Location
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8QS

Hours
37 hours per week

Salary
£33,854 per annum

About the Role
Forestry England is dedicated to growing the nation’s forests for everyone, adapting landscapes for tomorrow and creating amazing places and experiences today. The Nature Recovery Officer – Westonbirt will play a key role in this vision by providing evidence-based guidance to inform management on native tree species of conservation concern. Responsibilities include producing guidance on habitat pruning (veteranisation) of native trees, collaborating with partners such as Action Oak and the Ancient Tree Forum, and leading the production of woodland management guidance to support conservation of threatened native whitebeams, rowans and service trees (Sorbus spp.) as part of the Global Conservation Consortium, which Westonbirt leads. The role also involves trialling innovative ecological techniques in ancient woodland at Westonbirt. Westonbirt Arboretum is one of the largest pay-to-enter visitor attractions in the Southwest, welcoming over 550,000 visitors annually. It holds one of the most important plant collections globally, with over 15,000 specimens representing 2,500 taxa. The arboretum plays a vital role in tree research and conservation and includes ancient woodland designated areas with nationally important features.

Benefits
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. The STaR employee benefits scheme offers discounts on everyday shopping, holidays, insurance, gym memberships, and wellbeing apps. Free parking at Forestry England sites and free entry to National Arboretums at Westonbirt and Bedgebury are provided. Forestry England supports lifelong learning and career development through continual professional development, individual learning plans, and sponsored membership of professional bodies.

Experience
Experience relevant to conservation and woodland management is essential. Ability to provide evidence-based guidance and work collaboratively with partners is required. Experience in trialling ecological techniques and working with native tree species of conservation concern is desirable.

About you
You are passionate about nature recovery and conservation, with strong communication and collaboration skills. You are motivated to contribute to national conservation efforts and able to work effectively within a team and with external partners. You demonstrate adaptability and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Qualifications
Relevant qualifications in ecology, forestry, conservation, or a related discipline are expected. A commitment to professional development and lifelong learning is essential.