Work Supervisor – Conservation

Do you have the skills and enthusiasm needed to deliver ground-breaking conservation projects and to protect our existing ecosystems in East Anglia?

Forestry England is seeking someone with experience in land management with an interest in
conservation to join our Environment Team working across a multi-purpose forest environment in
Thetford Forest.

About Us

East England Forest District covers an area of 35,000 ha from North Norfolk to Brighton. The
District has a varied landholding including the largest lowland pine forest in England at
Thetford, community woodland on the outskirts of London at Thames Chase, and a range of mixed
woodland, many of which contain Ancient Woodland. There are numerous sites of conservation
interest designated across the District. The District offers outdoor recreation activities for
thousands of people each year as well producing 120,000m3 of timber annually.

The Role

Forestry England have launched an exciting conservation project which aims to create open
habitat corridors within Thetford Forest. The open space will provide critical habitat for
species of conservation interest. The project is supported by DEFRA and is an essential part of
the Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan to improve the condition of protected sites. The
project started in January 2023 and will run to March 2026, with operations beginning from
early 2024. 

Forestry England is seeking a Work Supervisor for the project to manage and monitor harvesting
and ground preparation operations. The role will also include other conservation tasks
including ecology surveys, ground-truthing conservation data, and engaging with conservation
volunteer groups. The Work Supervisor will work closely with our Conservation and Harvesting
teams and contractors to ensure operations are carried out safely and properly to ensure the
project delivers for biodiversity.

The role will involve a mixture of outdoor work, undertaking surveys or site visits, and
office-based work. We are looking for someone who is passionate about conservation with
experience in land management OR forestry. For the right candidate we can offer a package of
in-house training.

The Candidate

Your previous skills, interests and experience within conservation and land management sector
need to reflect the responsibilities of this role. We do not require
specialist ecology or conservation qualifications but are looking for someone who is observant
of the environment and is a quick learner.

Previous practical experience in OR supervision of vegetation management and chainsaw felling
should be referenced within your submission.

Essential Professional and Technical experience:

• Experience in conservation, forestry, or environmental land management.
• A good understanding of health and safety in forestry (UKFS, UKWAS, FISA).
• Experience of working in a small team.
• Ability to work in all weathers and conditions.
• Aptitude and enthusiasm for learning and developing new skills.
• Basic IT skills, including competence in the use of Microsoft 365 Office applications.
• Full current UK driving licence

Desirable Professional and Technical experience:

• Relevant qualification in conservation, forestry or environmental land management.
• Experience of working on / supervising operational sites.
• Experience in the use of GIS.
• Practical experience and certificates in chainsaw felling and vegetation management.

Apply by 21st January on Civil Service Jobs.