Appointments to the Forestry Commission are made at the entry level of the salary quoted above except in exceptional circumstances where a candidates’ experience and skills may justify a higher starting salary.
South East England and London area includes Greater London, Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.
Woodland cover amounts to more than 321,000 ha (>14%) of which more than half is ancient woodland.
Within this area we have a very diverse woodland ownership from the small and large traditional estates, to farm businesses, to small scale hobby owners.
Our priorities are focused to meet the FC objectives of protect, improve and expand. We see protect and improve as the most relevant objectives within SE&L due to our high percentage of under managed woodland (around 45-50%), however there are some opportunities for expansion to meet the Water Framework objectives and to reduce woodland fragmentation plus increasing the core woodland size to meet economical objectives. Therefore we have a number of target areas identified to meet these challenges.
Within the area as a whole there is now an active woodfuel industry in its infancy which helps meet renewable objectives and also enables woodland that since the War has remained inactive, to be revitalised and start providing much needed products and jobs in the south-east. It is a vital role we play to link industry to supplier and build on more landscape scale working to meet these opportunities.
Clearly due to the ever increasing population in the south-east there are pressures on land for development. This comes with the need for green infrastructure which is another area where new woodland helps meet the need for green space but not forgetting that existing woods also provide the places for recreation and health benefits.
We have not escaped the spread of pest and diseases which is becoming an important part of the day to day work in SE&L. Of particular note is the aim to stop the spread of Oak Processionary Moth from outer London into the wider environment as well as the other very prominent diseases namely Phytopheras on larch and Sweet Chestnut and Chalara on ash.
To work within a very effective and conscientious team in the South-East to encourage the management of the woodland through up to date advice, and developing and maintaining effective networks. Offer grants where relevant or licences as cost effectively as possible. All the time developing and maintaining contact with partnership organisations (small and large) to meet government objectives.
The area you will be responsible for will include south Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Based out of the Bucks Horn Oak office near Farnham in Surrey.
The woodland cover in this area includes internationally import, species-rich heathland in the New Forest and Hampshire where you will be responsible for administering the EU's Environmental Impact Regulations and the FC's Open Habitat Policy.
Deliver Grants and Regulations across your area of responsibility efficiently, to meet the needs of the FC and the local team.
Maintain regular contact with FS Field and Hub team colleagues and between the FC and Defra organisations, plus the forestry industry, partners and delivery bodies across your area. Look for and engage in opportunities to support the work of others for cost effective forest policy delivery.
Develop your own knowledge and expertise to deliver up to date policy whilst providing relevant advice to the applicants to meet their needs and objectives.
Develop landscape scale working to tackle issues that affect the wider countryside e.g. deer management and water frame work objectives, plant health and biosecurity.
Experience
Essential
A good understanding or knowledge of woodland management in particular of the types of woodland found in the British Isles
Desirable
Specific understanding of the management of lowland woodland
Professional and Technical Expertise
Essential
A qualification in forestry or land management
Desirable
Practical woodland management
Seeing the Big Picture
Keep up to date with a broad set of issues relating to the work of the Department
Take an active interest in expanding your knowledge of areas related to your role
Making Effective Decisions
Demonstrate accountability and make unbiased decisions
Explain clearly, verbally and in writing, how a decision has been reached
Leading and Communicating
Display enthusiasm around goals and activities – adopting a positive approach when interacting with others
Express ideas effectively, both orally and in writing, and with sensitivity and respect for others
Collaborating and Partnering
Demonstrate interest in others and develop a range of contacts outside your team to help get the job done
Readily identify opportunities to share knowledge, information and learning and make progress by working with colleagues
Building Capability for All
Take responsibility for the quality of your work and seeking opportunities for improvement through continuous learning
Managing a Quality Service
Promote adherence to relevant policies, procedures, regulations and legislation, including equality and diversity and health and safety
Other
The duties of this post require the applicant to have a full current driving licence that enables them to drive in the UK. However, the Forestry Commission is willing to consider any proposals put forward by applicants that would allow them to do the job by other means.
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