Westonbirt Arboretum - Forestry England
Area Ecologist
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Area Ecologist
Area Ecologist (Fixed Term)
We are Forestry England. We live and breathe forests.
Job Title
Area Ecologist
Salary
£30,105 per annum
Contract Type
3-year fixed-term appointment, with the possibility of extension or permanency
Hours
37 hours per week
Vacancy Closes
12th July, 23:58
About the Role
We’re a passionate team of foresters, professionals, and experts— working every day to ensure the nation’s forests provide the most valuable places for wildlife and nature to thrive. Our Area Ecologists play a critical role in achieving this vision by delivering ecological advice, monitoring habitats, and supporting sustainability efforts.
Reporting to the District Ecologist, this position is based at Bank House, Coleford, Forest of Dean (GL16 8BA).
You’ll work with operational teams to ensure policies align with wildlife legislation, biodiversity policy, and best practice, advising on species and habitat management. Your role includes monitoring, data collection, and environmental impact assessments.
Most importantly, through your work, you’ll help connect people—forests for people to enjoy, wildlife to flourish, and business to grow.
For full details about responsibilities and requirements, see the Forestry England Job Description (PB6).
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Key Responsibilities
- Provide ecological advice to operational teams to ensure biodiversity and legally designated sites are managed correctly.
- Monitor and report data on habitats, species, and conservation projects.
- Support planning and recreation teams in decision-making to balance environmental, social, and operational needs.
- Advocate for nature-based solutions, inspiring colleagues and partners to build a healthier environment.
- Work collaboratively across professional bodies and stakeholders.
Where You’ll Work
Physical Location: Bank House, Coleford, GL16 8BA (and site-based work)
Benefits
Beyond your salary, Forestry England offers:
- Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension Scheme: Contribution of 28.97%.
- Holiday Entitlement: 25 days annually, increasing by one day each year up to 30 days (pro-rated for part-time) + public holidays.
- STaR Employee Benefits Package:
- Discounts on groceries, medical and car insurance, tickets, apparel, travel, and utilities
- Free on-site parking and free entry to Forestry England’s National Arboretums (Westonbirt & Bedgebury).
- Career development: Professional growth through funding, certifications, and mentorship programs.
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Application Process
- Submit a 200-word career history statement and a 500-word personal statement.
- Selection based on combination of experience, background and aptitude.
- Assessed areas during interview:
- Working Together
- Delivering At Pace
- Seeing the Big Picture
Success is contingent on passing:
A criminal record check and government baseline personnel security standard check.
If you require reference adjustments email: fcrecruitmentteam@forestryengland.uk
Nationality & Civil Service Requirements
- Must have the ability to speak English fluently and confidently.
- Actively maintains an equal, fair, and merit-based recruitment practice per Civil Service Commissioners.
Learn more about Civil Service’s Disability Employee Process, Great Place to Work initiative, and more here: (insert-links-if-available).
**Funding & Post)");
The role is financially backed by DEFRA, providing continuity while also subject to annual government financial evaluations. Forestry England must retain staff where possible should future budgets change.
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