Woodland Creation Officer

**Job Description**:
A national government environmentalist agency is seeking a Woodland Creation Officer on a permanent basis to cover the South East & London area to facilitate the protection and expansion of these areas trees, woodlands and land management.

**Key Info of the role**:
**Location**: Office-based as much as possible, 2-3 days, initially during the training first few months (Wendover Office), this will then move to remote, flexible with a minimum expectation of 1-2 days in the office once fully trained.
**The role will be covering**: London (region), Wendover (office), South East England
**Salary**: £32612 per annum
**Working Hours and Days**: Monday to Friday 9 am-5 pm (Some weekends for events once in a while but discretionary)

**Purpose of the role**:

- The Woodland Creation Officer role represents Forest Services' front-line woodlands and forestry expertise.- To ensure delivery of Government forestry policy through the effective use of advice and incentives.- The role provides an important interface between Forest Services and landowners and forestry agents, promoting, advising on, and helping to facilitate a diverse range of woodland creation proposals.- The post-holders will be expected to focus on woodland creation. They will advocate the benefits of woodland creation and proactively communicate with and advise landowners and investors considering woodland creation.- They will also work closely with the National Policy and Advice team (PAt) to ensure that proposals meet the requirements of the UK Forestry Standard. Regular travel across the FS Delivery Area and occasional overnight stays will be required.Key Job Responsibilities:

- Engaging and enthusing landowners on how new woodland can deliver their aspirations while also delivering multifunctional benefits to the environment, society and the economy.- Advising on funding options: grants, carbon funding, nitrate offsetting and sponsorship.- Explaining the requirements of the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS)’s woodland design and planning requirements.- Working as part of the wider Area teams to proactively identify and engage with landowners/agents with an interest in woodland creation.- Supporting landowners and forestry agents in identifying consultees, sources of information and relevant contacts to facilitate the preparation of high-quality UKFS-compliant woodland creation design plans.- Liaison with relevant stakeholders (including tenants, Non-Government and Government organisations) to ensure plans take into account relevant views and issues.- Liaising with Area teams and colleagues in the Incentives Development Team over the processing of grants.- Liaising with statutory consultees and Defra-group colleagues over proposals, as appropriate. Playing an active role in the Area team.- Engaging as part of the Area team in routine activities and discussions including health and safety, team meetings, vision and culture and business change and improvement.- Communicating and sharing lessons learned and good practice on woodland creation proposals.Person Specificaiton:
Essential:
- Experience in managing or advising on woodland creation and management.-
- Proven ability to communicate with clarity, conviction and enthusiasm.Desirable:

- Working knowledge of the UK Forest Standard.- Experience in delivering forestry incentives/regulations.Key Benefits:

- A Civil Service pension.
- A range of family friendly benefits.
- An environment with flexible working options.
- Learning and development tailored to your role.
- A culture which promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment.
- A range of well-being benefits including discounted Civil Service Healthcare, access to an employee assistance programme 24/7, Bike to Work Scheme, plus many more.
- 25 days annual leave, rising to 30 after 5 years of service, plus 10.5 bank holidays/privilege days (pro rata).
- Ability to buy or sell 5 days of annual leave.
- 3 days volunteering per year (pro rata).

Please note that this is a highly sought-after role and we are looking to submit CVs asap for this role, as we are continuously reviewing the CV please can you submit your CV ASAP