Forest Co-ordinator

We are proud to be leading the creation of Derbyshire’s Heartwood Community Forest, a major new initiative funded by the Defra Trees for Climate Fund and supported by England’s Community Forests. We are now seeking a committed and enthusiastic Forest Co-ordinator to support the ongoing delivery of this exciting project.

About the Role

This is a key role within the Environmental Sustainability Service, supporting the development and implementation of tree planting and woodland creation projects across the Heartwood Community Forest area. The successful candidate will provide both technical and administrative support, working closely with landowners, community groups, and internal teams to help deliver a greener, more sustainable Derbyshire.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the design, costing and delivery of tree planting projects.
• Maintain and manage data to support grant reporting and environmental monitoring.
• Liaise with landowners, partners and members of the public regarding woodland creation.
• Prepare technical drawings, maps and documentation for planting schemes.
• Support procurement and contract management processes.
• Contribute to project planning and reporting.
• Undertake site visits when necessary.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience using GIS, databases and design software (e.g. MapInfo).
• Possesses knowledge of environmental management, forestry standards and relevant legislation.
• Is confident managing data, preparing reports and working with a range of stakeholders.
• Is organised, proactive and passionate about environmental sustainability.
• Has a strong attention to detail.
• Is confident in both written and verbal communication.

Essential Criteria

• BTEC/ONC or equivalent in a relevant subject, or significant practical experience.
• Strong IT and data management skills.
• Mapping skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to travel throughout Derbyshire.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in the landscape or construction sectors.
• Knowledge of arboriculture and tree safety legislation.
• Familiarity with local authority procedures and grant schemes.

We believe that hard work and commitment should be rewarded, and we offer:

• Generous Annual Leave Scheme (25 days increasing to 30 days after 5 years’ service): Ensuring a healthy work-life balance.
• Flexi Time Scheme: Up to two days flexi leave every four weeks (pro rata for part-time employees), subject to service needs.
• Local Government Pension Scheme: Providing financial security.
• Wellbeing Support Framework: Includes OH physician services, fast track physiotherapy and confidential psychological support services.
• Training and Development: Opportunities for professional qualifications and ongoing training.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Promoting a healthy lifestyle.
• Our Derbyshire Rewards: a package of benefits and discounts.
• & much more

Ready to apply?

If you are passionate about the environment and want to help shape the future of Derbyshire’s landscape, we would love to hear from you.

Please read the job and person profile to help you complete your application. Please detail how you meet the skills and experience we are looking for in a supporting statement, which should accompany your CV.

We really look forward to hearing from you!

Provisional Interview Date: Week Commencing 30 June 2025

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Ruth Marshall, Forest Manager – [email protected]

To learn more about this exciting project please take a look: About Heartwood Community Forest - Derbyshire County Council

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Apply now and take the first step towards a fulfilling career with us! By joining Derbyshire County Council you will have access to a range of amazing rewards and employee benefits, including our generous annual leave scheme, excellent local government pension and fantastic employee discounts. To discover more detail about the rewards and benefits available to you, click here

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This role currently offers hybrid working options which will be to subject service needs, there'll be an opportunity to discuss working arrangements for this position at interview.

We welcome applications from individuals who share our values — being Collaborative, Innovative, Empowered and Accountable. These values describe who we are and what we stand for as a council. They help shape our culture, encourage consistent behaviour and guide how we work together to make a positive difference for both our employees and the residents we serve.