Development Woodland Officer (Degree Apprenticeship)

Sustainable forestry in England is key to mitigating climate change, responding to the biodiversity crisis, ensuring long‑term timber supplies, improving wellbeing, and creating resilient, beautiful landscapes. If you are passionate about the role of forestry in building a better future for England, we want to hear from you.

The Programme

• Bimonthly residential training blocks led by the University of Cumbria
• Enrichment training from Forestry Commission specialists
• On‑the‑job learning within an Area Team
• Opportunities for wider sector placements
• On completion of the 3‑year programme, successful graduates will earn a Level 6 Professional Forester Apprenticeship, a BSc (Hons) Professional Forester degree, and the potential to gain Chartered Forester status.

Responsibilities

• Expand woodland cover: promote benefits of woodland creation, support design and delivery of new woodlands, administer Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations, process woodland creation grant applications.
• Protect existing trees and woodlands: administer Forestry Act felling licences, support EIA for deforestation and infrastructure, apply Habitats Regulations in protected landscapes, advise on related environmental legislation.
• Improve condition and resilience of existing woodlands: advocate active woodland management, support responses to pests and diseases, build climate resilience, facilitate cross‑sector collaboration.
• Engage partners, stakeholders, and the public: build strong partnerships, promote the value of trees and woodland management to the public.

Person Specification – Essential

• Genuine interest in sustainable woodland and land management.
• Ability to engage with academic learning.
• Motivation to learn through structured training and practical experience.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship‑building skills.
• Competence in Microsoft Office applications.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable

• Experience or knowledge of sustainable woodland management.

Qualifications

• GCSE English and Maths at grade C/4 or equivalent.
• Minimum 96 UCAS points (evidence required).

Behaviours

• Making Effective Decisions
• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing
• Managing a Quality Service

Benefits

• A range of family‑friendly benefits.
• Flexible working options.
• Learning and development tailored to your role.
• Inclusive work environment.
• Wellbeing benefits: discounted Civil Service Healthcare, Employee Assistance Programme 24/7, Bike to Work Scheme, and more.
• 25 days annual leave, with an additional day for each year of service up to 5 years (pro rata), plus 10.5 bank holidays/privilege days (pro rata).
• Option to buy or sell 5 days annual leave.
• 3 days volunteering per year (pro rata).

Equal Opportunity

This vacancy is open to UK nationals, nationals of the Republic of Ireland, Commonwealth countries with the right to work in the UK, EU/EEA nationals with settled or pre‑settled status, Turkish nationals with accrued right to work, and those with limited or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible under EUSS as of 31 December 2020. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition. The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities.