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Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
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Estates
Property
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About the job
Job summary
This is an exciting opportunity to join Forestry England, the country’s largest land management organisation as we tackle issues ranging from climate change, biodiversity decline and health and wellbeing.
South England Forest District manages 46,000 hectares of the public forest estate across West Sussex, Surrey, Berkshire, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Dorset and South Wiltshire. The varied, mixed woodlands produce some 100,000 m3 of timber each year, of which 25,000 m3 is hardwood. Forestry England manages 47% of the New Forest National Park.
Much of the land is of high importance for nature conservation, supporting 29,000 hectares of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) of which approximately 27,000 ha are also designated at a European level as Special Areas of Conservation. The majority of the land managed by the district is also within areas designated for their landscape value, including 7,500 hectares within Areas of Outstanding National Beauty (AONB) and 31,500 hectares across two National Parks.
The area receives 45 million day visits by the public each year and includes two major Forest Visitor Centres at Moors Valley Country Park and Alice Holt Forest.
The New Forest is a spectacular landscape made up of a unique mix of woodlands and open habitats that are globally important for nature conservation. The significance of the New Forest is reflected in the fact that it has the highest possible conservation status and is legally protected.
It is a Special Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI), a Special Protection Area (SPA) for Birds, a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), and a Ramsar site (land listed as a Wetland of International Importance).
Much of the New Forest is subject to Common Rights administered by the New Forest Verderers. It is subject to its own laws dating back centuries but now based on various New Forest Acts, principally of 1877, 1949 and 1964, and specific parts of other legislation.
Our four values capture how we work:
- Think beyond a lifetime – We make plans today for a better tomorrow, so our business and our forests are sustainable and fit for the future.
- Be adventurous – We approach challenges with creativity and adventure, embracing research and innovation to stay relevant.
- Do it together – We get our best results when we work with others, and we encourage diverse perspectives, so we make better decisions.
- Look out and look after – We care about our colleagues, volunteers, partners, and customers, and we take a stand against unsafe behaviour.
Job description
Purpose of the Job
Working within a Forestry England one team approach provide professional property and asset management services in support of our existing people, nature, economy offer. Working with wider colleagues seek, develop and deliver business expansion across the district.
The Estates Team in South Forest District consists of two Area Land Agents, each supported by an Assistant Land Agent. We also have a building surveyor and a building works supervisor. There is dedicated administrative support within the Estates team.
The Area Land Agents have a pivotal role in the South Forest District, providing other teams with professional advice and support; as well as proactively leading on the management of a wide range of residential, agricultural and commercial properties on both Forestry England freehold and leasehold land, particularly within the New Forest. The role also involves the management of third-party liability claims in liaison with our legal advisers, undertaking RICS Red Book valuations for financial purposes, dealing with capital investments as well as new buildings, handling wayleaves and deeds of grant for access with utility companies and developers and working on tenders and leases for new recreation activities and development projects.
Key Work Areas
- Along with the other Area Land Agent, lead and manage the districts Estate team including our building surveying function. This will include direct line management of an Assistant Land Agent, the Building Surveyor and the Estates Officer.
- Contribute effectively as a member of the senior leadership group within the District.
- Plan and co-ordinate the management of the non-forest estate being accountable as cost centre manager for the Estates business plan and budget management.
- Manage the portfolio of lettings, leases, licences, agreements and built assets across the District, with particular responsibility for the New Forest and adjoining areas. Manage the licencing of access and other activity on the Crown Lands of the New Forest.
- Liaise Closely with New Forest Stakeholders, including The Verderers of the New Forest. Attend the monthly Verderers Court.
- Support the re-purposing of our non-woodland estate, working with the national woodland creation unit in support of the England Tree Action Plan.
- Negotiate the acquisition and disposal of land, woodland and buildings to provide best value outcomes for the District. Develop good working relationships with Forestry Englands landlords and their agents to ensure that we are in the best position to jointly develop proposals on leasehold land to mutual advantage.
- Identify and pursue development and income generating opportunities across the nations forests. Support the delivery in the district of nationally led agreements and strategies such as Forest Holidays, Adventure Forest and our Energy Strategy.
- Seek opportunities in support of our Energy strategy and aspirations around a low carbon business model
- Provide support to wider business functions on land related matters, handling legal and compensation claims made against the Forestry Commission, working with solicitors where appropriate.
- Contribute effectively alongside Forest Centre management teams to develop business partnerships ensuring strong business performance and commercial returns to Forestry England.
This post will involve regular travel to sites in the District with occasional travel elsewhere in the UK and therefore applicants need to hold and continue to hold, a full current driving licence that enables them to drive in the UK and should be willing to stay away from home overnight.
Person specification
Essential:
- The Area Land Agent role is a professional position requiring current chartered membership of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) as MRICS.
- Proven experience in mixed use property management, managing landlord and tenant relationships, negotiating rent reviews, lease renewals and new agreements and undertaking valuations is considered essential. Rural land management experience is highly desirable.
- The successful candidate will have experience working within a team and with external consultants. Whilst the post will directly line manage staff, experience of line management is not required as full training and support will be given.
- Forestry England uses the Microsoft Office Suite Outlook, Teams, Sharepoint, Word and Excel, as well as a GIS system. A working knowledge of these systems would be an advantage. Full training can be given in the specifics of the organisations own GIS system.
Memberships
Behaviours
We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
Technical skills
We’ll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Presentation.
Benefits
£11,694 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
Flexible working to support a healthy work/life balance.
25 days holiday pa with an extra days holiday entitlement each year over the first 5 years up to a maximum of 30 days per year, plus bank holidays and 2.5 extra days leave. (all pro-rata)
3 days paid volunteering leave every year (once you have passed probation). (pro-rata)
Access to technical and personal development training and qualifications that are tailored to your role.
5 days dedicated to your self-driven development each year. (pro-rata)
Extensive opportunities for further learning through Civil Service Learning.
Reimbursement of any professional membership fees.
Employee benefits that include (but are not limited to) the Cycle to Work scheme, free high-street and online discounts and offers through STaR, and the opportunity to join the Civil Services Sports Council.
The brilliant Civil Service Pensions scheme.
Access to our dedicated Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) that gives free, confidential and independent support – whether it is personal or work-related.
Free eyesight tests and £100 voucher for glasses for visual display usage.
Pay advances of up to £5,000 for computers, sports equipment, or training costs.
Free parking at all Forestry Commission sites (including Moors Valley Country Park and Alice Holt Forest) and free entry into our National Arboretum in Westonbirt.
Up to 15% discount at Forest Live Events, Forest Holidays cabins, and Go Ape outdoor activity centres.
Numerous retail discounts including 10% off at Forestry Commission shops and Enterprise Rent-A-Car.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
As part of the application process you will be asked to complete a CV and personal statement of up to 1000 words. Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form. Please include supporting examples on how you meet the essential criteria listed in the responsibilities section.
Candidates successful at sift will be invited to a face to face Interview. At interview candidates will be assess on the listed Behaviours, Technical Assessment and Strength based questions.
We aim to complete the sift on 1st December 2023 and hold interviews on 14th December 2023 but these may be subject to change.
This position is permanent, there may be an additional option of a 1year fixed term.
Further Information
A reserve list may be held for a period of 6 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 here
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 circumstance 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 and applicants from accredited NDPBs are eligible to apply, but will only be considered on 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 and the Civil Servant. This includes grade on return.
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.
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 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 : Paul Grugeon
- Email : Paul.Grugeon@forestryengland.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : fcerecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Further information
