Woodland Surveyor

Job summary

Reporting to the Planning and Environment Officer, Planning Team, the Woodland Surveyor will carry out and supervise a programme of woodland surveys within the South England Forest District to collect relevant mensuration data, plant density assessments and other inventory-related surveys as required. You will need to assist in updating the sub compartment database with data collected from the field. You will work with colleagues and contractors across the District and information derived from the surveys will be used to inform both Forest plans and Forestry England operations where appropriate.

Job description

Reporting to the Planning and Environment Officer within the Planning Team, the Woodland Surveyor will deliver and supervise a programme of woodland inventory and mensuration surveys across South England Forest District.

The role is responsible for collecting, maintaining and quality assuring woodland inventory data to support Forest Planning, sustainable forest management and operational decision-making. Working closely with colleagues, contractors and operational teams, the Woodland Surveyor will ensure that survey information is collected consistently, managed accurately and incorporated into Forestry England's inventory systems in a timely manner.

Information derived from surveys will be used to inform Forest Plans, timber forecasting, operational programmes and wider Forestry England activities.

Key Work Areas

• Survey agreed woodland areas using Forestry England survey methodologies, ensuring that relevant mensuration variables such as basal area, stocking, crop condition and other stand characteristics are accurately recorded.
• Collate inventory information and prepare maps and survey packs for field-based survey work.
• Process, analyse and summarise survey data ready for incorporation into Forestry England's inventory systems.
• Update the sub-compartment database with mensuration data and other crop or component changes identified through survey work.
• Carry out natural regeneration and plant density assessments.
• Work with the Harvesting and Marketing Team and other colleagues to develop annual survey programmes and ensure inventory data is available to support operational planning and Operational Site Assessments.
• Monitor, supervise and quality assure contractor-delivered survey programmes, providing technical advice as required and ensuring work is completed safely, on time and to the required standard.
• Audit the quality of survey data and survey outputs produced by contractors and share findings with the Planning Team.
• Maintain accurate survey records and ensure all data is managed in accordance with Forestry England procedures.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of inventory and survey processes across the district.

Responsibilities

• Take personal responsibility for health, safety and wellbeing and work in accordance with Forestry England health and safety policies and procedures.
• Build effective working relationships with colleagues, contractors and partners.
• Ensure work is delivered to a high standard of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Manage competing priorities to deliver survey programmes within agreed timescales.

Person specification

Essential

• Competent user of IT systems, including Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Experience of forest mensuration, woodland inventory and field surveying techniques.
• Good knowledge of tree species identification and woodland silviculture.
• Familiarity with a range of forest mensuration equipment and the ability to demonstrate competence in its use.
• Experience of collecting, managing and analysing field survey data.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently while maintaining high standards of accuracy.
• Excellent attention to detail and record-keeping skills.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel throughout the district.

Desirable

• Experience of GIS software, such as ArcGIS or QGIS.
• Advanced Excel skills, including data analysis and reporting.
• Experience of managing or supervising contractors.
• Knowledge of Forestry England inventory systems and forest planning processes.
• Experience of working within a forestry, woodland management or land management environment.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £30,105, Forestry Commission contributes £8,721 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).

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

We cannot accept applications via email. Please follow the steps outlined below. Any CVs and/or personal statements sent outside the system will not be considered for shortlisting.

You will be asked to write a 200 word statement on your relevant experience and career history, along with a personal statement of no more than 500 words. You will be assessed on both during sifting. More details about how to apply are listed on the application form.

The Behaviours being assessed at interview are –

• Making Effective Decisions
• Delivering at Pace
• Working Together
• Managing a Quality Service

You may also be assessed on Experience, Strength based questions, and/or the Technical Success Profile at the interview. The technical element could include a presentation, practical or written task.

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

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) 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