Forest Officer I - Forest Service

Forest Service’s work makes a significant contribution to DAERA’s vision of delivering a net zero nature positive future, supporting sustainable agriculture and thriving rural communities. This is the foundation of everything we do as we seek to protect and enhance our environment; improve its sustainability, grow a vibrant economy; and support the development of thriving rural communities.

Responsibilities:

• Operational planning, procurement and delivery of forestry work programmes including management of allocated budget and resources and service delivery through partner providers.
• Stewardship of assets and sustainable management of public forest estate including marketing and timber production, forest recreation and environmental benefit.
• Contribution to development and implementing of forest policies, strategies, best practice standards and certification requirements.
• Management of data collection and analysis on the productivity and condition of forests and overseeing production of forest management plans to meet relevant legislative and strategic objectives.
• Delivery of forestry regulation and forestry grant schemes programmes, including environmental impact assessments, felling regulations and technical assessments.
• Develop and manage effective working relationships with a wide range of colleagues, stakeholders, customers, contractors and operational partners through engagement and consultation.
• Be flexible in managing changing priorities and make effective decisions in the delivery of business objectives.

Skills and Qualifications:

• A degree in Forestry or another relevant qualification with appropriate experience that is assessed by the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) to meet a minimum requirement of 5 points.
• Hold at least current Associate Membership of ICF or be a current member of a recognised professional forestry body.
• At least 3 years post qualification experience in applying professional & technical knowledge to deliver work programmes within at least two of the following ICF competency areas: Business Management; Forestry and Woodland Management; Arboriculture and Urban Woodland Management; Environment, Biodiversity and Wildlife Management; Recreation Management and Planning; Public Consultation and Participation; Harvesting, Marketing and Utilisation; Forest Engineering; Policy Development and Strategic planning; Timber Conversion; Tree Nursery Management; Forestry and Arboricultural Research; and Forestry and Arboricultural Teaching.
• Have at least 3 years’ experience in leading and managing staff and resources in the delivery of forestry work programmes, such as forest management or forestry strategy and planning, within a multi-disciplinary branch/function.
• Hold a full and current driving licence which enables the holder to drive in Northern Ireland and have access to a form of transport which will permit them to meet the requirement of the post in full.

Further Information:

NICS Application form only, Vacancy closing date Friday 5th December 2025 at 12 noon. Applications from females, young people (people under the age of 35), people with a disability and people from minority ethnic communities are particularly welcomed for this post. The Northern Ireland Civil Service is an Equal Opportunities Employer. There are currently a number of full-time vacancies in Forest Service, DAERA. Forest Service offices are located in Enniskillen County Fermanagh, Newry County Down and Garvagh County Londonderry. Forest Officer I is a mobile grade and successful candidates will be expected to work in forests and other operational bases, including DAERA offices, throughout Northern Ireland during their employment. All applications for employment are considered strictly on the basis of merit.