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- Tasks: Lead exciting woodland creation projects and engage with local communities.
- Company: Join the Devon Woods Project, a collaborative initiative focused on sustainable land management.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, hybrid working options, and 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the environment while working creatively in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Ecological knowledge and creativity are essential; experience in project management is a plus.
- Other info: Position lasts until March 2027, with potential for extension based on funding.
The predicted salary is between 26000 - 39000 £ per year.
Devon Woods Project
Salary: £32,500 PAYE (subcontractor considered)
Hours: 37.5 per week (flexible)
Holiday: 25-days plus bank holidays
Location: Main office in Barnstaple but hybrid/home working possible. Site visits across Devon.
Position Term: Until end of March 2027 – (subject to funding review in March 2026)
A Woodland Creation Officer role has become available with the Biosphere’s Devon Woods team – a rewarding opportunity for someone who aspires to put their skills to the test delivering diverse woodland creation projects.
The team provides woodland creation advice and facilitates grant applications and capital works on behalf of farmers and other land managers across Devon. We also support wetland creation projects where suitable. Devon Woods is a partnership project, and we work closely with the Forestry Commission, Environment Agency, Woodland Trust, Devon Wildlife Trust, and other projects being facilitated by Local Authorities.
Our woodland creation projects are varied and diverse, from small-scale creation of copses and shelterbelts, through to large-scale projects where the whole farm-business model is being adapted. The benefits that trees and woodlands provide are widely recognised, however there is a need to balance woodland creation with farming and other land uses and the team works closely with landowners and other advisors to achieve this. A key objective of the Devon Woods project is to use woodland creation to improve the water quality, and there is a focus on opportunities for riparian woodland creation, wetland creation, and natural flood management.
As the project’s Woodland Creation Officer, you will be responsible for planning and delivering UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) compliant woodland creation projects. These will consider the landowner’s requirements, benefits and risks to wildlife, climate change, historic environment, local landscape, long-term sustainability, and the green economy. The work will involve surveying and researching sites, discussing plans with landowners, consulting stakeholders, designing woodland concepts with GIS (ArcGIS), producing grant applications, and liaising with contractors. There will be opportunities to be involved in tree planting days and other community engagement events. You will work closely with the Project Manager and collaborated with project partners and stakeholders.
This is an opportunity for someone with both ecological knowledge and a creative flair, who wants to achieve a real and lasting impact as part of their career.
For further information and to apply, please click here
Deadline for applications is 11.59pm on Monday 25th August 2025 (with interviews expected to take place week commencing 1 September 2025).
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Woodland Creation Officer employer: North Devon UNESCO Biosphere
Contact Detail:
North Devon UNESCO Biosphere Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Woodland Creation Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) and its requirements. Understanding these standards will not only help you in discussions with landowners but also demonstrate your commitment to compliant woodland creation projects.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the forestry and environmental sectors. Attend local events or workshops related to woodland creation and conservation, as this can lead to valuable connections and insights that may benefit your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Gain hands-on experience by volunteering for local conservation projects or organisations focused on woodland management. This practical experience will enhance your understanding of the challenges and opportunities in woodland creation.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your GIS skills, particularly with ArcGIS, during interviews. Being able to discuss how you would use GIS in planning and designing woodland projects can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Woodland Creation Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Woodland Creation Officer position. Highlight key skills such as ecological knowledge, project management, and GIS proficiency in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect relevant experience and skills that align with the role. Emphasise any previous work in woodland creation, environmental projects, or community engagement to demonstrate your suitability for the position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for woodland creation and environmental sustainability. Mention specific projects or experiences that relate to the Devon Woods Project and explain how you can contribute to their goals.
Highlight Collaborative Experience: Since the role involves working with various stakeholders, emphasise any past experiences where you successfully collaborated with landowners, local authorities, or environmental organisations. This will show your ability to work effectively within a team.
How to prepare for a job interview at North Devon UNESCO Biosphere
✨Know Your Woodland Creation Basics
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of woodland creation principles and practices. Understand the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) and be ready to discuss how you would apply it in real-world scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Ecological Knowledge
Be prepared to demonstrate your understanding of ecological concepts, particularly those related to biodiversity, climate change, and sustainable land use. This will show that you can balance woodland creation with other land uses effectively.
✨Familiarise Yourself with GIS Tools
Since the role involves designing woodland concepts using GIS (ArcGIS), it’s a good idea to have a basic understanding of how these tools work. Mention any relevant experience or coursework that showcases your skills in this area.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Questions
Expect questions about how you would engage with landowners and stakeholders. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully communicated complex ideas or facilitated discussions to reach a consensus.