Woodland Officer, Forestry Commission (Yorkshire)

Forest Services is the Governments forestry experts. We advise nationally and locally
on how to unlock the full potential of woodlands and the forestry sector to protect,
improve and expand England’s valuable woodland assets.

The Yorkshire and North East Area contains over 212,000 hectares of woodland
ranging from important habitat networks of Ancient Woodlands through to large
productive conifer forests. In the North East, the predominant woodland type is
conifer (64.5%) whereas in Yorkshire and The Humber broadleaves form the most
significant component (41.5%). This diverse range of woodland types extends over 4
National Parks and 3 Areas of Outstanding National Beauty. The urban woodland
resource is also important and focused in the city regions of Sheffield, Leeds and
Newcastle.

The Woodland Officer role represents Forest Services front-line woodland and
forestry expert. It involves ensuring the delivery of Government forestry policy
through the effective use of advice, incentives and regulations. The role involves
engaging with woodland owners, agents, partnerships and stakeholders to provide
appropriate advice, support and the enforcement of forestry and tree health
regulations.

Woodland creation is a key Government priority which features in the 25 Year
Environment Plan. The role will be responsible for leading on the creation of new
woodlands within their local area.

Tree health is a key part of the work of Forest Services including delivering our
statutory duties to help reduce the rate of spread of Phytophthora ramorum and also
working with partners to respond to the ongoing expansion of Chalara dieback of ash.

The Area team has a number of established partnerships focused on specific issues
including working with the Environment Agency on our Woodlands for Water
programme, working with Natural England on the joint delivery of Countryside
Stewardship and supporting the sector through the Roots to Prosperity growth
programme. In addition, we are working ever closer with the Environment Agency
and Natural England as we align our work to effectively deliver Defra objectives.
The post holder will operate within the Yorkshire and Humber area and will operate
from the Defra Office (Foss House) York with regular travel required across the area.
The post reports to Sam Cooper (Field Manager). It is anticipated that the post will
operate over West Yorkshire, Harrogate and Selby, although periodic reviews of

Woodland Officer working areas may occur in future to reflect team workloads and
business need.

Person Specification:
Essential:

  • Degree/Higher Diploma in forestry/land management/countryside
    management and/or significant related experience in forestry / woodland /
    tree management.
  • Competent IT user with experience of MS Office.
  • Experience and understanding of forestry and woodland management.
  • 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 thatwould allow them to do the job by other means.

Desirable:

  • Membership of (or working towards) a relevant professional institute (e.g.
    Institute of Chartered Foresters).
  • Evidence of maintaining Continuous Professional Development.
  • Experience of supporting integrated land/woodland management.
  • Experience of delivering forestry incentives and regulations.

To apply, go to the Civil Service Jobs website: (Opens a new window)