Land Use Advisor
Forestry CommissionGuide Post, England, United Kingdom
Added 11 Aug · still live
Not disclosed
Salary
Not disclosed by employer
£41,700
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
Our predicted code SOC 2151 (62% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £41,700, and Forestry Commission is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the published rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
About the role
The post primarily covers North East England, with frequent travel within this patch, as well as travel across the wider Yorkshire and North East Area as required. Blended working available, with Tyneside House, Newcastle as the parent office. The post includes occasional overnight stays, national travel, and occasional weekend/out of hours working to attend events.
Job Summary
Never has there been a more important time for trees and forests to help tackle the climate emergency and provide a much-needed sanctuary for people and wildlife.
The Land Use Advisor role will inform and encourage farmers and other land managers, to consider how woodland creation and management can help meet their objectives for their land. You will work closely with a broad range of land managers and stakeholders and will have a sound understanding of land management and/or agriculture complemented by an understanding of forestry.
If you are passionate about the role forestry can play in creating a better future for England, and want to play a part in that, we want to hear from you. You will be joining a team of committed colleagues, and you will have the opportunity to build on a wealth of expertise to take our ambitious programme of woodland creation forward.
You will be able to make your mark by helping the Forestry Commission reach new audiences and accelerate the rate of woodland creation in England.
Our staff engagement levels are consistently well above the Civil Service average and staff turnover is well below.
Job Description
Key Work Areas
Job Summary
Never has there been a more important time for trees and forests to help tackle the climate emergency and provide a much-needed sanctuary for people and wildlife.
The Land Use Advisor role will inform and encourage farmers and other land managers, to consider how woodland creation and management can help meet their objectives for their land. You will work closely with a broad range of land managers and stakeholders and will have a sound understanding of land management and/or agriculture complemented by an understanding of forestry.
If you are passionate about the role forestry can play in creating a better future for England, and want to play a part in that, we want to hear from you. You will be joining a team of committed colleagues, and you will have the opportunity to build on a wealth of expertise to take our ambitious programme of woodland creation forward.
You will be able to make your mark by helping the Forestry Commission reach new audiences and accelerate the rate of woodland creation in England.
Our staff engagement levels are consistently well above the Civil Service average and staff turnover is well below.
Job Description
Key Work Areas
- Plan and prioritise engagement with landowners and managers based on Area plans and priorities, and relevant data available, working closely with Area team colleagues.
- Meet landowners and managers to assess their business requirements, conduct whole holding or business reviews, where appropriate and identify woodland creation and management opportunities that meet the landowner’s objectives.
The duties of this post require the applicant to have a full current driving licence that enables them to drive in the UK. However, the Forestry Commission is willing to consider any proposals put forward by applicants that would allow them to do the job by any other means.
If your home is outside North East England you will be expected to travel to your work area in your own time and at your own cost.
Key Work Areas
- Plan and prioritise engagement with landowners and managers based on Area plans and priorities, and relevant data available, working closely with Area team colleagues.
- Meet landowners and managers to assess their business requirements, conduct whole holding or business reviews, where appropriate and identify woodland creation and management opportunities that meet the landowner’s objectives.
- Develop a local network with the forestry and land management sector, sharing skills and knowledge with advisors and those supporting land-use decisions.
- Approach and engage with local advisors/agents/stakeholder networks offering information on woodland creation.
- Attend events to talk directly to farmers/landowners engaging in proactive lead generation/targeting and to provide advice on woodland creation.
- Assist with the planning and delivery of local networking events and agricultural shows.
- Engage with existing and new customers and stakeholders to strengthen understanding and awareness of the woodland creation offer, building on established relationships there might be with other Area team members.
- Manage customer journey from initial engagement through to the point of proceeding with woodland creation project, liaising with the Woodland Creation Officer and Woodland Officer.
- Keep lead tracker system information up to date, following up on all leads and tracking prospective customers.
- Support the roll out of a new Customer Engagement Tracker..
- Collect and feedback intelligence to inform development or improvement of promotional tools, and to inform improvements to the woodland creation offer.
- Provide content input to promotional materials as subject matter expert.
- Maintain an overview of current agricultural economics and markets and those for forestry to enable an understanding of challenges and opportunities in the land management sector.
