Job Description

Details

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Reference number

429628

Salary

42,467
GBP

Job grade

Other

Contract type

Permanent

Business area

FLS - Land Management

Type of role

Other

Working pattern

Full-time

Number of jobs available

2

Contents

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Location About the job Things you need to know Apply and further information

Location

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Ae, Scotland, DG1 1QB : Newton Stewart, Scotland, DG8 6AJ : Selkirk, Scotland, TD7 5NY

About the job

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Job summary

Forestry and Land Scotland is a Scottish Government agency that manages Scotland's national forests and land (NFL). While a large proportion of our work involves timber production, we reinvest income into management of the NFL for the benefit of Scotland's economy, environment and society.



These posts of Regional Environment Advisor (REA) are based in either South Region (from the Scottish Borders to the Island of Arran) or Central Region (from the Cowal Peninsula to Fife), both extremely diverse areas with many habitat types including Atlantic Rainforest, commercial conifer forest, peatlands, ancient woodlands, open hill ground and restored former open-cast coal mining sites.



The REA is a key leadership role and integral part of the planning and environment team in the region. At its core, the role is responsible for providing environmental expertise and advice to the regional team to inform land management planning and programming of future works on the National Forests and Land. It is interesting and challenging work which balances facilitation of the regional core work programmes whilst seeking opportunities to positively contribute to the climate change/biodiversity crisis and manage the estate for optimal environmental benefit. The role also includes working with others to identify external funding and partnership working opportunities to develop a portfolio of 'shovel-ready' environment projects.



Both South and Central Regions balance traditional timber production with a number of other management objectives, including maintenance of world class visitor hotspots. In recent years, we have faced challenges around tree health and invasive non-native species, the control of which is part of our work. This is mixed with opportunities to create new woodland and habitats on vacant and derelict land, and a significant programme of peatland restoration. The Regions look after Scheduled Monuments, have extensive areas of open hill ground, and manage a number of European Designated sites. Other significant activities include new woodland creation, restoration of Plantation on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS), management for key species including red squirrel, pine marten, black grouse and a range of raptor species, and renewable energy developments.



The successful candidate will be based in one of the regional offices: Central Region - West Calder or Aberfoyle; South Region - Straiton (Ayrshire), Newton Stewart, Dumfries, Ae or Selkirk. As the roles have a regional remit there will be an expectation to travel in support of team members and ongoing projects.

Job description

The Regional Environment Advisor (REA) leads the region's environment team and ensures it integrates effectively with other teams, enabling key work programmes to be achieved and remain compliant under environmental law and guidance. The REA is also responsible for developing strategic environmental directions, programmes, and priorities (particularly in relation to priority habitat and species programmes and land management plans)





This role is focussed on supporting the region to achieve its core programmes: timber harvesting, restocking, civil engineering, and deer control. You will also lead the strategic approach to environmental conservation and management, and ensure consistency, continuity, and compliance. The REA will act as a link between National Environment Advisors and the Regional Planning Teams to help to prioritise and deliver national policies and objectives in a regionally relevant and pragmatic way. The REA will also represent FLS in liaison with national, regional, and local stakeholders.



You'll play an integral role in driving forward improvements to environmental programming. Much of this work forms part of substantial projects supporting Scottish Government key objectives on climate change, such as peatland restoration, expanding native woodland and improving the biodiversity value of a wide range of woodland and open habitats - you'll take the lead on managing and supporting these projects, working with the national team to draw up plans to ensure benefits are delivered and recorded and helping to manage the peatland project pipeline.

Person specification

Experience

Essential:

Demonstrable experience of team leadership; Strong understanding of priority and protected habitats and species in the UK context, as well as mechanisms for protection and good practice; Experience of advising on and managing issues relating to European and UK protected and priority species and habitats; Experience of providing successful mitigation advice; Demonstrable experience of engaging with, and developing strong working relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.

Desirable:

Experience of coordinating protected species surveys or undertaking monitoring of those species and associated habitats; Experience of working (facilitation, engagement, and coordination) with external stakeholders to deliver partnership projects; Demonstrable understanding of priority and protected habitats and species, and their legislation, policy and protection mechanisms, in the Scottish context; Demonstrable experience of managing either large-scale budgets or multiple project budgeting; Preparation of environmental or land management plans.

Technical

Essential:

Qualification to degree or equivalent in a relevant environmental or land management based subject; Experience in land management and conservation and providing appropriate advice; Demonstrable experience of communicating effectively both in writing and verbally; Confident in basic Microsoft Office Packages; Competent user of Geographic Information Systems (GIS).


Desirable:

Knowledge of native woodland management and conservation, or of open habitat management and conservation (e.g. peatland); Experience in undertaking some specific species or habitat surveys (for example Phase 1 Habitat survey, red squirrel, badger, great crested newt, bats, and/or bird monitoring); Knowledge of the scope of current Forestry and Land Scotland guidance for protection of species, habitats and heritage in forests; Experience of contributing to Construction Environmental Management Plans (CEMP) or undertaking an ECoW monitoring regime with clear outcomes; Membership (Associate or Full) of CIEEM, ICF or other relevant professional body, or a commitment to achieve full membership within two years of commencement of the role.

Things you need to know

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Selection process details

Please see our recruitment portal for further details.



Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:


UK nationals nationals of the Republic of Ireland nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020 Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.



We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles .
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy .

Apply and further information

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Contact point for applicants

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Job contact :

Name : Colin Binnie Email : colin.binnie@forestryandland.gov.scot
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Recruitment team

* Email : resourcing@forestryandland.gov.scot