Forest Liaison Officer

We’re a flexible employer and encourage applicants who wish to work a flexible working pattern to apply - all requests will be considered.

Nationality requirements

It’s essential you have the right to work in the UK before applying to work with us, as we’re currently unable to offer sponsorship. 

You’ll also need to meet the requirements of the Civil Service Nationality Rules.

Disability Confident Scheme

If you apply under the Disability Confident Scheme, you’ll be invited for interview/assessment, so long as you meet any elements of ‘Experience’ or ‘Technical’ marked as essential in the Success Profile.

About the team

Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) is looking for enthusiastic, practical, creative people to join our Regional planning and environment teams to help shape the future of Scotland’s forests and land. We’re responsible for managing 8% of Scotland – and it’s not just forests, it’s coasts, mountains, farmland, peatlands, varied habitats and recreation sites.

The planning and environment teams work closely with other teams and specialists to design sustainable forests of the future, protect and restore semi-natural habitats, respond to climate change and enhance our landscapes. We facilitate and integrate responsible renewable energy and infrastructure on Scotland’s forests and land to support the nations’ climate goals.

We live and work in iconic – or sometimes spectacular but lesser known – landscapes, often with great access to outdoor activities, but never that far from major towns either. A map showing the location and extent of each region can be found within our Corporate Plan.

What you will do

We accommodate a significant number of renewable energy developments, utility projects and other third party construction projects such as radio masts on the land we manage. They often involve associated infrastructure such as access tracks, grid connections and ancillary equipment.

As a Forest Liaison Officer (FLO), you will be the main point of contact between an FLS Regional team, the national Renewables team, and developers and their contractors on day-to-day issues regarding these projects.

• In North Region there are 20 operational hydro schemes and 4 windfarms.
• In East Region there are 2 operational windfarms and 6 hydro schemes.
• In South Region there are 6 operational windfarms.

All three of the regions have several large scale interconnectors and a complex network of overhead and underground services. Each region has more than twenty projects at scoping, planning and construction stage within national forests and land, within many other developments requiring access across it.

You will liaise with colleagues to consider the impacts of the projects on the management of the forest and other land uses; help to support and integrate the projects into FLS wider land management, within the context of our Land Management Plans and organisational objectives; and ensure that development is compliant and sustainable.

In addition, you will engage with colleagues and external stakeholders to ensure third party activities are fully communicated and, as a result, integrated into our core activities.

Main duties

• Build and maintain excellent working relationships with FLS colleagues, developers, stakeholders such as community groups, neighbours, statutory consultees, and agreement holders.
• Support and assist national Renewables team and other regional staff in general liaison with third parties including agreement holders, such as facilitating permissions for surveys and work to be carried out by them on national forests and land.
• Prepare and provide developers with relevant information held by FLS, and support others in assessing proposals, testing options and revising Land Management Plans.
• Provide support to third parties and internal teams, including gathering relevant forest related information and mapping, environmental mitigation and details of Land Management Plans.
• Liaise with third parties over management of sites, ensuring FLS’s interests are protected in relation to tree felling, quarrying and roading operations.
• Carry out regular site monitoring to ensure no breaches of health and safety or environmental guidelines, and that the project remains within the terms of plans and agreements.
• Adhere to FLS national and regional policies and procedures.

Success profile

The Success Profile below set outs the essential and desirable elements that make up the vacant position - you’ll be expected to demonstrate how you meet the Experience and Technical criteria at application and/or interview stage. Any Behaviours will be assessed at interview stage.

Experience

Essential:

• Relevant knowledge and experience of forest operations, forest management, land management, renewables or construction.
• Experience of building strong working relationships with colleagues and a wide range of external stakeholders and regulators.
• Good facilitation, communication and engagement skills.
• Demonstrate experience of working in operational forestry and/or renewables/construction projects.

Desirable:

• Experience of working with developers.
• Experience of project management.
• Experience in forest or other land use planning.

Technical

Essential:

• Competent in use of Microsoft office software.

Desirable:

• Experience or suitable qualification related to forestry, renewables and electrical infrastructure, civil engineering or construction.
• Competent user of Geographical Information Systems.
• Familiarity with the planning process, construction project management and CDM Regulations.
• Knowledge of the UK Woodland Assurance Standard and environmental standards associated with outdoor project work.

Behaviours

Behaviour 1 and Lead Criteria: Communicating and Influencing

Behaviour 2: Making Effective Decisions

Behaviour 3: Working Together

Behaviour 4: Delivering at Pace

Driving licence

This role requires you to have a full UK driving licence, however we’re willing to consider any proposals that would allow you to do the job by other means.

Travel

There is some flexibility with regards to office location and projects will be assigned to minimise travel, however applicants may be expected to travel to sites across their Region.

What we offer you

If successful, you’ll be entitled to a wide range of benefits.

Additional information

We believe it’s important to create an inclusive and supportive work culture and we welcome applications from everyone, regardless of background. 

Further information

If you have any questions about this post, please email HR@forestryandland.gov.scot

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, or require any adjustments, please email resourcing@forestryandland.gov.scot

Closing date: 11 October 2022 at 11:55pm.

Apply here.