HEAD OF FORESTRY DIVISION

Forest Service – Northern Ireland Civil Service
Office Location – Enniskillen (Co. Fermanagh), Northern Ireland

Forest Service is an Executive Agency of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland. The Head of Forestry Division is a senior position within the Agency and will be influential in leading and implementing all aspects of forestry work across the sector, providing assurance and advice and maintaining the confidence of industry and other stakeholders.

The Head of Forestry Division will be responsible for the development and delivery of fully integrated strategic policies and operational forestry functions, on behalf of DAERA, to provide a wide range of ecosystem services and benefits from existing and new forestry assets and programmes.

The successful candidate will make a significant contribution to DAERA’s vision of “Sustainability at the heart of a living, working, active landscape valued by everyone.” At the heart of this vision is offering a great place to work, with engaged people delivering professional services to meet society’s needs.

The post is based at Enniskillen, County Fermanagh. A hybrid style of working applies, in the context of the Northern Ireland Civil Service Hybrid Working policy, which blends working in the office, remote locations and at home.

Key Responsibilities
• Development of forestry policy options and long term forestry strategies and plans to ensure appropriate forestry contribution to the NI Climate Action Plan, including meeting afforestation and peatland restoration objectives.
• Influencing the development of external policies, strategies, UK Forestry Standards, best practice and Certification requirements.
• Regulation of forestry related legislative matters and provision of Forest Authority role.
• Stewardship of the forest estate and sustainable management of public forests, including protection of the property and assets.
• Development of marketing strategies and contract supply arrangements and oversee the management and marketing of timber sales to meet strategic and best-value objectives.
• Secure and manage appropriate budget and resources to ensure delivery of policies, strategies and operational plans, including development and service delivery through partner providers.

Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must by the closing date of applications:
1. Possess a degree in Forestry or another educational qualification* that has been assessed by the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) to meet a minimum requirement of 5 points. (*These qualifications may include those acquired outside the UK.)
AND
2. Hold current Chartered Forestry or Chartered Arboriculturist status through Professional Membership of the ICF or be a current member of a recognised professional forestry body.
AND
3. Have at least 3 years’ experience of strategic decision making and policy development at a senior management level** within a medium sized complex organisation***.
AND
4. Have at least 3 years' experience in successfully leading and directing a range of work programmes, involving a diverse range of senior management level** stakeholders and staff within a medium sized and complex organisation***.

Salary and Benefits
Salary will be within the range £65,409 - £71,353 within which pay progression will be performance related.

As Head of Forestry Division within the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) you will enjoy:
• A senior professional leadership role within the forestry sector.
• Career progression opportunities within the Department and wider Northern Ireland Civil Service.
• The NICS Hybrid Working Policy – provides flexible ways of working including a blend of home and office working.
• Generous Annual Leave and Bank Holiday Allowance.
• Attractive Northern Ireland Civil Service Pension (defined benefit career average pension scheme).

For more detailed information and to apply, please go to www.nicsrecruitment.org.uk

Completed application forms must be submitted no later than 12:00 noon (UK time) on Friday 13th September 2024.

Applications from females, young people (people under the age of 35), people with a disability and people from minority ethnic communities are particularly welcomed for this post.

The Northern Ireland Civil Service is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

ALL APPLICATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT ARE CONSIDERED STRICTLY ON THE BASIS OF MERIT.

All queries can be directed to HRConnect by:
Email: recruitment@hrconnect.nigov.net
Telephone: 0800 1 300 330


Tel: 0800 1 300 330  | E-mail: recruitment@hrconnect.nigov.net
Web: www.nicsrecruitment.org.uk |    Closing Date: Friday 13th September 2024

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