Location
Central England - This role can be based at any Forestry England office located centrally in England. Blended working is a possibility.

Hours
37 hours per week

Salary
£33,854 per annum

About the Role
Forestry England cares for the nation’s forests for people, nature, and the economy. Our volunteers and partners play a vital role in connecting communities with nature and supporting the management and enhancement of the nation’s forests across England. This role is part of Forestry England’s National Community Partnership and Volunteer Team and reports directly to the Project Manager for Volunteering. As a Defra funded post within a Forestry England–wide project, the Project Officer Volunteering will provide essential operational support to deliver high quality, safe, and inclusive volunteer programmes that contribute to the aims of the Nature Recovery Programme and the organisation’s Volunteer Strategy.

Forestry England has bold ambitions to be a leading force for nature recovery. Our progress is real and measurable: FSC certified since 1999, WWF’s 'Gift to the Earth' award in 2001, commitments to restore all ancient woodlands in 2007 and 11,000 hectares of open habitats in 2013. In 2022 we launched our first Biodiversity Plan with a clear goal to make the nation’s forests the most valuable places for wildlife to thrive and expand in England. This role supports these ambitions by strengthening volunteer engagement and community partnerships.

Forestry England is a passionate team of foresters, professionals, and experts dedicated to growing the nation’s forests for everyone. We create amazing places and experiences, provide vital homes for wildlife, improve air quality, and produce sustainable timber. Join us and help make a positive difference for people and the environment.

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. STaR, our employee benefits scheme, offers discounts on supermarket shopping, hotels, clothing, mobile phones, insurance, holidays, gym memberships, household bills, and wellbeing apps.

Additional benefits include free parking at Forestry England sites and free entry to National Arboretums at Westonbirt and Bedgebury. We are committed to lifelong learning and career development through continual professional development, support for individual learning plans, and sponsored membership of professional bodies.

Experience
Experience in managing or supporting volunteer programmes or community engagement activities is desirable. Proven ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and deliver projects to agreed outcomes is important.

About you
You will be passionate about nature and community involvement, with excellent communication and organisational skills. You should be motivated, adaptable, and able to work both independently and as part of a team. A commitment to promoting safe, inclusive, and high-quality volunteer experiences is essential.

Qualifications
There are no formal qualification requirements for this role, but relevant experience in volunteering, community development, environmental conservation, or project management will be advantageous.