Forestry Craftsperson

Job summary

South England Forest District manages 46,000 (ha) of public forest estate and national parks that stretch from Sussex to Dorset, and from Berkshire to the Isle of Wight.

The varied, mixed woodlands produce some 100,000 m3 of timber each year, of which 22,000 m3 is hardwood. The land management team have responsibility for an extensive programme of habitat restoration, principally ancient woodland and lowland heath.

Much of this land is of high national importance for nature conservation and wildlife, and of international importance for biodiversity. We are responsible for land that includes Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs), Ramsar sites, Areas of Outstanding National Beauty (AONB) and sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
The district is actively managed for people, nature and climate.

We are looking for a Forest Craftsperson for the South Downs Beat�which covers 4,300 ha of mixed woodland that varies from designated ancient broadleaf woodlands and Beech woodland on the chalk downs, to areas of productive conifer plantations. Much of the beat area is contained within the South Downs National Park and includes designated SSSI�s, Sites of Nature Conservation Interests (SNCI�s) and well used recreation sites.

The Beat team is based at�Forest Yard, Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Gravel Hill Road, Horndean, PO8 0QE but in summer 2024 will relocate 7 miles to new facilities at�Rogate Road, Hill Brow, Liss, Hampshire, GU33 7QP.

The woodlands are spread across East Hampshire and West Sussex. Forest management includes ancient woodland restoration and diversifying tree species and age structure using low impact silvicultural systems.

All Forestry England woods are actively managed for people, nature and the economy, including timber production.

Job description

We are looking for an enthusiastic, hardworking and highly motivated team player who enjoys practical tasks in an outdoor environment. You must be able to work independently as well as part of a team. This is a varied role which undertakes a wide range of forest management and maintenance tasks including things such as tree planting, fencing, chainsaw work and tariffing. The work forms a key part in protecting and enhancing the forest landscape we look after. It can be physically challenging, and you will be working outdoors in all weather conditions using a variety of equipment including vibrating power tools. Appropriate on the job training and formal qualifications as well as Personal Protective Equipment will be provided.�

Purpose of the Job�
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To complete a wide range of management and maintenance tasks, meeting beat and district commitments.�

Key Work Areas:�
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Woodland Management:�
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Use acquired skills, appropriate materials and equipment for the regeneration, protection and maintenance of woodlands and habitats.�
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Tasks will include; tree planting, vegetation control/management, fence/gate erection and maintenance, drainage, tree felling, timber measurement and the use of maps and surveying equipment.�
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Conservation and Environment:�
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Apply acquired skills and appropriate resources to perform the tasks required in the management, maintenance and restoration of a variety of habitats and species including, heathland, wetland and ancient woodland habitats, protected species and SSSI's.�
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Such tasks will involve; scrub clearance including the felling of seedling pine and birch, coppicing and wetland restoration.�
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Recreation:�
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Apply acquired skills and appropriate resources to the construction and maintenance of recreational facilities.�
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Tasks will include; maintenance of paths/tracks, erection and maintenance of gates, barriers, signs, posts and rails together with vegetation management and communication with the public.�
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Team working and Health & Safety:�
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Work constructively and enthusiastically with work colleagues and the wider Forest District team. Operate and maintain available tools and resources to required standards and ensure that a safe working site and safe methods are maintained for health and safety purposes.�

Person specification

Essential Experience:�

Experience in forestry, countryside or environmental management at a practical level.A familiarity with a range of hand tools and ability to demonstrate competence in their use.�NPTC or equivalent in chainsaw use and clearing saws.Demonstrate an enthusiasm for practical work in an outdoor environment.Basic computer skills�

Please clearly demonstrate how the above applies to you throughout your application. Failure to do so will mean that your application is automatically sifted out.�
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Desirable Experience:�
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� An understanding of Forestry and nature conservation issues in general and how these relate to the objectives of Forestry England.�

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

Managing a Quality ServiceWorking TogetherDelivering at PaceSeeing the Big Picture

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

NPTC or equivalent in chainsaw use, chemical application and clearing saws.Tree identification

Benefits

Alongside your salary of �24,323, Forestry Commission contributes �6,567 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

Benefits

Flexible working to support a healthy work/life balance.25 days holiday pa with an extra day�s holiday entitlement each year over the first 5 years up to a maximum of 30 days per year, plus bank holidays and extra days leave. (all pro-rata)3 days paid volunteering leave every year (once you have passed probation).Access to technical and personal development training and qualifications that are tailored to your role.5 days dedicated to your self-driven development each year.Extensive opportunities for further learning through Civil Service Learning.Reimbursement of professional membership fees.Employee benefits that include (but are not limited to) the Cycle to Work scheme, free high-street and online discounts and offers through �STaR�, and� the opportunity to join the Civil Services Sports Council.Access to our dedicated Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) that gives free, confidential and independent support - whether it is personal or work-related.Free eyesight tests and �100 voucher for glasses for visual display usage.Pay advances of up to �5,000 for computers, sports equipment, or training costs.Free parking at all Forestry Commission sites (including Moors Valley Country Park and Alice Holt Forest) and free entry into our National Arboretum in Westonbirt.Up to 15% discount at Forest Live Events, Forest Holidays cabins, and Go Ape outdoor activity centres.Numerous retail discounts including 10% off at Forestry Commission shops and Enterprise Rent-A-Car.Learning and development tailored to your role.An environment with flexible working options.A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.A��with an average employer contribution of 27%

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