Woodland Officer (5 Posts)

Here in Scottish Forestry (SF) we are looking for new members to join our forestry team. Would you like to work in forestry? Want to work in one of our fantastic locations across Scotland? If yes, why not think about joining one of Scottish Forestry’s Conservancy teams?

It’s an exciting time to join SF. We are a relatively new executive agency of Scottish Government, which supports the delivery of the Scottish Government’s updated framework for forestry in Scotland, including woodland expansion and the regulation of felling. We want you to become part of our new organisation and help shape the future of forestry in Scotland.

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.

We are a flexible employer and encourage applicants who wish to work full time, part time or other flexible working patterns to apply.

Job description

You will carry out grants and regulation work, provide guidance to woodland owners and managers in Conservancies and promote forestry within Scotland. Your role is key to delivering the Scottish Government’s priorities for forestry including woodland expansion.

Responsibilities

• Assess and process applications for Forestry Grant Scheme, forest plans and felling permissions.
• Undertake regulatory roles in delivery of the Forest and Land Management Scotland Act.
• Provide guidance and advice to woodland owners and managers.
• Promote sustainable forestry to increase public knowledge and community participation.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Experience of forestry management and the practicalities of successful woodland establishment.
• Understanding and working knowledge of United Kingdom Forestry Standard.
• Competent in the use of Microsoft packages such as Word, Excel and Outlook.

Technical Skills

Essential:

• HND or Degree in Forestry or related subject or a willingness to work towards obtaining this.

Desirable:

• Student, associate or professional membership of the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF).
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Licences:

You need to have a full current driving licence that enables you to drive in the UK. Due to coronavirus, there is no vehicle sharing in Scottish Forestry and due to the nature of the job, there will be a requirement for regular travel on a daily basis.

Behaviours

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

• Managing a Quality Service.
• Making Effective Decisions.
• Communicating and Influencing.
• Working Together.
• Technical skills.

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

This includes:

• An 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 you can enter as soon as you join where we will make a significant contribution to the cost of your pension.
• 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.
• Reimbursement of professional membership fees directly relevant to your job.
• Generous paid maternity and paternity leave which is notably more than the statutory minimum offered by many other employers.
• Occupational sick pay.

Happy to talk flexible working.

Things you need to know:

Security

• Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.
• People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks.
• Selection process details
• This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

In the event of a high number of applicants, candidates will be selected for interview based on the lead criteria which is Experience/Technical Skills and the Lead Behaviour "Managing a Quality Service".

The sift is due to take place on 6 July, with interview dates to be confirmed.

Interviews will take place via Microsoft Teams and candidates will be expected to provide a 10 minute presentation on what you consider to be the main challenges to woodland creation in Scotland. More information will be provided if you are invited to interview.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• Nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK.
• Nationals of the Republic of Ireland.
• Nationals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland with (or eligible for) status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS).
• Relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals working in the Civil Service.
• Relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals who have built up the right to work in the Civil Service.
• Certain family members of the relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals.
• Further information on nationality requirements.

Working for the Civil Service:

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles.

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Apply and further information:

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants:

Job contact: Tom Hobbs, Tom.Hobbs@forestry.gov.scot

Recruitment team: hr@forestryandland.gov.scot

Closing date: 11:55 pm on Sunday 27 June 2021.

APPLY HERE