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Salary
Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
Job grade
Contract type
Business area
Type of role
Estates
Working pattern
Number of jobs available
Contents
Location
About the job
Job summary
Forestry England is the nations largest land manager, caring for the nations forests for people, nature and the economy.
North England Forest District is the largest in England, covering some 86,000ha, made up of 61,000 ha of forest and 25,000ha of open land in Cumbria, Durham, Lancashire and Northumberland. We operate in some of Englands most remote areas, so the economic activity we generate has a big impact and we are important stakeholders in many regional initiatives.
The forest area is currently 90% conifer and 10% broadleaf. Annual timber production in the region of 550,000m3. The District has 45 SSSIs covering over 10,000ha and is a major contributor to nationally significant biodiversity projects which help red squirrels, water voles, ospreys, red kites, forest re-wilding, limestone woodland and blanket bog restoration. Our built and agricultural non-woodland estate is extensive and we have a programme of business development which will create opportunities for additional revenue.
Alongside traditional timber production the district:
- Offers recreational opportunities for people to enjoy our beautiful woodlands
- Protects and enhances valuable habitats for the benefit of wildlife
- Delivers economic growth by supporting local businesses and rural employment.
No two days are the same, with the North district offering a very varied and interesting portfolio to manage, ranging from residential property, commercial property, agricultural and sporting agreements to exploring renewables opportunities on the built estate, diversifying where possible to increase commercial income and undertaking RICS Red Book valuations.
Our District Head Office is in Bellingham (Near Hexham), Northumberland but we also have offices in Grizedale (near Ambleside, Cumbria), Peil Wyke & Whinlatter (near Keswick, Cumbria) and Hamsterley, County Durham. We would be flexible about where the post is based.
Job description
Key Work Areas
You will:
1. Support the District Area Land Agent and be an active part of the Estates Team alongside the building surveyors in the district;
2. Support District projects as required with lease negotiation, support and advice to the Project team;
3. Manage landlord/tenant relationships to complete rent reviews, lease renewals and new lettings on sporting agreements, recreational sites, residential and grazing agreements, and commercial agreements;
4. Investigate and protect the Forestry Commissions interests in relation to access, encroachments, boundary disputes and claims;
5. Work with the Estates team to help improve the financial and environmental sustainability of the Estate, including exploring renewables opportunities where appropriate.
6. Interpret leases from both a landlord and tenants perspective and offer sound professional advice to colleagues;
7. Work to support the wider team including Visitor Centre Managers in developing a range of ambitious projects across the District, including strategic aims for conservation and land management.
8. Deal with wayleaves and telecoms agreements across the district as well as deeds of grant and the management of utilities.
Person specification
Experience
Essential
The Estates Surveyor role is a professional position preferably requiring membership of the RICS (MRICS) or CAAV (FAAV). Applications will be considered from those who are not current members of the above organisations however applicants will need to be able to provide demonstrable experience or show that they are working towards RICS or CAAV assessments.
Please demonstrate clearly how the above applies to your application. Failure to do so will mean that your application is automatically sifted out.
Further essential experience includes:
- Experience of negotiating contract terms, acting on behalf of either a landlord or tenant.
- Experience of leading rent reviews on residential, commercial or agricultural properties.
- Valuation experience across a variety of property types and for a range of purposes
- Experience working in a team and with internal and external stakeholders
- Competent user of MS Office – in particular Excel, Word and Outlook.
Full UK Driving Licence
Desirable
- Previous experience and knowledge of land management issues associated with conservation and environmentally designated land
- RICS Registered Valuer
- Knowledge of GIS systems
- Experience of managing budgets effectively
Behaviours
We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
Benefits
£9,684 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
- 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%
- 3 days paid volunteering leave per annum
- 5 days dedicated to your own self-driven development per annum
- Free parking at all Forestry Commission sites
- Up to 15% discount at Forest Holidays Cabins, Go Ape outdoor activity centres and Forest Live Events
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
Things you need to know
Selection process details
- A CV showing your job history and experience including your key responsibilities for each role.
- A Personal Statement (no longer than 500 words) explaining why you are applying for the role and how you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience are suitable for the job, with particular reference to the criteria in the person specification and links to the key work areas.
Should a large number of applications be received, the initial sift may be conducted using Experience only, provided in the CV.
Face to face interviews will take place at The District Office in Bellingham at a date to be confirmed.
Sift dates to be confirmed.
You will be questioned on your experience and the listed behaviours at interview.
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. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
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.
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.
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.
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 youre 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
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
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).
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Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Kate Spottiswood
- Email : kate.spottiswood@forestryengland.uk
- Telephone : 07818536275
Recruitment team
- Email : fcerecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Further information
