At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead forest planning and engage with stakeholders to ensure sustainable management of woodlands.
- Company: Join Forestry England, where we live and breathe forests.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, discounts, free parking, and a strong pension contribution.
- Other info: Opportunity for career development and potential for permanent position.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on forest sustainability while working outdoors and collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in land management and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 33854 - 33854 £ per year.
We are Forestry England. We live and breathe forests.
As Forest Planner, you will develop, write, review and consult on forest planning matters to ensure Forestry England remains UKWAS compliant and delivers the Forestry England strategy. The role includes the preparation of Forest Plans, habitat and heritage plans, and other supporting management documentation to ensure the forests and woods of the Forest District are sustainably managed to UKFS standards.
A key focus of this role will be leading the full review and revision of the New Forest Inclosures Forest Plan, a particularly significant and sensitive Forest Plan due to the highly designated landscape, the range of statutory and non‑statutory interests, and the wide number of stakeholders. The postholder will be responsible for reviewing the existing plan, developing proposals for its revision, and leading engagement with stakeholders throughout the process.
The Forest Planner works closely with colleagues across the Forest District, including ecology, land management, harvesting and external partners, to turn high-level policy ambitions into on-the-ground delivery that improves woodland resilience while balancing biodiversity, recreation and timber objectives.
The role is geographically focused within the South Forest District, working across a defined set of woodlands or beats. You can expect to spend around one third of your time outdoors, often working independently, and will be expected to manage your own time to maximise efficiency and effectiveness.
The post will be based at The King's House, Lyndhurst, Hants SO43 7NH. Regular travel around Forestry England's estate in the South District will be required, with occasional trips outside the District for meetings, which may require an overnight stay.
Benefits:
- 25 days holiday a year, rising by one day each year’s service, up to 30 days (pro‑rated for part‑time employees) plus additional days off such as bank holidays.
- STaRis employee benefits scheme offering discounts on supermarket shopping, hotel stays, clothing, 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 professional development, support for individual learning plans and sponsored membership of professional bodies.
- 28.97% contribution towards pension (member of Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension Scheme).
Within Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016, applicants must provide accurate spoken English. The Civil Service has a Disability Confident Scheme guaranteeing an interview for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. Current civil servants at risk of redundancy are also offered a Redeployment Interview Scheme.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Forest Planner SSSI in Lyndhurst
✨Connect with Local Farmers and Co-ops
Don't underestimate the power of local connections in agriculture. Get involved in local farmers' markets or agricultural co-ops. These are great places to meet potential employers and get the inside scoop on job openings before they're even advertised.
✨Get Involved in Agricultural Events
Keep an eye out for agricultural fairs, conferences, and workshops in your area. These events are golden opportunities to network with industry professionals and showcase your passion. You might even stumble across job boards or companies actively looking to hire!
✨Volunteer for Relevant Experience
Consider volunteering with organisations focused on agriculture, sustainability, or community gardening. This not only boosts your CV but also expands your network. You never know who might be watching your hard work and dedication!
✨Keep an Eye on Job Listings at Industry-Specific Websites
Be sure to check out agriculture-focused job boards and websites regularly. Companies like Forestry England often post opportunities on their own sites before anywhere else, so don’t miss out! Apply directly through us to increase your chances!
We think you need these skills to ace Forest Planner SSSI in Lyndhurst
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in agriculture, it's crucial to highlight any hands-on experience you have in farming, crop management, or sustainable practices. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're after, so be specific about the responsibilities you've had and any tools or techniques you've used.
Certifications Matter:In agriculture, relevant certifications can really give your application a boost. If you have any qualifications related to agricultural practices, pest management, or environmental regulations, make sure to mention them! They're great indicators of your commitment and expertise in the field.
Tailor Your CV to the Agriculture Sector:Your CV should reflect your passion for agriculture. Structure it to emphasise your field experience and any relevant projects you've been involved in. Don't forget to highlight your soft skills, like teamwork and communication, which are essential in this sector.
Passion is Key in Your Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time position, we want to feel your enthusiasm for agriculture in your cover letter. Share why you're drawn to this industry and mention any long-term goals you have that align with what Forestry England does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Forestry England
✨Get Familiar with Agricultural Technologies
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest agricultural technologies and tools that are commonly used in the field. Whether it’s precision farming tools or crop management software, being able to discuss these effectively during your interview with Forestry England will show that you're technically savvy and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Since agriculture is a hands-on industry, be prepared to share any practical experiences you've had. This could be through internships, volunteer work, or even personal projects. Discussing specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them can really impress the interviewers, especially in a full-time role at Forestry England.
✨Understand the Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is a hot topic in agriculture right now, so it's important to understand current practices and regulations in the industry. Familiarise yourself with concepts like crop rotation, organic farming, and environmental impact. Having informed opinions on these topics can set you apart from other candidates during your interview.
✨Practice Common Industry Scenarios
Expect to tackle a few scenario-based questions that mimic real-life challenges in agriculture. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a pest infestation or manage resources during a drought. Practising these scenarios will help you respond confidently and showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview with Forestry England.
