At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the restoration of ancient woodlands and enhance their ecological value.
- Company: Join a passionate team at Forestry England dedicated to environmental impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, a generous pension scheme, and discounts on various services.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for professional development await you.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in nature recovery while developing your career in forestry.
- Qualifications: Experience in environmental management and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 31650 - 43607 £ per year.
Join us. We are a passionate team of foresters and professionals who are keen to make a positive difference for you and the environment. Ancient woodlands are irreplaceable. We manage Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS) across the nation's forests to improve their ecological value and restore them to resilient native woodland. Our aim is for our PAWS to have improved by at least one semi‐natural score by 2044.
You will work closely with the planning and operational teams to build a programme of work that will accelerate our PAWS restoration programme focusing on the most challenging sites which are unlikely to achieve our policy targets without additional support. The district‐wide programme of PAWS restoration will be strategically led by the Nature Recovery Manager to ensure coordinated delivery across all priority nature recovery sites and enabled by our operational delivery teams, including Foresters and Civil Engineers.
Where you'll work... West Forest District is responsible for the sustainable management of over 37,000ha of the nation's forests and woodlands in the West and South West of England. The district team extends to some 170 employees, with frontline delivery through our 17 remotely located delivery teams (5 forest centre and 12 forest beats) which are supported by our network of highly valued volunteers and contractors. The postholder will be based at our forest office at Bank House, Coleford, Gloucestershire GL16 8BA (other Forestry England office locations within the district may be considered).
Hours of work: The position is a full‐time post to work 37 hours per week. Normal working hours are Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5pm with an hour lunch break; and Friday 8.30am – 4.30pm with an hour lunch break. This can be worked flexibly by agreement.
Travel: The postholder will be expected to travel to different office and depot locations as well as remotely located woods and forests to support the remotely located delivery teams as may be required; and to attend national meetings and training events. This will most likely require travel by car, and thus a current driving licence is seen as a requirement of the role although candidates may put forward a proposal that satisfies the business need to travel without recourse to driving.
Team structure: The postholder will be part of the Environment team led by the Nature Recovery Manager.
Benefits and remuneration
- Alongside your salary, Forestry England contributes an average of 28.97% towards your pension. You will become a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension Scheme.
- 25 days holiday a year, raising by one day every year's service, up to 30 days (part‐time pro‐rated) plus bank holidays.
- Pension scheme.
- Employee benefits scheme offering discounts on supermarket shopping, hotel stays, mobile phones, medical and car insurance, holidays, gym memberships, household bills and 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, individual learning plans and sponsored membership of professional bodies.
Equal Opportunities
Forestry England is part of the Civil Service. The Civil Service has a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS). This means candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria during the application process will be guaranteed an interview. We also offer a Redeployment Interview Scheme to current civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the role. This role is also part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans and Prison Leaver Recruitment initiative. Applicants must have the ability to communicate in accurate spoken English in accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016.
Application process
Applicants will be assessed on experience, behaviours and written statements during the selection process.
Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS) Project Officer employer: Forestry England
Forestry England is an exceptional employer dedicated to environmental stewardship and employee development. With a strong commitment to lifelong learning, competitive benefits including a generous pension scheme, and a supportive work culture that values flexibility and inclusivity, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact on the restoration of ancient woodlands. Located in the picturesque West Forest District, team members enjoy a collaborative atmosphere while contributing to vital ecological projects across the region.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS) Project Officer
✨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 Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS) Project Officer
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.
