Forestry Commission
Works Supervisor - Thetford
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Works Supervisor - Thetford
Work Supervisor (Beat Forester Support) – Forestry England
Location: Santon Downham, East of England, IP27 0TJ
Job Summary
In a Beat team, the Work Supervisor supports the Beat Forester in planning, organising, supervising, and monitoring operational programmes delivered by Beat Craftspeople and contractors. This role adheres to Forestry England’s environmental, safety, and quality standards—aligned with UKFS (UK Forestry Standard), UKWAS (UK Woodland Assurance Standard), and FISA (Forest Industry Safety Accord).
The work is dynamic and diverse, requiring effective team coordination while adapting to prioritise shifting demands and deliver planned programmes. The Work Supervisor balances responsibilities across:
- Supervising operational tasks on-site
- Assisting Beat Craftspeople with practical work
- Conducting independent fieldwork and forestry assessments
- Managing administrative and office-based work
Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities
Daily Operational Support
- Assist the Beat Forester in managing day-to-day operations by organising and supervising forestry activities to meet quality, safety, and efficiency standards.
- Act as a visible leadership presence, reinforcing health and safety culture and embodying the core value of “Look out and look after”.
- Train and mentor the Beat team, demonstrating effective communication and practical guidance.
- Collect and analyse site measurements/observations to inform decisions and update records.
Key Supervisory Tasks
Broad responsibilities vary by season and priorities but may include:
- Conduct forest surveys, assessments, marking, and measuring tasks to guide programme planning and monitor outcomes.
- Ground-truth and update forest inventories and mapped features for accuracy.
- Collaborate with the Beater Forester to plan and organise work programmes and draft job specifications, tender documents, and contracts.
- Ensure a safe working culture by enforcing protocols and overseeing compliance.
- Maintain strong collaborative relationships with contractors, stakeholders, and the public for efficient operations.
- Monitor and supervise staff and contractors to guarantee adherence to work specifications, H&S requirements, and forestry standards—including site monitoring diaries.
- Perform FISA audits to validate forestry standards, competency, and compliance.
- Mentor and support Beat Craftspeople, ensuring high-quality output.
- Maintain yard, estate, and equipment safety; oversee stock control and materials management.
- Facilitate legally compliant waste handling, storage, and disposal.
- Lead hazard tree surveys and organise remedial actions, as needed.
- Complete additional duties required by your line manager.
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Person Specification
Essential Skills, Knowledge & Experience
- Proven supervisory and contractual compliance expertise to ensure quality and safety.
- Experience delivering work to tight deadlines with flexibility.
- Strong understanding of UKFS and UKWAS principles.
- Practical knowledge of forestry safety (risk assessments, FISA protocols, lone-working rules).
- Competence in office software (spreadsheets, documentation).
- Strong interpersonal skills for teammates, contractors, and stakeholders.
- Experience in teamwork, coaching, and hands-on leadership.
Desirable Experience
- Hands-on experience with forestry operations.
- Proficiency in GIS systems.
Qualifications
- Essential: Valid UK driving licence.
- Desirable: Formal forestry education/qualification.
Benefits
- Base salary: £30,105
- Employer contributes £8,721 to Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension.
- Learning & development tailored to your role.
- Flexible working options and supportive, inclusive culture.
- Full Civil Service pension (28.97% employer contribution).
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Selection Process
Application Stages
- Written Statement (200 words): Explain your relevant experience and career progression.
- Personal Statement (500 words max): Detail skills, motivations, and cultural fit.
- Sifting Review: Evaluates application materials.
- Interview: Focuses on behaviours and strengths-based questions.
Assessed Behaviours
- Seeing the big picture
- Managing a quality service
- Communicating and influencing
- Delivering at pace
Interview Details
- Conducted at Santon Downham, IP27 0TJ.
- May include practical forestry assessments.
Additional Requirement Checks
- Criminal record check.
- Baseline personnel security standard check.
- Medical evaluation.
Eligibility
widely open to:
- UK citizens & Irish nationals
- Commonwealth citizens with UK work rights
- EU/EEA applicants with EUSS status or proof of eligible settlement applications
- Turkish nationals (as per civil service guidelines)
Support Available
The Civil Service embraces inclusion and diversity. This role is administered through Great Place to Work for Veterans and welcomes applicants with unspent convictions.
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Email Contact
Job Recruitment Email: fcrecruitmentteam@forestryengland.uk General Recruitment Inquiries: fcerecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk HR Support: englandhr.services@forestryengland.uk
N.B.: Application candidates should review pre-employment guidelines on appropriate AI usage.
Disclaimer
This posting is not regulated by the Civil Service Commission and supervised by Forestry England’s Selection Office. Fair competition and merit-based appointments adhere to Civil Service Recruitment Principles. For concerns, appeal via englandhr.services@forestryengland.uk.
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