Do you have a desire to build a career in the tree and woodland sector?

Working with the West of England Combined Authority and the three Councils, the Forest of Avon have secured funding for two years for entry- level roles to support and unlock extra hectares of tree planting and woodland creation across the West of England. This job is for someone to carry out the South Gloucestershire Council role.

This role will be employed by the Forest of Avon and work between the Tree Team at South Gloucestershire Council and Forest of Avon Tree Team. Your working week will be varied and a great opportunity to learn and develop skills such as mapping, community engagement and planning and delivering tree planting projects. The role may vary across different areas. Some will involve more rural areas and others more focussed on urban tree planting schemes.

The role will have access to training through the Forestry Commission, Councils, England’s Community Forests and other partner organisations.

The aim of this role is to support the Tree Teams to overcome barriers such as in mapping sites, consulting with residents, liaising with other council departments, preparing funding applications and working with Parish Councils.

The West of England has set the ambition to double tree cover across the West of England by 2050, with 8,000 ha new woodland created and cared for. We also seek to grow career opportunities in the tree and woodland sector.

The Forest of Avon is the West of England’s Community Forest, an independent charity and one of a national network of England’s Community Forests. We are growing our work and impact through implementing the Forest of Avon Plan, delivering a multi-million pound tree planting programme ‘Trees for Climate’ as well as delivering many other projects in woodland management, education, skills and woodland health and wellbeing activity.

Role Summary:
• Fixed term contract to 31st March 2025
• Salary band £23,000 – 26,000 gross per annum, with annual appraisal and pay band review
• 5 days per week (37.5 hours)
• Flexible working hours
• 30 days holiday including usual bank holidays
• Main office base between South Gloucestershire Council and Bristol with some homeworking optional and attending frequent meetings and site visits in the West of England area
• Employee Pension Scheme
• We are a friendly team offering training opportunities, a flexible approach to working and an opportunity to influence nationally through our network of England’s Community Forests and work with Defra as well as regional and national partners.

To download the full job description and person specification, please see the Forest of Avon Trust website here.

Please send a CV and a written statement of your experience addressing the essential and desirable criteria above to jess.kirkby@forestofavontrust.org by midday on Tuesday 31st October.

The interview panel may include someone from South Gloucestershire Council so we may share your application with them for shortlisting and interview.

For more information on the Forest of Avon Trust, please go to: www.forestofavontrust.org.

For more information about the role, please call Safia Gilder-Hodgson, Forest of Avon Plan Coordinator, on 07443554956.