Westonbirt Arboretum - Forestry England
Species Recovery Officer
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Species Recovery Officer
Join Forestry England: Species Recovery Officer
About the Role
We are Forestry England—a team that lives and breathes forests. Species Recovery Officer (Fixed Term, 3 years / Possibility of extension/permanency)
Core Information
- Salary: £33,854 per year
- Salary Band: PB5
- Contract Type: 3-year fixed term
- Hours: 37 per week
- Close Date: Wednesday 8th July, 23:58
What the Role Involves
Forestry England’s Biodiversity Plan drives a mission: to recover nature in England’s forests. As a Species Recovery Officer, you'll play a vital role in these five priority areas while spearheading the novel Forest Wilding Programme—a coordinated effort to accelerate species recovery.
Key activities include:
- Reintroducing key species (e.g., beaver, wildcat, pine marten, white-tailed eagle, wood ant) via targeted translocation projects. These efforts bridge ecosystems where natural recovery is infeasible, leveraging international/national best practice (e.g., IUCN, Defra) to ensure project success.
- Supporting Wild Areas projects (16,000+ hectares), integrating innovative management techniques with scientific evidence to boost natural processes.
- Overseeing planning, feasibility, delivery, and post-release monitoring—ensuring ecological goals are met beyond translocation efforts.
Location & Working Arrangements
Based primarily at Forestry England’s Head Office in Coleford, Gloucestershire GL16 8BA, though other district offices may be considered. Successful applicants will undergo a formal induction at their assigned Forestry England site.
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Benefits
As part of the Civil Service, we offer a robust benefits package:
- Pension Contribution: 28.97% towards the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension Scheme
- Leave: 25 annual holiday days (pro-rated for part-time), rising by one day annually up to 30 days, plus 8 bank holidays each year.
- Employee Discounts: STaR benefits scheme (grocery stores, apparel, travel, tech, insurance, wellness services, etc.).
- Location Perks: Free parking at Forestry England sites and free entry to our National Arboretums (Westonbirt and Bedgebury)
- Professional Development: Career support through learning plans, CPD sponsorship, and networking opportunities.
See full benefits at Forestry England website.
Application Process
This role follows Civil Service recruiting standards, with commitment to diversity and inclusion (part of Great Place to Work for Veterans and Prison Leaver Recruitment initiative; Disability Confident Scheme compliant).
1. Application Requirements
You’ll need to provide:
- A 200-word closing statement on your relevant experience and career history.
- A personal statement (max. 500 words) explaining how your background aligns with the role.
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Both statements will be assessed before or during interviews.
2. Interview Focus
Selected behaviours at interview:
- Making effective decisions
- Fostering collaboration
- Working under tight deadlines (delivering at pace)
- Strategising for the bigger picture
3. Pre-Interview Checks
Successful applicants must clear:
- Criminal Record Check (CRB)
- Government Baseline Personnel Security Standard
Reserve lists may exist for this or other roles.
Additional notes on sensitivity: Income tax (critically) and immigration paradigm apply (English fluency required).
Nationality & Eligibility
Additional guidance on Citizenship requirements located here.
Closing Reminders: Under Part 7, Immigration Act 2016, applicants must possess conversational English fluency. Funded by DEFRA, this post carries niche risks related to government budget allocations—while continuity is projected, priority will protect roles if funding varies.
Apply Now
For full details, visit the linked job description. No part of this is ancillary—responsibilities extend globally where applicable (mathrm to DEC code PBSUB2036, HR Manager).
All steps comply with Civil Service Fair Competition Principles. Questions? Email: fcrecruitmentteam@forestryengland.uk.
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