Gateshead Council
Woodland Creation Officer
Salary: £35,000 per annum
Woodland cover in Gateshead extends to over 15%, significantly more than the current national average for England. As part of its response to the climate and biodiversity emergencies, Gateshead Council has committed to planting 100,000 trees by 2030 and increasing woodland cover in the borough to 17% by 2050. In addition, the Council owns approx. 900ha of existing woodland comprising ancient semi-natural, PAWS, secondary and community woodland.
The Council is therefore seeking a self-motivated, experienced and organised person, who specialises in woodland creation, to join its multi-disciplinary Built and Natural Environment Team.
In the role you will co-ordinate the delivery of woodland creation on Council land in and around the Gateshead area.
To effectively carry this out, you will act as a strong advocate for woodland creation within the Council and adopt a positive approach when interacting with external partners and the public to build effective relationships and team working; whilst being able to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing.
You must have a degree or Higher National Diploma or other relevant qualification in a land management/countryside discipline and a full driving licence and/or ability to travel around the Gateshead area is essential.
You will be required to demonstrate extensive woodland creation experience with a proven track record in successful project management. Experience writing and delivering Forestry Commission approved grant applications are also a must, as well as previous contractor engagement and the delivery of tree planting schemes experience.
An understanding of the issues and challenges facing the forestry sector as well as knowledge of landscape scale approaches to the protection and enhancement of natural heritage is also required.
Although you will be working via Gateshead Council Built and Natural Environment Team, your employment will be via Community Forest Trust (CFT).
These roles also offer a competitive rate of pay, generous annual leave of 33 days and offers the opportunity to work alongside an experienced and enthusiastic team who are passionate about the future of our trees and natural environment here in Gateshead.
If you are interested in the role, please send a CV and cover letter to hr@cf-trust.org. The deadline for this advertisement will be 20th March 2023.
Closing Date: 20/03/2023 Location: Gateshead, Tyne and Wear