ఉద్యోగ వివరణ

Role Overview

This position is located at the Cookworthy office in North Devon, supporting the beat forester in managing the landscapes we oversee. The role involves a variety of forest operations and inspections alongside addressing practical needs in the woodland. A strong emphasis is placed on health and safety, with an expectation to embody the ethos of 'look out and look after' on all job sites.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Assist in restocking and establishing forest areas through hand planting, installing tree guards, fence repairs, and vegetation control.
Maintain and clear trees by performing high pruning, cutting back, and felling activities.
Conduct tree safety management activities including inspections, managing forest visitors via safety signage and fencing, and undertaking remedial work such as tree felling or supporting arb contractors.
Carry out surveys focused on managing hazardous trees to ensure forest safety.
Maintain estate grounds by managing vegetation and trees along roads, rides, paths, and rights of way; install and repair gates and barriers as necessary.
Deliver assigned work programmes efficiently and effectively to meet operational targets.
Perform diverse surveys and inspections relevant to timber marketing and forest management, including timber mensuration, stocking density assessments, ecological and recreational trail inspections.
Gather and record operational data accurately, maintaining up-to-date documentation as required.
Support projects related to Wild Areas and occasional woodland creation initiatives.
Operate and maintain tools and equipment safely, adhering to health and safety standards and FISA guidelines.
Collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders to plan and implement effective work schedules aligned with Forestry England’s goals.
Conduct risk assessments consistent with high health and safety standards.
Perform additional reasonable duties as requested by management.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential:

Practical experience in forestry, countryside, or environmental management roles.
Basic understanding of forestry, arboriculture, conservation, outdoor recreation, and related countryside matters.
Proficiency in using a variety of hand tools.
Knowledge of health and safety systems relevant to outdoor and countryside work such as risk assessments and lone working protocols compliant with Forest Industry Safety Accord (FISA).
Competence in IT, particularly with MS Office applications.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Possession of City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award or equivalent in practical forestry skills including chainsaw maintenance, cross cutting, felling and processing trees up to 380mm.
Full UK driving license; alternative solutions for travel may be considered.

Desirable:

Forestry or land management qualifications.
Additional NPTC and Lantra forestry certifications.
Emergency first aid at work plus forestry first aid certification.
GCSEs in Maths and English or functional skills equivalents.

Compensation and Benefits

Annual salary of £26,959.
Employer pension contribution of £7,810 towards the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension Scheme with a 28.97% employer contribution rate.
Access to role-specific learning and development opportunities.
Flexible working arrangements where possible.
Inclusive and diverse workplace culture.

Application and Selection Process

Applicants must submit a 200-word statement outlining relevant experience and career history, alongside a personal statement up to 500 words. Selection involves assessment of experience and technical skills during the interview. Behaviors evaluated at interview include teamwork, effective decision-making, communication and influence, and quality service management.

Successful candidates undergo a criminal record check, baseline personnel security standard check, and a medical examination.

Additional Information

Applicants must meet nationality requirements as detailed, including UK nationals, Republic of Ireland nationals, certain Commonwealth and EU nationals with appropriate work rights.
This role is not regulated by the Civil Service Commission but follows principles of equal opportunity and fair competition.
The Civil Service supports disability confident schemes and a redeployment interview scheme for civil servants at risk of redundancy.
Applicants using artificial intelligence to assist their application must ensure all content is truthful, from their own experiences, and plagiarism-free.
Reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process are available upon request.

Forest Craftsperson