Forest Planner

What youll do...

As a Forest Planner with Forestry England, you will help shape the long-term future of some of Englands most diverse and valued landscapes. Youll lead the development of forest management plans that set the direction for how our woodlands are cared for over the next decades, balancing objectives for biodiversity, forest resilience, sustainable timber production and public access. Working collaboratively with colleagues across Forestry England and a wide range of external partners, youll bring together evidence, data and professional judgement to produce UKFS‑compliant Forest Plans and help maintain our UKWAS certification.

The role combines strategic planning with practical delivery. Youll use GIS and field surveys to inform decisions, consult widely with stakeholders, and support operational teams by providing high-quality data, mapping and specialist advice. Some of your time will be spent outdoors, often working independently, with flexibility to manage your own workload. Youll be part of a supportive district team and a national network of forest planning professionals, with access to tailored training, mentoring and development opportunities to grow your expertise and career.

Where youll work...

The role will be based in the Chilterns office near Aston Clinton HP22 5NF, with flexibility for some optional blended working. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas.

The district consists of myriad of habitats from the largest productive coniferous forest, mixed broadleaved woodlands, heathland, chalk and acid grasslands, to streams in diverse landscapes in south-east of England. We are in the forefront of the climate change pressures, but also of the pro-active planning to ensure that the forests thrive and continue to support society in the future. Our plants outline long-term view of suitable silviculture systems and ambition to create more diverse, healthy and connected habitats. We are accelerating our efforts in restoring Ancient Woodlands and trialling new tree species best suited for future climate.

The role will primarily focus on Chilterns, Bedfordshire, Weald and Kent areas of the East District.

Key responsibilities & accountabilities

Forest Planning

Collect and verify data relating to Forest Plan areas to inform the forest planning process

Design and prescribe long term forest management in industry best practice Forest Plans, which deliver resilient forests ensuring that the land is sustainably managed for people, wildlife and timber

Communicate, consult and build consensus with a wide range of Forestry England staff, statutory and non-governmental organisations to ensure proposed plans are in compliance with policies, UK Woodland Assurance Standard and UK Forest Standard

Data, mapping and monitoring

Interrogate and manage Geographic information Systems

Provide support in areas of data analysis to inform business decisions, including timber production and long-term financial models

Undertake and coordinate forest and habitat surveys to improve data and maintain monitoring programme

Operational support

Support teams in areas of survey, data management and mapping to ensure all opportunities and constraints are fully considered in forest management and operational decisions

Contribute to other project teams as a forest planning specialist

Project management

Project manage a range of small to medium-sized projects related to forest planning, biodiversity, and forest resilience programmes, including project planning and the management of delegated budgets.

General responsibilities

Champion high standards of health and safety within the team, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and guidance

Be familiar with and appropriately adhere to Forestry England Policies and Procedures

Undertake any other duties, reasonably requested by the Planning Manager

The duties of this post require the applicant to sometimes travel to remote locations that are not accessible by public transport. You will therefore need to hold a full and current driving licence that enables you to drive in the UK. We are willing to consider any proposals put forward by applicants that would allow them to do the job by other means.

And any other tasks, reasonably requested by your line manager.

Skills, knowledge & experience

Essential professional and technical experience

Good team worker with the ability to work alone and use own initiative as necessary

Excellent written communication skills

Excellent verbal communication skills with an ability to bring people together and gain consensus

Working with Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to manipulate and analyse spatial data

Competent IT user with experience in MS Office suite of applications

Knowledge or experience of land / environment management issues

Desirable professional and technical experience

Knowledge and understanding of forestry industry standards and best practice, including UKWAS and UKFS

Experience managing projects, including managing budgets and project teams

Qualifications

Essential

Degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) or significant equivalent experience in forestry or land management, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), geography or environmental sciences

Full driving license that allows you to drive in the UK

Desirable

Membership of the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) or a commitment to achieve membership.