Development Woodland Officer (Degree Apprenticeship) - North West and West Midlands Area Team

Job summary

Sustainable forestry in England is key to mitigating the impacts of climate change, responding to the biodiversity crisis, ensuring long-term timber supplies thus reducing our reliance on imports, improving our mental and physical wellbeing, and in providing a resilient and beautiful landscape in which we can live, work and play.

If you are passionate about the role of forestry in creating a better future for England, and want to play a key part in realising that, we want to hear from you.

By joining the Forestry Commission, you will become part of a professional and committed team and be able to build on a wealth of expertise to take this ambitious work forward.

The Development Woodland Officer programme is an exciting new career pathway into the forestry sector through the degree Level 6 Professional Forester Apprenticeship Programme. It is designed for people seeking a forestry career, including those without prior experience. This 3-year programme has been developed to lead and coach through a wide range of learning activities, supported by on the job training to build on forestry experience and knowledge, not just from within the Forestry Commission but across the entire forestry sector.

Job description

You will develop the skills and knowledge required to become a modern Professional Forester through a blend of academic study and practical experience.

Although there are practical forestry elements to the work, the significant focus is on a rigorous academic programme. This is not “a walk in the woods”!

The programme includes:

• Bimonthly residential training blocks led by the University of Cumbria
• Enrichment training from Forestry Commission specialists
• On the job learning within an Area Team
• Opportunities for wider sector placements

On completion of the 3-year programme, successful graduates will earn a Level 6 Professional Forester Apprenticeship, a BSc (Hons) Professional Forester degree and the potential to gain Chartered Forester status with the Institute of Chartered Foresters, in addition to gaining 3 years’ work experience. This will provide the building blocks to continue a career in the forestry sector as a professional forester, planning, advising, managing, and supervising forestry activities and operations.

Details of the academic Professional Forester Apprenticeship course, including overview, course objectives and a prospectus can be found on the University of Cumbria website(Opens in a new window)

You will develop a sound understanding of Sustainable Forestry through academic learning and in supporting staff within your Forest Services Area Team.

You will build capability across the following areas, initially in a supportive capacity, progressing as your skills grow:

1. Expanding woodland cover:

• Promote the multiple benefits of woodland creation.
• Support the design and delivery of new woodlands.
• Administer Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations.
• Process woodland creation grant applications.

2. Protecting our existing trees and woodlands:

• Administer Forestry Act felling licences.
• Support EIA processes for deforestation and forest infrastructure.
• Apply Habitats Regulations in protected landscapes.
• Provide advice on related environmental legislation.

3. Improving the condition and resilience of our existing woodlands and wider treescape:

• Advocate active woodland management.
• Support responses to pests and diseases.
• Help build climate resilience.
• Facilitate collaboration across the forestry sector.

4. Engaging partners, stakeholders and the public:

• Build strong partnerships to expand, protect and improve woodlands.
• Promote the value of trees and woodland management to the public.

Person specification

ESSENTIAL

• Genuine interest in sustainable woodland and land management.
• Ability to engage with academic learning.
• Motivation to learn through structured training and practical experience.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills.
• Competence in Microsoft Office applications.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.

DESIRABLE

• Experience or knowledge of sustainable woodland management

Licences

The duties of this post require the applicant to have a full current driving licence that enables them to drive in the UK. If you do not currently have a driving license but intend to have one before the start of the programme in September please select Yes during the application process.

Qualifications

Minimum entry requirements are:
GCSE English and Maths at grade C/4 or equivalent
Minimum 96 UCAS points (evidence of UCAS points is required)

NOTE: If you’ve gained your qualifications overseas, please choose “Similar equivalent” in your job application and detail the Country you took the exam, Type of exam, Subject and Grading.

Some non-UK Mathematics and English qualifications do not meet the Apprenticeship Levy funding requirements and therefore candidates would need to complete additional assessments before joining the programme; this will be assessed on an individual basis.

If you do not have the minimum number of 96 UCAS points – even if you have completed a degree previously, please note that you are not eligible to apply due to new eligibility criteria.

Behaviours

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

• Making Effective Decisions
• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing
• Managing a Quality Service

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Delivering at Pace

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £26,959, Forestry Commission contributes £7,810 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• 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, plus many more.
• 25 days annual leave, with 1 additional day for each year’s service up to 5 years (pro rata), plus 10.5 bank holidays/privilege days (pro rata).
• Ability to buy or sell 5 days annual leave.
• 3 days volunteering per year (pro rata).

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

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.

