Location
Bucks Horn Oak, Farnham

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£26,959 per annum

About the Role
Sustainable forestry in England is key to mitigating climate change, responding to the biodiversity crisis, ensuring long-term timber supplies, improving mental and physical wellbeing, and providing a resilient and beautiful landscape. If you are passionate about forestry's role in creating a better future for England and want to play a key part in this, we want to hear from you.

The Development Woodland Officer programme is an exciting new career pathway into the forestry sector through the Level 6 Professional Forester Degree Apprenticeship. Designed for those seeking a forestry career, including individuals without prior experience, this 3-year programme combines academic study with practical experience and on-the-job training.

You will develop the skills and knowledge required to become a modern Professional Forester through a rigorous academic programme and practical forestry work. The programme includes bimonthly residential training blocks led by the University of Cumbria, enrichment training from Forestry Commission specialists, on-the-job learning within an Area Team, and opportunities for wider sector placements.

On successful completion, you will earn a Level 6 Professional Forester Apprenticeship, a BSc (Hons) Professional Forester degree, and the potential to gain Chartered Forester status with the Institute of Chartered Foresters, alongside three years’ work experience. This will prepare you for a professional career in forestry, including planning, advising, managing, and supervising forestry activities and operations.

You will build capability across four key areas:
1. Expanding woodland cover: promoting woodland creation benefits, supporting design and delivery, administering Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations, and processing grant applications.
2. Protecting existing trees and woodlands: administering felling licences, supporting EIA processes for deforestation and infrastructure, applying Habitats Regulations, and advising on environmental legislation.
3. Improving woodland condition and resilience: advocating active management, supporting pest and disease responses, building climate resilience, and facilitating sector collaboration.
4. Engaging partners, stakeholders, and the public: building partnerships and promoting the value of trees and woodland management.

Experience
No prior forestry experience is required. Genuine interest in sustainable woodland and land management is essential. Experience or knowledge of sustainable woodland management is desirable.

About you
You should be motivated to learn through structured training and practical experience, have strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, and be competent in Microsoft Office applications. Clear written and verbal communication skills are essential. You must have the ability to engage with academic learning and demonstrate a genuine passion for sustainable forestry.

Qualifications
Minimum entry requirements include GCSE English and Maths at grade C/4 or equivalent and a minimum of 96 UCAS points (evidence required). Candidates with overseas qualifications should provide equivalent details. Applicants without the minimum UCAS points are not eligible to apply. A full current UK driving licence is required or the intention to obtain one before the programme start date.