Head of Wildlife Management – Scotland (Location Flexible)
Ref: REQ0386
£43,395 - £47,245 plus benefits
Background Information
Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) have an exciting opportunity to join us as our Head of Wildlife
Management playing a pivotal role in supporting successful delivery of our organisational objectives
as we manage Scotland’s national forests and land. This work will be an important contribution to
delivery of the Scottish Government’s forthcoming updated biodiversity strategy.
FLS is the Scottish Government agency that is responsible for the day-to-day management of
Scotland’s national forests and land and was formed in 2019 following the devolution of the former
cross border body known as the Forestry Commission.
We look after 9% of Scotland’s land area (640,000ha) that incorporates some of Scotland’s most
beautiful and historic landscapes, sustainable commercial forests, open habitat and designated land.
We deliver nature-based solutions - including increasing tree cover and restoring degraded peatland
- that make significant contributions to Climate Emergency mitigation, add momentum to the
journey towards Net Zero, and to the national effort to reduce nature loss and conserve endangered
species and habitats. The Head of Wildlife Management role is an exciting, interesting and vital role
in FLS as we deliver these public benefits from Scotland’s national forests and land.
FLS are recognised as leaders in wildlife management and in particular deer management as noted in
the Independent Deer Working Group’s report to government in 2019. Deer management is a vital
part of our overall approach to sustainable forest management and the Head of Wildlife
Management play an important leadership role as ‘head of profession’ for wildlife management in
FLS.
We are looking for an individual who can see the big picture, think strategically and communicate
and collaborate effectively across FLS teams and with external partners to lead wildlife management
in an evidence-based way that focuses on the highest standards of safety and animal welfare.
Support and mentoring will be provided by the Head of Operational Support and the Head of
Technical Services Group to help you ‘grow’ into the role and to connect and work with colleagues
across government and the wildlife management sector. A key part of the role will involve providing
professional practitioner advice to policy makers in Scottish Government to help implement the
recommendations of the deer working group across Scotland.
Job description
We are looking for a leader that inspires and works collaboratively across multiple teams to foster a
‘one team’ approach to wildlife management and to delivering increasingly challenging
environmental outcomes on Scotland’s national forests and land.
Your role will be to act as ‘head of profession’ for Wildlife Management in FLS by leading,
communicating and collaborating with staff across FLS and external partners and policy makers. As
such we are looking for an individual who can build and maintain excellent working relationships and
as a result is respected by others in the wildlife management profession.
You will also have delegated responsibility from the CEO for firearms management within FLS and
provide assurance to Head of Operational Support and the Head of Technical Services that deer and
other wildlife management programmes are being delivered in line with targets, standards and the
aims of “Scotland’s Wild Deer – a National Approach”.
The role also involves overseeing work to provide guidance and support to regional teams on wildlife
management and encouraging good use of data and evidence to inform decision making particularly
around cull setting and working collaboratively with Planning and Environment colleagues.
You will act as a focal point for other national teams to seek contributions and advice on wildlife
management e.g., the Planning and Environment team in relation to land management planning
matters and the Marketing and Sales team in relation to venison marketing.
FLS has a strong focus on highest standards of safety and animal welfare and was recognised by the
independent Deer Working Group as a leader in deer management. We seek to continually improve
and play a key role in supporting the Scottish Government implement the DWG recommendations
which are vital in the context of responding to the twin crisis of climate and biodiversity loss.
Responsibilities
Team management – You will line manage the Wildlife Management Support Officer (PB4) and the
Wildlife Management Training Officer (PB4).
As ‘head of profession’ for Wildlife Management you will be expected to support the five Area
Wildlife Managers (AWM) based in our five regional teams ensuring that this group works closely
with the national Technical Services team and the Planning and Environment team. This will include
providing strategic direction to the five regional teams around coordination and allocation of staff
and contractor resources. In doing this you will lead and develop a cohesive professional community
of practice for Wildlife Management in FLS to drive consistency and improvement across Scotland.
Planning – Lead, clarify and maintain FLS focus on strategic business requirements and core deer
and other wildlife management objectives.
Ensure that an evidence-based approach is taken with AWMs to setting bottom up cull targets that
reflect the reality of the challenge ahead. Manage deer sustainably to enable successful delivery of
biodiversity and forest crop protection outcomes within agreed timescales.
Advise Regional Managers and Delivery Managers on relative priorities for regional teams and the
making of decisions on national allocations of resources.
Programme and budget management – monitor the delivery of FLS deer and other wildlife
management budgets and programmes, provide support and challenge to regional teams on
performance.
Professional services, stakeholder engagement and customer care - represent FLS strategic
interests, make effective decisions and help deliver corporate objectives and improvements in
standards by steering and inputting directly to key groups e.g., Executive Committee of the
Association of Deer Management Groups.
Robustly represent FLS interests through work with Scottish Government, NatureScot & SASA
colleagues.
Work with key partners to progress the implementation of the Deer Working Group
recommendations in line with the Scottish Government’s published response e.g., represent FLS on
the associated work streams.
Draft responses to Freedom of Information requests, Ministerial Questions and Briefings and
contractual disputes that arise in relation to deer and other wildlife management issues. Support
the Head of Marketing and Sales on negotiations over national venison contract.
Promote a Safety-First culture delivering enhanced safety and environmental standards – provide
assurance to the Director of Land Management & Regions that lone working procedures,
use/storage of firearms, knives & ammunition and use of ATVs are in line with FISA, Operational
Guidance Booklets, Standard Operating Procedures and Best Practice Guidance on the Management
of Wild Deer in Scotland.
For more information and to apply, please visit our website:
https://ce0452li.webitrent.com/ce0452li_webrecruitment/wrd/run/ETREC107GF.open?VACANCY_I
D=6934773jfq&WVID=9738092dCa&LANG=USA
resourcing@forestryandland.gov.scot
Please quote ref REQ0386.
Closing date: 11 September 2022, 23:55.
No recruitment agencies please.
We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all sectors of our diverse community.
