Programme Manager

This is a full-time vacancy; however, we are a flexible employer and encourage applicants who wish to other flexible working patterns to apply, as requests will be considered.

Nationality Requirements

We are currently unable to sponsor individuals to work in the UK; therefor it is essential that you ensure that you have the Right to work in the UK before applying to work with us.

You will also be required to meet the nationality requirements to work for the Civil Service.

Disability Confident Scheme

Applicants claiming a guaranteed interview will be invited for further assessment should they meet the minimum essential criteria listed in this document.

Further information about the posts are available from:

• Posts in Inver/Huntly/Durris: David.Henderson@forestryandland.gov.scot
• Posts Golspie/Smithton: Robert.Mcfarlane@forestryandland.gov.scot
• Post in Newton Stewart: Andrew.Jarrott@forestryandland.gov.scot

If you have any queries relating the recruitment process or require any adjustments for the application process, please contact HR@forestryandland.gov.scot

About the team

Our Planning and Environment Team 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; coordinate and manage data and surveys and contribute to national initiatives and projects to ensure the public land is well cared for.

What you will do

You’ll prepare and coordinate the work streams that deliver our plans. These work programmes include extensive felling, thinning and restocking programmes, peatland restoration and other habitat enhancement work streams, and the management of recreation facilities.

The role acts as a bridge between planning and delivery and requires 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; develop and apply logistical skills to land management; and thrive on exploring the opportunity to coordinate different land management tasks within clear timescales.

Main Duties

• Prepare Work Programmes based on a thorough understanding of the Land Management Plans, associated supporting data, knowledge of the area and the requirement of the organisation to deliver on sustainable forest management, timber production, civil engineering, natural regeneration, environmental, social and other objectives across the region. 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 opportunities to coordinate and deliver work efficiently. 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 and manage a range of surveys including production and attribute, drones, stocking density, hylobius, Dothistroma needle blight and natural regeneration survey work across the south beat 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 may also be expected to manage staff, such as GIS and survey technicians.

Success Profile

Below are details of the Success Profile that make up this role. You will be expected to provide evidence to show how you meet the criteria at application and/or interview stage.

Behaviours

Behaviour 1 and Lead Criteria: Making Effective Decisions.

Behaviour 2: Working Together.

Behaviour 3: Delivering at Pace.

Behaviour 4: Managing a Quality Service.

Experience

Essential:

• Knowledge and experience of forest operations, forest management or land management.
• Ability to understand, analyse and coordinate activities and tasks across a geographic area.
• Experience of analysing or organising data and/or spatial information.
• Experience of engaging others and building strong working relationships.
• Experience of applying effective, communication skills.
• Competent in use of Microsoft Office software.

Desirable:

• Experience in programming or logistics.

Technical

Desirable:

• A degree or HND in either Forestry or an equivalent Land Management related qualification.
• Competent user of Geographical Information Systems.
• Knowledge of UK Woodland Assurance Scheme, UK Forestry Standard and Environmental Impact Assessment.
• Member, or working towards membership of the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) or another relevant professional body.

What we offer you

If successful, you will be entitled to a wide range of benefits.

This includes:

• A generous annual leave allowance of 25 days, rising to 30 days per year after 5 years’ service. In addition, there are currently 11.5 days of public and privilege holidays, dates of which are set annually.
• A competitive contributory pension scheme.
• Annual pay progression (subject to Scottish Government approval).
• Access to an ASVA card, giving you free access to over 480 visitor attractions and sites across Scotland.
• Employee discount with Forest Holidays.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• A generous paid maternity and paternity leave.
• We recognise the importance of enabling employees to achieve a healthy work-life balance by offering flexi-time arrangements in areas of the business where it is appropriate to do so.
• Access to join the Civil Service Sports Council (CSSC), which offers a number of discounts, access to leisure activities, gyms and much more.
• Free car parking spaces for staff (dependent on the office location).
• Employee development opportunities - Personal and professional development with a range of in-house courses offered by our Learning and Development team.
• Fully funded professional accreditation fees required for your role, where applicable.
• Access to the Employee Assistance Programme – available all year round (24 hours, 7 days a week).
• Trade union membership for those interested in joining one.

Additional information

Where a vacancy attracts more than 10 applications, only certain ‘essential’ criteria, known as ‘lead criteria’, will be assessed at sift stage, providing this is specified in the advert. However, it is still important that you complete the entire application form in sufficient detail, as there is no way of knowing that a vacancy will have a high number of applications.

We strongly believe in an inclusive and supportive work culture. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of background. We are currently under-represented by women; therefore, we encourage applications from females.

Closing date: Applications are accepted until 11.55 pm on 6 March 2022.

APPLY HERE.