Tree Health Pilot & Planning Officer

Job summary

Trees and woodlands provide significant environmental, social and economic benefits, from carbon sequestration and biodiversity to timber production, recreation and improving public wellbeing. Protecting these valuable assets from pests and diseases is a key priority for the Forestry Commission.

The increasing impacts of climate change, international trade and global travel have heightened the risk of introducing and spreading tree pests and diseases. Threats such as ash dieback, Oak Processionary Moth, Acute Oak Decline, Phytophthora species and Ips typographus continue to challenge the resilience of England's trees and forests.

We are looking for a motivated and organised individual to join the Plant Health Forestry (PHF) team in a unique dual-role position, supporting both outbreak preparedness and the delivery of tree health grant schemes.

The successful candidate will spend approximately half their time supporting contingency planning and incident preparedness activities and half supporting the delivery of the Tree Health Pilot (THP), helping landowners manage tree health threats and recover affected woodland.

Whilst the role is expected to support both preparedness planning and THP delivery, the balance of work will be determined by business need. The postholder should be prepared to work flexibly across both areas, recognising that priorities may shift over time and that weekly allocations may not always reflect an even split between responsibilities.

Job description

Key responsibilities

Preparedness, Planning and Outbreak Response

You will support the development of Forestry Commission preparedness arrangements, ensuring systems, plans and guidance are in place to enable an effective response to future tree health incidents.

Responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the review and continuous improvement of incident management processes and procedures.
• Assisting with the development, maintenance and testing of preparedness documentation, templates and standard operating procedures.
• Supporting the development and review of pest and disease contingency plans.
• Coordinating updates, comments and version control for contingency planning documents.
• Working with internal and external stakeholders to ensure plans remain practical, accurate and aligned with wider government procedures.
• Supporting preparedness groups, workshops and exercises, including action tracking and follow-up activity.
• Developing and maintaining outbreak response resources, including communications materials, investigation tools and operational guidance.
• Assisting with lessons identified and continuous improvement activities following exercises and incidents.
• Supporting the Planning Manager during incident responses and contributing to Incident Management Teams when activated.
• Undertaking training and professional development relating to contingency planning and incident management.

Communications and Preparedness Resources

• You will help strengthen preparedness arrangements by:
• Supporting the development of communications tools and materials for potential outbreaks.
• Contributing to horizon scanning and awareness activities.
• Assisting with pest alerts and preparedness communications.
• Working with colleagues to clarify communications roles, responsibilities and escalation routes during incidents.
• Developing and maintaining outbreak response resources and supporting documentation.

Tree Health Pilot Delivery

You will support the delivery of the Tree Health Pilot grant scheme, helping landowners and land managers access support to manage tree health threats.

Responsibilities will include:

• Assisting with administration and delivery of Tree Health Pilot grants.
• Supporting applicants through the application and claims process.
• Providing guidance on eligibility requirements and scheme processes.
• Monitoring and reporting on scheme delivery and performance.
• Supporting continuous improvement through lessons learned and evaluation activities.
• Providing advice and support to woodland owners and land managers on tree health management, eligible interventions and grant application requirements.
• Working closely with colleagues across the Tree Health Incentives Delivery Team and wider Forestry Commission.

Wider Team Responsibilities

You will also:

• Build and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and external partners.
• Contribute to team projects and organisational priorities.
• Maintain accurate records and reporting information.
• Share knowledge and best practice across the Plant Health Forestry network.
• Support improvements to tree health preparedness, response capability and grant delivery.

Person specification

Essential Criteria

You will be able to demonstrate:

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Experience of planning, coordinating or administering projects or programmes.
• Experience of working in forestry, environmental land management, grant delivery or a related operational field.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to build effective working relationships with a range of stakeholders.
• Good attention to detail and experience managing information and records accurately.
• The ability to analyse information and make practical recommendations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel and Teams.
• A willingness to learn and develop knowledge of incident management, contingency planning and tree health.

Desirable Criteria

It would be beneficial if you have:

• Experience of contingency planning, emergency response or incident management.
• Knowledge of plant health, forestry, environmental management or biosecurity.
• Experience of grant administration or scheme delivery.
• Experience of managing woodland and tree health issues or advising woodland owners on woodland management and grant applications.
• Experience of developing guidance, procedures or standard operating processes.
• Knowledge of government or public sector operating environments.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Working Together
• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £37,537, Forestry Commission contributes £10,874 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
• A range of family friendly benefits.
• An environment with flexible working options.
• Learning and development tailored to your role.
• A culture which promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment.
• A range of wellbeing benefits including discounted Civil Service Healthcare,access to an Employee Assistance Programme 24/7, Bike to Work Scheme, plusmany more.
• 25 days annual leave, with 1 additional day for each years’ service up to 5 years(pro rata), plus 10.5 bank holidays/privilege days (pro rata).
• Ability to buy or sell 5 da