Development Woodland Officer (Degree Apprenticeship) - South West Area Team
| Posting date: | 02 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £26,959 per year |
| Additional salary information: | The costs associated to the academic elements of the programme will be covered by the Forestry Commission in the form of course fees and expenses. |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 01 March 2026 |
| Location: | Exeter |
| Company: | Government Recruitment Service |
| Job type: | Temporary |
| Job reference: | 445920/2 |
Summary
If you are passionate about the role of forestry in creating a better future for England, and want to play a key part in realising that, we want to hear from you.
By joining the Forestry Commission, you will become part of a professional and committed team and be able to build on a wealth of expertise to take this ambitious work forward.
The Development Woodland Officer programme is an exciting new career pathway into the forestry sector through the degree Level 6 Professional Forester Apprenticeship Programme. It is designed for people seeking a forestry career, including those without prior experience. This 3-year programme has been developed to lead and coach through a wide range of learning activities, supported by on the job training to build on forestry experience and knowledge, not just from within the Forestry Commission but across the entire forestry sector.
You will develop the skills and knowledge required to become a modern Professional Forester through a blend of academic study and practical experience.
Although there are practical forestry elements to the work, the significant focus is on a rigorous academic programme. This is not “a walk in the woods”!
The programme includes:
- Bimonthly residential training blocks led by the University of Cumbria
- Enrichment training from Forestry Commission specialists
- On the job learning within an Area Team
- Opportunities for wider sector placements
On completion of the 3-year programme, successful graduates will earn a Level 6 Professional Forester Apprenticeship, a BSc (Hons) Professional Forester degree and the potential to gain Chartered Forester status with the Institute of Chartered Foresters, in addition to gaining 3 years’ work experience. This will provide the building blocks to continue a career in the forestry sector as a professional forester, planning, advising, managing, and supervising forestry activities and operations.
Details of the academic Professional Forester Apprenticeship course, including overview, course objectives and a prospectus can be found on the University of Cumbria website(Opens in a new window)
You will develop a sound understanding of Sustainable Forestry through academic learning and in supporting staff within your Forest Services Area Team.
You will build capability across the following areas, initially in a supportive capacity, progressing as your skills grow:
1. Expanding woodland cover:
- Promote the multiple benefits of woodland creation.
- Support the design and delivery of new woodlands.
- Administer Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations.
- Process woodland creation grant applications.
2. Protecting our existing trees and woodlands:
- Administer Forestry Act felling licences.
- Support EIA processes for deforestation and forest infrastructure.
- Apply Habitats Regulations in protected landscapes.
- Provide advice on related environmental legislation.
3. Improving the condition and resilience of our existing woodlands and wider treescape:
- Advocate active woodland management.
- Support responses to pests and diseases.
- Help build climate resilience.
- Facilitate collaboration across the forestry sector.
4. Engaging partners, stakeholders and the public:
- Build strong partnerships to expand, protect and improve woodlands.
- Promote the value of trees and woodland management to the public.
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