The duties of this post require the applicant to have a full current driving licence that enables them to drive in the UK. However, the Forestry Commission is willing to consider any proposals put forward by applicants that would allow them to do the job by any other means.
If your home is outside North East England you will be expected to travel to your work area in your own time and at your own cost.
Person specification
Essential
- Agricultural/environmental/forestry degree or equivalent qualification or considerable relevant experience.
- Sound technical understanding of land management and/or agriculture, able to understand estate/farm business objectives and current agricultural landscape.
- Experience of advising on and designing land management proposals.
- Strong interpersonal and influencing skills.
- Experience of successfully building and maintaining relationships and networks.
- Highly organised and a proactive communicator.
- Team player, able to work effectively with colleagues.
- Competent with IT systems and Microsoft Office.
We welcome applications from candidates who are currently completing a relevant degree or Higher National Diploma. However, successful applicants must obtain their degree or diploma within the first 6 months of employment.
Desirable
- Working knowledge of forestry.
- FACTS and/or BASIS qualifications advantageous, and/or member of Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.
- Existing landowner/stakeholder networks.
- Experience in GIS software.
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Communicating and Influencing
- Working Together
- Managing a Quality Service
- Seeing the Big Picture
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- You will be asked to complete a task/presentation at interview stage. Further details will be provided to those invited to interview.
- Learning and development tailored to your role
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, Experience and Technical skills.
Fixed Term Appointment until 30th March 2027 with possibility of extension or permanency, but no guarantee.
As part of the application process, you will complete the following online:
- A tailored CV (curriculum vitae) setting out your qualifications, career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. Please ensure you have provided reasons for any gaps within the last two years. The CV should be split into 3 parts and provide: Job History, Previous Skills/Experience, Full Qualification Details.
Should you be successful at this stage you will be progressed to interview stage. These interviews will consist of a mixture of behaviour and strength based questions. Candidates will also be asked to complete a short task at interview which will focus on the technical skills required for the role.
Applications will be sifted on w/c 31August 2026. This date is subject to change.
Interviews will be held Face to face in Newcastle, Tyneside House, w/c 7 September 2026. These dates are subject to change.
Further Information
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Any move to Forestry Commission from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare; for further information visit the Childcare Choices website.
If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf.
However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.
Existing Civil Servants (excluding Forestry Commission employees) and applicants from accredited NDPBs are eligible to apply, and will only be considered on a loan basis (Civil Servants) or secondment (accredited NDPBs). 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 a
nd the Civil Servant.
Existing Forestry Commission, Forestry England and Forest Research employees are eligible to apply for this Fixed Term Appointment and will only be considered if there is written confirmation from their line manager and HR that their current role will be temporarily backfilled or held open before commencing the application process.
This role is full time. 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.
This post will involve regular travel including to more remote areas, therefore applicants need to hold and continue to hold, a full current driving license that enables them to drive in the UK and should be willing to stay away from home overnight. The Forestry Commission is willing to consider any proposals put forward by applicants which would allow them to do the job by any other means.
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
Reasonable Adjustment
Existing Forestry Commission, Forestry England and Forest Research employees are eligible to apply for this Fixed Term Appointment and will only be considered if there is written confirmation from their line manager and HR that their current role will be temporarily backfilled or held open before commencing the application process.
This role is full time. 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.
This post will involve regular travel including to more remote areas, therefore applicants need to hold and continue to hold, a full current driving license that enables them to drive in the UK and should be willing to stay away from home overnight. The Forestry Commission is willing to consider any proposals put forward by applicants which would allow them to do the job by any other means.
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
Reasonable Adjustment
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled 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 FCERecruitment.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’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.
Feedback
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.
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.
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
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
Contact Government Recruitment Service via FCERecruitment.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’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.
Feedback
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.
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.
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 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)
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.
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 the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
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 Recruitment
- Email : fs.recruitment@forestrycommission.gov.uk
- Email : fcerecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
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.
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with Forestry Commission, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
SOC 2151 · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · ~17k in sampleP25 £32kP75 £49k
£32kmedian £37kgoing rate £42k£49k
Similar sponsored roles
See all jobsNo close matches live right now.
Browse more sponsored jobs at Forestry Commission →About sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. Forestry Commission holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 2151 going rate of £41,700. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.