About the job

Job summary

South England Forest District manages some 46,000 (ha) of public forest estate and national parks that stretch from Sussex to Dorset, and from Berkshire to the Isle of Wight.

The varied, mixed woodlands produce some 80,000 m3 of timber each year, of which 20,000 m3 is hardwood. The Land Management Team have responsibility for an extensive programme of habitat restoration, principally ancient woodland and lowland heath.

Much of this land is of high national importance for nature conservation and wildlife, and of international importance for biodiversity. We are responsible for land that includes Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs), Ramsar sites, Areas of Outstanding National Beauty (AONB) and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

The District is actively managed for people, nature and climate.

The vacancy is in the following beats:

The post-holder will work under the direction of Beat Foresters and Beat Work Supervisors on the following on Beats;

Micheldever Beat: 

Comprises of mixed woodland from North and East Hampshire from the Thames Basin Heaths SPA and SSSI in the north through to the Hampshire downs which encompasses significant area of PAWS (Plantation on Ancient Woodland) restoration. Much of these woodlands have significant recreational, heritage and conservation value. 

Solent Beat: 

Mixed woodland blocks spread across south central Hampshire and including the Isle of Wight. Forest management includes PAWS restoration, diversifying species and age structure and moving to continuous cover forestry, as well as responding to current tree pests and diseases e.g. Ash dieback. The beat area includes several Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It includes several Leasehold woods where public access is limited as well as locally popular woods with members of the public.

The job-holder will work in a team alongside another Forest Craftsperson, two Apprentice Craftspersons and a Tractor driver. The Beats are also supported by a Wildlife Ranger and two Recreation Rangers.

Job description

We are looking for an enthusiastic, hardworking and highly motivated team player who enjoys practical tasks in an outdoor environment. You must be able to work independently as well as part of a team.

This is a varied role which undertakes a wide range of forest management and maintenance tasks including things such as tree planting, fencing, chainsaw work and tariffing. The work forms a key part in protecting and enhancing the forest landscape we look after. It can be physically challenging, and you will be working outdoors in all weather conditions using a variety of equipment including vibrating power tools.

Appropriate on the job training and formal qualifications as well as Personal Protective Equipment will be provided. 

Person specification

Woodland Management

Tasks will include tree planting, vegetation control/management, fence/gate erection and maintenance, drainage, tree felling, tree safety surveys, timber measurement and the use of maps and surveying equipment.

Conservation and Environment

Management, maintenance and restoration of the Heathland, Wetland and Ancient Woodland habitats on designated and non-designated sites.

Such tasks will involve; hazel coppice, scrub clearance including the felling of seedling pine and birch and mire restoration works.

Recreation

Construction and maintenance of recreational facilities.

Tasks will include: maintenance of paths/tracks, erection and maintenance of gates, barriers, signs, posts and rails together with vegetation management and communicating with the public.

Team working and Health & Safety

Operate and maintain available tools and resources to required standards and assessing and managing risks to ensure that a safe working site and safe methods and industry standards are maintained. To work constructively and effectively with immediate work colleagues and the wider Forest District team.

Person Specification – we are looking for practical people with a passion for woodlands and forests who have;

Essential Experience:

• Experience of working in a forest or equivalent land-based environment.
• Awareness of Health & Safety in the workplace.
• Ability to work effectively both alone and as part of a team.
• Good numerical and written communications skills.
• Competent IT skills in Word & Excel, online platforms and mobile phone apps with a willingness to embrace new technologies.

Desirable Experience:

• Experience in fencing, planting and weeding.
• NPTC or equivalent certification in chainsaw use.
• Strimmer & Brush cutting certification.
• Experience in timber measurement.

Behaviours

Working Together

• Proactively contribute to the work of the whole team and remain open to taking on new and different roles.
• Get to know your colleagues and build supportive relationships.
• Listen to alternative perspectives and needs, responding sensitively and checking understanding where necessary.
• Ask for help when needed and support others when the opportunity arises.
• Be aware of the need to consider your own wellbeing and that of your colleagues.
• Understand that bullying, harassment and discrimination are unacceptable.

Managing a Quality Service

• Gain a clear understanding of our customers’ needs and expectations.
• Plan, organise and manage your own time to deliver a high-quality service which gives taxpayers a good return for their money.
• Act to prevent problems by identifying issues, reporting them and providing solutions.
• Keep our customers and all colleagues up to date with progress.
• Show our customers where to access relevant information and support that will help them to use services more effectively.

Technical skills

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

• IT, numerical and written communications skills.
• Awareness of health and safety in the forest environment.
• Problem solving skills.
• Understanding of how a practical task is completed safely and to a high standard.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £23,098, Forestry Commission contributes £6,236 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

As part of the application process you will be asked to complete:

• A CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. Please ensure you have provided reasons for any gaps within the last two years.

• A Personal Statement (750 words) explaining how you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience are suitable for the role, with particular reference to the essential experience specification.

Should a large number of applications be received, the initial sift may be conducted using CV only. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift, or progressed straight to assessment/interview

Applicants will be expected to demonstrate the essential experience requirements within the application responses.

Failure to fully complete both sections (CV and Personal Statement) will mean the panel only have limited information on which to assess your application against the criteria in the person specification. The panel will look for applications that demonstrate the best fit for the role by considering the evidence you have provided against the criteria set out in the job description and responsibilities.

Interview

We aim to carry out an initial sift of applications week commencing 29th January 2024 .

Candidates who progress past the sift stage will be offered an interview/assessment date which we plan to hold week commencing 5th February, but this may be subject to change.

Interviews will be face-to-face and will involve you being assessed against the Behaviours and Technical Skills listed in the advert. The practical assessment will be ‘hands-on’ so candidates will need to wear suitable clothing for practical outdoor tasks, but any necessary equipment & PPE will be provided by Forestry England.

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

Further Information

A reserve list will be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.

Any move to Forestry Commission from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at here

If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out.

In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.

New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.

This role is full-time only. Applicants who wish to work an alternative pattern are welcome to apply however your preferred working pattern may not be available and you should discuss this with the vacancy holder before applying.

The duties of this post require the applicant to have a full current driving license that enables them to drive in the UK. However, Forestry England is willing to consider any proposals put forward by applicants that would allow them to do the job by any other means.

Where a role has been identified as one which falls under the scope of the Public Sector English Language Requirements, within Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016, it is essential that applicants should have the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English. Applicants will be assessed in the selection process in accordance with the requirements.

This advert is for 1 permanent post. All Forestry England staff are required to complete a medical questionnaire as part of the pre-employment checks and, if needed, you may be referred to our Occupational Health provider for a further assessment prior to formal appointment.

Reasonable Adjustment

If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:

Contact Government Recruitment Service via FCERecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.

Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.

If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.

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

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) 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 (opens in a new window). 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. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.