Location
Central London with blended working arrangements considered within England.

Hours
37 hours per week

Salary
£32,089 – £32,724

About the Role
Forestry England is dedicated to growing the nation’s forests, planting around 1,000 hectares of new woodland each year to support carbon sequestration, biodiversity, sustainable timber production, and resilient landscapes for future generations. As an Ecologist, you will join the fast-paced Woodland Creation team, playing a key role in shaping the future of landscape-scale woodland expansion. You will support the evaluation, planning, and delivery of woodland creation projects across England, ensuring designs meet regulatory requirements and best practice. This involves close collaboration with colleagues and external stakeholders throughout project development and delivery. The role is primarily desk-based but requires travel across England to visit sites and attend meetings, with occasional overnight stays. This is a fixed-term appointment until 31 March 2028, with the possibility of extension or permanency but no guarantee.

About Forestry England
We are foresters, professionals, and experts passionate about making a positive difference for people and the environment. Together, we use our scale and expertise to grow the nation’s forests for everyone, adapting landscapes for tomorrow while creating amazing places and experiences today. We provide vital homes for wildlife, improve air quality, and produce sustainable timber.

Benefits
Alongside your salary, Forestry England contributes an average of 28.97% towards your pension through the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension Scheme. You will receive 25 days holiday per year, increasing by one day per year of service up to 30 days (pro-rated for part-time employees), plus bank holidays. STaR, our employee benefits scheme, offers discounts on everyday shopping, holidays, gym memberships, insurance, and wellbeing apps. Free parking is available at Forestry England sites, along with free entry to National Arboretums at Westonbirt and Bedgebury. We are committed to lifelong learning and career development, supporting continual professional development, individual learning plans, and sponsored membership of professional bodies.

Experience
Experience in ecological assessment, planning, or woodland creation projects is desirable. Ability to work collaboratively with internal teams and external stakeholders is essential.

About you
You are passionate about forestry and ecology, motivated to contribute to large-scale woodland expansion and environmental sustainability. You have strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects. Flexibility to travel across England and occasionally stay overnight is required. You demonstrate excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Qualifications
A relevant degree or equivalent qualification in ecology, environmental science, forestry, or a related discipline is expected. Professional membership of ecological or environmental bodies is advantageous.