Forester (Work Programme Manager) – 2 positions

Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) is looking for enthusiastic, practical, creative people to join our Regional planning teams to help shape the future of Scotland’s forests and land. We’re responsible for managing 9% 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 the forests of the future, protect and restore semi-natural habitats, respond to climate change and enhance our landscapes. They prepare spatial plans and work programmes and coordinate and manage data and surveys, as well as contribute to national initiatives and projects to ensure the public land is well cared for.

Job description

The Forester (Work Programme Manager) prepares and coordinates the work streams that deliver our plans. These work programmes include extensive felling, thinning, and restocking programmes, and also extensive peatland restoration and other habitat enhancement work streams.

The role acts as a bridge between planning and delivery, deploys fast thinking logistical skills and will require you to juggle the sequence and range of operations across a large geographic area.

Programmes need to be practical and efficient to manage.

You will be keen to get out on site and gain first-hand knowledge of the land, work with others and explore the long term consequences of bringing together different management options.

Responsibilities

• Prepare Work Programmes based on a thorough understanding of the Land Management Plans, associated supporting data, knowledge of the area and the requirements of the organisation to deliver on sustainable forest management, timber product, environmental, social and other objectives. Programmes are required to meet the UK Forestry Standard and the UK Woodland Assurance Standard.

• Undertake site visits and collaborate with relevant colleagues to explore delivery and implementation options.

• Lead on the preparation of work plans that set out site specific silvicultural, engineering, environmental and social requirements and how to overcome local problems and constraints.

• Liaise between planning and delivery teams to ensure that programmes are practical and achievable over the required timeframe.

• Coordinate survey work and support the planning team as necessary, for example by coordinating work on pests and diseases, or updating and supporting data analysis.

• As a member of the planning team, you are also expected to manage staff, such as GIS and survey technicians.

For more information and to apply, please visit our website: www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk

hr@forestryandland.gov.scot

Please quote ref 108868

Closing date: 29th May 2021, 23:55.

No recruitment agencies please.

We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all sectors of our diverse community.