Forest Creation Manager - Forest of Marston Vale

The Forest of Marston Vale Trust is seeking an experienced and motivated Forest Creation Manager to lead the delivery of large-scale tree planting, woodland creation and habitat enhancement projects across Bedfordshire and the surrounding area. This is an exciting opportunity to play a leading role in one of the region's most significant environmental programmes and help deliver a greener future for all.

About the Role

Within the role, you will lead the Trust's Forest Creation work, including the delivery of the multi-million-pound Trees for Climate programme.

Trees for Climate is the most significant Forest Creation programme in the 30-year history of the Forest of Marston Vale, representing the dominant funding source for woodland creation and tree planting activity across the Forest. In this pivotal role, you will work closely with farmers, landowners, partner organisations and stakeholders to secure new woodland creation opportunities and successfully implement environmental projects across the Forest landscape.

You will also provide leadership and support to Forest Creation Officers and work collaboratively with colleagues and partners to deliver Forest Plan objectives.

This is a full-time position of 37.5 hours per week, across a fixed term of three-years in line with the Trees for Climate funding stream.

The role will require regular travel in and around Bedfordshire and applicants are therefore required to hold a full driving licence.

In return, we offer a competitive starting salary of up to £45,000 (experience dependant) 25 days holiday (plus bank/public holidays) and a pension scheme, plus the chance to be part of a small, high-performing, professional team that are passionate about improving the environment and have an enviable track record in delivering great results.

Key duties & responsibilities include:

• Lead the successful delivery of woodland creation and tree planting programmes.
• Manage the Trust's Trees for Climate programme, including performance, budgets, monitoring and reporting requirements.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with farmers, landowners, land agents and key partners.
• Provide expert advice on woodland creation, forestry and environmental funding opportunities.
• Lead and support staff, contractors, volunteers and consultants involved in project delivery.
• Work with external partners including the Forestry Commission, Natural England, local authorities and sector organisations.
• Contribute to strategic planning, funding development and future environmental initiatives.
• Represent the Trust at local, regional and national events and forums

More detailed information on the duties of the role can be found in the full job description upon request.

About You

We're looking for someone who combines technical expertise with outstanding interpersonal and leadership skills. This includes:

Essential Experience and Skills

• Degree-level qualification in forestry, countryside management, land management or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Strong professional experience in forestry, land management or the natural environment sector.
• Experience delivering woodland creation, habitat enhancement or environmental projects.
• Proven project and programme management experience, including budget management.
• Experience leading and supporting staff and project teams.
• Strong relationship-building skills and experience working with farmers, landowners and land agents.
• Excellent communication, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Good understanding of woodland creation, environmental grants and land-based sectors.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for business use.

It would also be beneficial for your application and success in the role if you hold the following desirable skills and experience:

• Professional membership of the Institute of Chartered Foresters or another relevant professional body.
• Project management qualification.
• Five or more years' relevant professional experience.
• Experience with grant administration and monitoring.
• Experience working with community forest initiatives.
• GIS knowledge and experience.
• Familiarity with the Woodland Carbon Code.

Please note that due to the nature of the role and stakeholder engagement, appointment may be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at the appropriate level and/or any equivalent safeguarding checks required for the role.

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