Changing the world one tree at a time. PATT Foundation works with communities across the country to create woodlands and forests to promote biodiversity and help combat climate change for a better future. We have planted over 3 million trees around the world, and we are planning to plant over 250,000 trees in the UK this year.
Due to expansion, PATT Foundation are looking for an enthusiastic, self-motivated and organised person, with specialisms and knowledge in woodland creation, to join the team based in Preston, Hull as a Woodland Creation Officer. In the role you will co-ordinate the deliver of woodland creation with Community Forests, the nursery team and our delivery partner.
You will be required to demonstrate forestry and woodland creation experience and project management, with excellent written and verbal and communication skills. Within this role you will be required to use specialised mapping software so good computer skills will be essential, although additional training will be provided.
An understanding of the issues and challenges in tree planting and woodland creation including urban forestry is beneficial, as is a knowledge of trees.
Responsibilities
Providing front line advice on diverse woodland creation:
- Engaging and enthusing landowners on how new woodland can deliver their aspirations while also delivering multifunctional benefits to the environment, society and the economy;
- Advising on funding options: grants, carbon funding, nitrate offsetting and sponsorship;
- Explaining the requirements of the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS)’s woodland design and planning requirements;
- Working as part of the wider Area teams to proactively identify and engage with landowners/agents with an interest in woodland creation;
- Supporting landowners and forestry agents in identifying consultees, sources of information and relevant contacts to facilitate the preparation of high quality UKFS compliant woodland creation design plans;
- Liaise with relevant stakeholders (tenants, NGO’s, Government organisations) to ensure plans take into account relevant views and issues;
- Administration of woodland creation proposals and grant scheme applications;
- Acting as the point of contact for Woodland Creation Planning Grant applications and Woodland Carbon Fund applications;
- Liaising with Area teams and colleagues in the Incentives Development Team over the processing of grants;
- Advising the Incentives Development Manager and Admin Officer when applications are complete or need further input from either applicants or PAt colleagues;
- Responding to queries on applications;
- Liaising with statutory consultees and Defra-group colleagues over proposals, as appropriate. Playing an active role in the Area team;
- Engaging as part of the Area team in routine activities and discussions including health and safety, team meetings, vision and culture and business change and improvement;
- Communicating and sharing lessons learned and good practice on woodland creation proposals;
- Leading and supporting local targeted initiatives aimed at promoting woodland creation opportunities;
- Developing and managing good working relationships with advisers and stakeholders;
- Cultivating relationships with advisers and consultees, specifically encouraging and facilitating proposals being shared and discussed as early as possible with relevant stakeholders;
- Presenting Government’s forestry policy clearly;
- Requesting support from National Office and Area team colleagues as required.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential:
- Competent IT user with experience of the MS Office suite of applications.
- Proven ability to communicate with clarity, conviction and enthusiasm.
Technical Skill:
- Proven knowledge and experience of upland and lowland forestry, with a focus on multifunctional woodland creation and management practice
Desirable:
- Working knowledge of the UK Forest Standard.
- Experience of delivering forestry incentives / regulations.
- Experience of working with a diverse range of stakeholders who may have conflicting views or objectives.
- Membership of (or working towards) a relevant professional institute (e.g. Institute of Chartered Foresters).
- Evidence of maintaining Continuous Professional Development.
A full driving licence and/or the ability to travel around Hull and East Yorkshire is essential.
For more information about this role and to apply, send your CV to admin@pattfoundation.org or email louise.stevenson@pattfoundation.org