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- Tasks: Influence forestry and land use policy while advocating for trees and woods in Scotland.
- Company: Join the Woodland Trust, the UK's leading woodland conservation charity.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, employee assistance programme, and training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on environmental issues and advocate for nature.
- Qualifications: Experience in policy advocacy and strong research skills required.
- Other info: Flexible working with travel across Scotland; commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
Policy Advocate – Forestry and Land Use (Scotland) — The Woodland Trust is seeking a Policy Advocate to influence forestry, farming and land use policy at the Scottish Government and statutory agencies.
This role involves developing and leading advocacy strategies to ensure woods and trees are valued in national policies and decisions. The role includes monitoring and analysing relevant Scottish Government and Parliament politics and policies, supporting campaign and policy development, informing and responding to public consultations, and leading external policy reports, consultation responses, briefings and other materials. You will manage the Trust’s advocacy relationships with civil servants and statutory agencies relevant to the policy area, develop and advocate the Trust’s positions to internal and external stakeholders, and travel across Scotland as required.
The Role:
- Target forestry, farming and land use policy issues at the Scottish Government and statutory agency level.
- Develop and lead advocacy strategies to value woods and trees in key policies and decisions at national level.
- Monitor, research and analyse Scottish Government and Parliament politics and policies.
- Collaborate with colleagues to support campaign development, policy development, inform and respond to public consultations.
- Lead and write external policy reports, consultation responses, briefings and other materials.
- Lead the Trust’s advocacy relationship with civil servants and statutory agencies as relevant to the policy area.
- Develop and advocate the Trust’s positions and policy goals to internal and external stakeholders.
- Work from home with travel around Scotland.
Candidate profile
The Candidate:
- Enthusiasm for the environment and alignment with our core values: Grow Together, Explore, Focus and Make it Count.
- Experience in forestry and/or land use policy advocacy.
- Knowledge of deer management, farming and Rhododendron ponticum issues affecting Scotland’s native woods.
- Research and analytical skills related to Scottish Government and Parliament politics and policies.
- Experience working collaboratively across multiple teams and departments.
- Knowledge of Scottish forestry, farming and land use policy landscape.
- Ability to understand complex information quickly and communicate to diverse audiences.
- Well organised, detail-oriented, able to prioritise and meet tight deadlines.
- Experience leading and developing advocacy strategies in woodland creation, restoration and protection.
- Willingness to travel around Scotland; a clean UK driving licence is required.
Benefits & Wellbeing
Benefits & Wellbeing: Joining our team means contributing to tackling environmental and climate issues. We offer staff support and training opportunities, including:
- Generous annual leave – 25 days + bank holidays (pro rata for part time)
- Buy and Sell Annual Leave
- Employee Assistance Programme
About Us
About Us: The Woodland Trust is the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity, dedicated to creating a world where trees and woods thrive for people and nature. Our mission involves engaging and inspiring people to help tackle the nature and climate crisis through protection, restoration and creation of woodland habitats.
Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: We strive to reflect society and the communities we work in. All people should benefit from trees. People of colour and disabled people are under-represented in this sector, so we especially encourage you to apply if you identify as such. Please contact us for any additional support or adjustments needed.
Application Advice: To ensure fairness we keep candidates’ details hidden from hiring managers and do not require a CV at the application stage. Highlight how your skills and knowledge link to the job spec and show your passion for the role.
Even if you don’t meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply.
AI note: We welcome the use of AI to support applications where it improves accessibility, but ensure submissions reflect your own experience and understanding. Respond independently in interviews without AI tools. For adjustments during recruitment, contact recruitment@woodlandtrust.org.uk.
Apply Now: If you’re ready to make a difference, apply soon. We may close the job early if there are many applications. If closed, we will email you if you have an active application.
Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams on 4 November 2025. For queries, please email recruitment@woodlandtrust.org.uk.
Location
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
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Policy Advocate - Forestry and Land Use (Scotland) employer: The Woodland Trust
Contact Detail:
The Woodland Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Policy Advocate - Forestry and Land Use (Scotland)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the forestry and land use sector, especially those connected to the Scottish Government. Attend events, webinars, or even local meet-ups to get your name out there and show your passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Research is key! Dive deep into current policies and issues affecting forestry in Scotland. Being well-informed will not only help you in interviews but also show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Prepare to articulate your advocacy strategies and how they align with the Woodland Trust’s mission. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to their values.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Policy Advocate - Forestry and Land Use (Scotland)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Make sure to express your enthusiasm for forestry and land use policy in your application. We want to see how your values align with ours, so don’t hold back on sharing why this role excites you!
Tailor Your Application: Link your skills and experiences directly to the job description. We’re looking for specific examples of your advocacy work and how it relates to the Scottish Government and Parliament policies.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it organised and to the point. We appreciate detail, but clarity is key! Make it easy for us to see how you fit the role without wading through too much fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details correctly and can consider you for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Woodland Trust
✨Know Your Policy Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest forestry and land use policies in Scotland. Understand the key issues like deer management and Rhododendron ponticum, as these will likely come up in your interview. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your passion and expertise.
✨Show Your Advocacy Skills
Prepare examples of your previous advocacy work, especially in woodland creation or restoration. Think about how you developed strategies and engaged with stakeholders. This will help demonstrate your ability to lead and influence policy effectively.
✨Research the Woodland Trust
Familiarise yourself with the Woodland Trust’s mission and values. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, particularly around environmental issues. This connection can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Practice Your Communication
Since you'll need to communicate complex information to diverse audiences, practice explaining your ideas clearly and concisely. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or family to refine your delivery and ensure you can articulate your thoughts under pressure.