.
Benefits
- 25 days holiday a year, rising by one day every year’s service, up to 30 days (pro‑rated for part‑time employees) plus additional days off such as bank holidays.
- StaraS employee benefits scheme offering discounts on everyday supermarket shopping, hotel stays, clothing, mobile phones, electrical items, medical and car insurance, holidays, gym discounts, household bills, Headspace wellbeing app.
- Free parking at Forestry England sites and free entry to our National Arboretums at Westonbirt and Bedgebury.
- Commitment to lifelong learning through career development, including continual professional development, support for individual learning plans and sponsored membership of professional bodies.
- Fair pension contribution: Forestry England contributes an average of 28.97% towards your pension under the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension Scheme.
Candidate Requirements
- Strong experience in managing masterplan development and implementation, ability to secure funding and integrate related activity programmes.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to provide accurate spoken English and to conduct conversations in a professional manner.
Legal and Equality Information
Forestry England is part of the Civil Service. The Civil Service Disability Confident Scheme guarantees an interview for candidates who meet the selection criteria. The role is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans and Prison Leaver Recruitment initiatives. Recruitment is based on fair and open competition and merit as outlined by the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles.
Head of Future Development employer: Forestry England
Forestry England is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a vibrant work culture that prioritises environmental stewardship and community engagement. Located at the stunning Westonbirt Arboretum, employees benefit from generous holiday allowances, a robust pension scheme, and a commitment to lifelong learning, ensuring personal and professional growth. With a passionate team and a mission to inspire through conservation and education, working here offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on both people and nature.
