We are Forestry England

Forestry England looks after the nations forests with the aim that everyone in England should feel connected to them. For over 100 years, we have been growing, shaping and caring for over 1,500 of our nations forests for the benefit and enjoyment of all, for this generation and the next. As part of our national Growing the Future strategy and Biodiversity Plan we are looking to restore fully-functioning ecosystems. Recovering species diversity and abundance is a key part of ensuring the nations forests are the most valuable places for wildlife in England, in turn enabling resilience in the face of climate change and offering associated socio-economic benefits.

Our national Forest Wilding Programme is supporting delivery of conservation translocation projects across our districts, from planning and feasibility through to delivery and post-release monitoring. Translocations enable species restoration where natural recovery is not possible, or unlikely within a reasonable timeframe. International and national guidance (e.g. IUCN, Defra) exists to support best practice and evidence-based decision-making to optimise project success.

Kielder Forest is a hub of nature recovery, home to breeding populations of osprey, pine marten and red squirrel, all monitored and supported in their recovery as part of a diverse, multi-purpose forest. Projects such as the restoration of the Border Mires, native woodland restoration at Kielder Wildwood, reintroduction of the water vole and more recently the PRISM Landscape Recovery project are helping to make this landscape, in conjunction with our partners, a leading location for wildlife to thrive. This landscape also inspires passion and debate. Species translocation projects, by their nature, introduce a change and elements of uncertainty to the environment we manage. Inevitably they can attract a range of perspectives from stakeholders, which we must understand and consider at all stages of project design development and assessment.  

About this role

The team of FE staff and partners in Kielder Forest have a successful heritage of nature recovery and community engagement, supported by our national leads, long-term monitoring and award-winning academic research. This role looks to build on that foundation, and will encompass both ecological and social elements, including wildlife monitoring, public engagement and project management.

It will manage delivery of species recovery efforts in line with our National Forest Wilding Programme priority species, specifically the European wildcat, also known as the woodcat.

This is a species that was once present throughout Britain but has been pushed to the brink of extinction with no viable populations remaining. Reintroduction is the only tool at hand to facilitate the return of the wildcat to its former range and is an option currently being considered for Kielder Forest. As a European Protected Species and mesopredator, it is vital that the potential presence of wildcat in the Borders landscape be considered from a socio-economic as well as ecological angle, reflecting the wide variety of stakeholders and land uses present including protected areas, agriculture, and forestry. This role will also involve working with other protected species that have returned to Kielder and gaining skills with experienced naturalists.

Purpose of Job

Desk-based social, biological and ecological feasibility has recently been completed and indicates Kielder Forest could be a suitable location for European wildcat reintroduction, subject to further site-based feasibility and consultation. The postholder will lead on taking forward recommended next steps. This will include public and stakeholder engagement, ecological monitoring and, dependent on ongoing feasibility outputs, development of reintroduction plans. The postholder is also expected to support staff and partners working on the restoration of other species in line with national and local priorities, such as pine martens and water voles.

Key work areas

You will:

• Lead ongoing development and feasibility of species recovery; whilst supporting ongoing species recovery efforts such as water voles.
• Plan and undertake necessary ecological surveys to inform decision-making, including coordinating volunteers and contractors; ensuring Forestry England procurement and contract management regulations are followed throughout.
• Maintain and produce project documentation and reporting, including managing and reporting on budgeting and expenditure.
• Work closely and communicate effectively with: the North England Forest District team including Ecologists, Foresters and Recreation colleagues; the national Forest Wilding Programme team and Network; and collaborative project partners.
• Build and maintain good relationships with partners in statutory and eNGO nature conservation organisations.
• Develop and deliver engagement events and consultations with stakeholders and the public through a variety of creative mediums.
• Ensure adherence to national and international guidelines for reintroductions and other species translocations (IUCN, 2013; Defra, 2021) and evidenced best-practice.
• Identify and lead on production of any licence requirements and assessments, e.g. Habitats Regulations Assessments.
• Be a champion of species recovery within the nations forests and wider landscapes, providing rigorous, practical advice to colleagues, partners, and stakeholders.

Experience, skills and knowledge

Essential 

• Experience working on development and/or delivery of a nature conservation project, with a sound understanding of ecology and the barriers and opportunities to species recovery.
• Experience working with stakeholders and/or community groups.
• Excellent communication skills in a range of media to a variety of audiences.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to plan own time efficiently.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining good relationships and knowledge exchange with wider teams.
• Competent in IT including core Microsoft Office applications.
• A full driving licence. 

Desirable 

• Experience working on a conservation translocation project.
• Understanding of and/or experience in project management and budgeting.
• Experience of procurement and contract/contractor management.
• Familiarity with applying wildlife legislation, licencing, and guidance including for conservation translocations.
• Hold protected species licence(s).
• Member of e.g. Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management, British Ecological Society or local naturalist groups. 

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

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Working Together
• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace

• 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 average employer contribution of 27%

Job contact :

• Name : Wayne Penrose
• Email : [email protected]

Recruitment team

• Email : [email protected]