We are running five parallel advertisements for five separate Area teams throughout England (some with one vacancy and some with two), and if you wish to apply to two or more Area teams you must submit multiple applications. Applicants must rank their preference for each Area team within their personal statement on every application. Applicants submitting multiple applications will have all applications sifted, but if they are successful, they will only be invited to be assessed in-person once. We reserve the right to raise the pass mark at sift for individual Area teams if a large number of applications are received, this means that those who submit more than one application may progress through the sift for some Area teams, but not in others.

This is a Temporary Appointment for 3 years with the possibility of extension or permanency but no guarantee.

Due to the funding requirements of the Apprenticeship Levy, applicants need to have been resident in the UK/EEA for at least 3 years prior to the start date of the apprenticeship to be eligible to apply.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend the interview assessment.

Written Application

As part of the application process, you will complete the following:

• A tailored CV (maximum 2 pages). Please ensure you have provided reasons for any gaps within the last two years.
• A 500 word personal statement aligned to the person specification including your order of preference. If you are submitting applications for more than one Area team this must include your area team preference: e.g.1. East and East Midlands, 2. South East and London etc.
• Two 250 word behaviour statements.

Applications will be sifted between 2nd March and 24th April 2026. These dates are subject to change.

Depending on application volume, an initial sift may focus on the lead behaviour: Making effective decisions and personal statement. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.

In-person Assessment

Day-long, in-person assessments will be held week commencing the 11th May 2026. An Assessment Centre combines several tasks and activities that test candidates’ suitability for the role and includes a traditional face-to-face interview. The Assessment Centre will be held in person at the Forestry Commission Training Centre at Cannock Chase near Rugeley, Staffordshire, WS15 2UQ. Further information will be provided to candidates following their invitation to the Assessment Centre. Please note that the Assessment Centre will only take place during this week, so applicants need to ensure they are available on the week commencing the 11th May 2026.

Apprenticeship Information

We aim to provide a great place to work. The Forestry Commission operates blended working arrangements, subject to role requirements.

Week-long mandatory training blocks occur every other month and are not eligible for annual leave. These dates for the entire 3-year programme will be made available at the Assessment Centre.

Work placements may occur anywhere in England, depending on programme needs.

Further Information

A reserve list may be held for a period of 6 months from which further appointments can be made.

Means of transport will be provided for successful applicants to carry out the duties associated with this role in the form of a Fleet vehicle. Personal circumstances can be taken into consideration and in some instances, it may be possible for applicants to use private vehicles in line with the Forestry Commission policy to reduce carbon emission. From 1 April 2026, employees undertaking business travel in a personal vehicle may reclaim the costs associated with their journey, as follows:

Annual mileage

Engine type

Rate

Up to 4,000

Petrol/Diesel/Zero emissions

Standard mileage rate of 45p/mile

4,001 to 10,000

Petrol/Diesel*

Reduced mileage rate of 25p/mile

Zero emissions (0 g/km)

Standard mileage rate

Over 10,000

Petrol/Diesel/Zero emissions

Reduced mileage rate

This role is full time only. Applicants who wish to work an alternative pattern are welcome to apply however your preferred working pattern may not be available and you should discuss this with the vacancy holder before applying.

Where a role has been identified as one which falls under the scope of the Public Sector English Language Requirements, within Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016, it is essential that applicants should have the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English. Applicants will be assessed in the selection process in accordance with the requirements.

Existing Civil Servants and applicants from accredited NDPBs are eligible to apply but will only be considered on a loan basis (Civil Servants) or secondment (accredited NDPBs) if your host Department agrees to retain liability for redeployment and/or redundancy. Prior agreement to be released on a loan basis must be obtained before commencing the application process. In the case of Civil Servants, the terms of the loan will be agreed between the home and host department and the Civil Servant. This includes grade on return. If such a loan or secondment agreement cannot be agreed and you still wish to join the Forestry Commission, you will have to resign your current post and not be employed in the public sector for 30 days prior to commencement on the programme. Existing Forestry Commission staff applying for these posts should check with HR and their line manager about the implications on their employment status.

New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.

Reasonable adjustment

If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a nondisabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should contact Government Recruitment Service via s3management.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.

Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you are deaf, a Language Service Professional.

If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.

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) (opens in a new window)
• 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 (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) 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 (opens in a new window).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.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

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

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : FS apprenticeships team
• Email : apprenticeships@forestrycommission.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : s3management.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Further information

Our recruitment process is underpinned by the principle of appointment on the basis of fair and open competition and appointment on merit, as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles.If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should in the first instance contact FCE by email: englandhr.services@forestryengland.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission, which regulates all Civil Service recruitment.