Plant Health Support Officer in Birmingham

Plant Health Support Officer in Birmingham

Birmingham Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Government Recruitment Service

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Monitor tree health, conduct inspections, and support pest management initiatives.
  • Company: Join the Forestry Commission, the UK's leading forestry experts.
  • Benefits: Flexible working locations, career development, and a chance to make a real environmental impact.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for fieldwork and collaboration across various teams.
  • Why this job: Be part of a team that protects England's woodlands and promotes sustainability.
  • Qualifications: Motivated individuals with a passion for forestry and environmental health.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Forest Services as part of Forestry Commission are the Government’s forestry experts. We advise nationally and locally on how to unlock the full potential of woodlands and support the forestry sector to protect, improve and expand England’s valuable woodland assets, ensuring that they continue to provide benefits to people, the environment and the economy.

The Plant Health Forestry team supports healthy trees, woods and forests, now and in the future. We work together to prevent entry, provide early detection, and minimise impacts of harmful tree pests and diseases, and to ensure traceability of forestry planting material. The unit is geographically dispersed with teams based in Edinburgh, Bristol and London, and individuals based in a variety of other locations. We work with wide range of partners, stakeholders and customers including other units within the Forestry Commission, Forest Research, Devolved Administrations of Wales and Scotland and other government agencies. Also trade and industry bodies businesses within the sector including importers, processors, forest management companies and landowners.

We are seeking a well-motivated individual to carryout surveillance and management of tree pests and diseases. The role will support the Plant Health Team by carrying out ground surveillance for regulated tree pests and diseases, conducting inspections of regulated wood and wood products at the border, supporting development of internal systems and promoting the work of the Plant Health Forestry Service. The working environments include at times physically demanding on site surveillance, visiting industrial areas such as ports and potentially working in helicopter surveillance.

While there is flexibility on location of the posts within the geographic areas:

  • The Plant Health Support Officer will be expected to cover work operationally within the central region, with a specific focus on supporting the response to the regulated pathogen Phytophthora ramorum.
  • At times, postholders will be expected to work outside of the geographic areas in which they are based.

Responsibilities

  • Deliver monitoring and survey programs such as protected zone surveys and outbreak response for regulated pest and diseases including Phytophthora ramorum and Ips typographus.
  • Undertake targeted and reactive inspections of regulated wood, wood products and isolated bark at points of entry and inland premises.
  • Represent the Plant Health team both within the organisation and externally.
  • Contribute to Plant Health project work and internal systems, which may include report writing, systems improvements and data management.
  • Promote a safety-first culture delivering enhanced safety standards.
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Plant Health Support Officer in Birmingham employer: Government Recruitment Service

As a Plant Health Support Officer with the Forestry Commission, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to safeguarding England's woodlands and enhancing the forestry sector. Our work culture prioritises collaboration and innovation, offering employees opportunities for professional growth through diverse projects and partnerships across the country. With a focus on environmental stewardship and public service, we provide a meaningful career path that contributes to the health of our forests and the communities they support.

Government Recruitment Service

Contact Details:

Government Recruitment Service Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Plant Health Support Officer in Birmingham

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the forestry sector, attend events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. The more you engage, the better your chances of landing that Plant Health Support Officer role.

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience with tree pests and diseases. Make sure they know you’re ready to tackle challenges like Phytophthora ramorum head-on.

Tip Number 3

Be proactive! If you see a job opening that excites you, don’t wait around. Apply through our website and follow up with a friendly email to express your enthusiasm. It shows you’re serious about the role!

Tip Number 4

Prepare for the unexpected! Since the role involves on-site surveillance and inspections, be ready to discuss how you handle physically demanding tasks. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your adaptability and commitment to safety.

We think you need these skills to ace Plant Health Support Officer in Birmingham

Surveillance Techniques
Pest and Disease Management
Inspection Skills
Data Management
Report Writing
Stakeholder Engagement
Project Work

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Plant Health:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for plant health and forestry shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about trees and the environment, so share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your commitment.

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to fit the Plant Health Support Officer role. Use keywords from the job description and demonstrate how your skills and experiences align with the responsibilities outlined. This helps us see why you're a great fit!

Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and long-winded explanations. Highlight your key achievements and skills in a way that's easy for us to digest.

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.

How to prepare for a job interview at Government Recruitment Service

Know Your Pests

Familiarise yourself with the key tree pests and diseases mentioned in the job description, especially Phytophthora ramorum. Being able to discuss their impact and management strategies will show your genuine interest and expertise in plant health.

Showcase Your Experience

Prepare specific examples from your past work or studies that demonstrate your ability to conduct surveillance and inspections. Highlight any relevant projects or experiences that align with the responsibilities of the Plant Health Support Officer role.

Understand the Team Dynamics

Research the Forestry Commission and its various teams. Understanding how the Plant Health team collaborates with other units and stakeholders will help you articulate how you can contribute effectively to their goals during the interview.

Safety First Mindset

Since the role promotes a safety-first culture, be ready to discuss how you prioritise safety in your work. Share any relevant experiences where you implemented safety standards or protocols, especially in physically demanding environments.