JOB SUMMARY

Forestry and Land Scotland is a Scottish Government agency that manages Scotland’s national forests and land (NFL). While a large proportion of our work involves timber production, we reinvest income into management of the NFL for the benefit of Scotland’s economy, environment and society.
The South Region is the largest timber producer of all FLS’ regions (currently over 1 million cubic metres of timber per year) so it’s a very busy place to be, and we balance this with a number of other management objectives, including maintenance of world class visitor hotspots. In recent years, we have faced challenges around tree health and invasive non-native species, the control of which is part of our work. This is mixed with opportunities to create new woodland and improve habitats, and a significant programme of peatland restoration. The Region looks after Scheduled Monuments, has extensive areas of open hill ground, and manages a number of Designated sites. Other significant activities include restoration of Plantation on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS), management for key species including red squirrel, pine marten, black grouse and a range of raptor species, and renewable energy developments.
This post of Environment Forester is in the Scottish Borders area of FLS South Region, based from the Selkirk office.
The Environment Forester role is an integral part of the planning and environment team in the region. At its core, the role is responsible for providing environmental expertise and advice to support the delivery of core work programmes and strategic sustainable land management planning It is interesting and challenging work which balances facilitation of core work programmes whilst seeking opportunities to positively contribute to the climate change/biodiversity crisis and manage the estate for optimal environmental benefit. The role also includes working with others to identify external funding and partnership working opportunities to help develop a portfolio of environment projects.
You will be provided with training opportunities and mentoring and will be working alongside experienced team members to help you settle into the role.

JOB DESCRIPTION

You will be part of a team of three Environment Foresters across the region who support the Regional Environment Advisor in the delivery of the Region’s core work programmes (timber harvesting, restocking, civil engineering, and deer control ) and environmental objectives. You will help to deliver a strategic approach to environmental conservation and management, and ensure consistency, continuity, and compliance. Working within the Scottish Borders operational hub team based in Selkirk, you will liaise with colleagues from all business functions, providing advice on habitat, species and heritage management, pursuing funding opportunities and helping to build business plans.
We are looking for a great communicator and team player who is good at finding practical solutions, reaching compromises where necessary but clearly identifying and advising on our responsibilities to protect the environment.

NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements

Other