Never has there been a more important time for trees and forests to help tackle the climate emergency and provide a much-needed s.....
Never has there been a more important time for trees and forests to help tackle the climate emergency and provide a much-needed sanctuary for people and wildlife. We aim to at least treble tree planting rates in England by the end of this Parliament, reflecting England’s contribution to meeting the UK’s overall target of planting 30,000 hectares per year by the end of this Parliament. This acceleration in current planting rates in England will contribute to meeting the net-zero by 2050 ambitions, and to government’s wider environmental targets. This is supported by the £640m Nature for Climate Fund announced in the March 2020 budget.
The Department for the Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Forestry Commission have set up a joint NCF tree programme for England to support the forestry sector, landowners and communities in the delivery of these ambitions.
Forestry Commission leads the delivery of the following parts of the tree planting programme:
- developing sector capacity
- woodland creation on public land
- woodland creation on private land
- promotion and engagement
If you are passionate about the role of forestry in creating a better future for England, and want to play a key part in realising that, we want to hear from you.
By joining the Forestry Commission, you will become part of a team of passionate, committed colleagues, and be able to build on a wealth of expertise to take this ambitious work forward. You will be able to make your mark by helping the Forestry Commission meet these ambitious targets as part of the Development Woodland Officer programme.
The Development Woodland Officer programme is an exciting new career pathway into the Forestry Commission, the programme is a development focused opportunity for those seeking a career in forestry who many not have a wide ranging or indeed any forestry or land management experience and/or qualifications. This 3-year development programme has been developed to lead and coach those on the programme through a wide range of forestry and silvicultural experiences and learning activities to build on individuals own forestry experience and knowledge, not just from within the Forestry Commission but across the entire forestry sector.
Job description
The Development Woodland Officer role is a new and exciting career pathway into the Forestry Commission for people from all backgrounds and abilities looking to start/continue their journey to becoming a professional Forester. We are seeking ambitious, driven individuals who are eager to support our ambitious tree planting plans and protect and enhance our current woods and forests.
As part of Forest Services, Development Woodland Officers will build the skills and experience needed to be carry out incentives and regulation work, provide guidance to woodland owners and managers in Areas and promote sustainable woodland management in England. Playing a key role in helping to deliver of the Government’s current priorities for forestry in addition to the England Tree Planting Programme.
The role is development focused which will see Development Woodland Officers engaged on a formal learning programme supported by Area staff and a central programme delivery team. Development Woodland Officers will spend 20% of the normal working hours engaged in off-the-job learning lead by the National School of Forestry at the University of Cumbria, this off-the-job learning will consist of bi-monthly residential blocks delivered at one of the University Campuses within Cumbria or at the Forestry Commission training Centre at Cannock Chase. The remaining 80% of time will be spent consolidating skills in a real-life working environment including potential of wider sector work placements to further build on the consolidation and expansion of skills and experiences.
On completion of the programme, successful graduates will earn a Professional Forester Apprenticeship (equivalent to Level 6), a BSc (hons) as Professional Forester and the potential to gain Chartered Forester status with the Institute of Chartered Foresters, in addition to gaining 3 years work experience. Providing the building blocks to continue a career in the forestry sector as a professional forester, planning, advising, managing, and supervising forestry activities and/or operations.
