Woodland Project Officer

Job Purpose

You will support the Woodland Officer to effectively manage and improve the company's trees and woodlands throughout the West catchment area, in order to enhance and protect raw water, habitats and species as well as providing opportunities for amenity, and enhancing company reputation.

Working closely with the Woodland Officer you'll assist them to develop and implement forest management plans in line with FSC and UKWAS - UK Woodland Assurance Standard.

This will included working with the wider team to deliver sustainable woodland management across a diverse portfolio and support the company in delivering great water and more for the North West.

Job Accountabilities

• Support the Woodland Officer to manage and improve the company's trees and woodlands throughout the West catchment area.
• Contribute to the implementation of management plans and tree records for each WMU (woodland management unit)
• Support the wider woodland team in retaining the company's FSC accreditation
• Provide support to inspect, monitor and report condition of trees and woodlands including infrastructure deficiencies, dangerous, damaged or dead trees.
• Inspect and report on the condition of specific areas of woodland as directed by the Woodland Officer, including the condition of boundary fences and walls, drains and ditches, access roads, standing trees and damaged, dead or diseased trees.
• Work with the Woodland Officer to ensure all permissions and licences are in place for delivering woodland management
• Direct and monitor contractors, timber merchants and other persons working on trees and woodlands on the Company's estates, ensuring that contract specifications are fulfilled to the company's standards.
• Ensure that any contractors employed by the Company on tree or woodland works, carry out work in a safe manner, provide information and receive risk assessment / method statements (RAMS) for all proposed works checking they are within the requirements of Health & Safety legislation and Company policy & procedures.
• Identify and investigate items of concern or proposals for improvement in connection with existing woodlands or new sites, and recommend solutions for discussion with the Woodland officer to facilitate the continuing maintenance and improvement of the Company's woodland asset.
• Inspect and report on the condition of trees and woodlands, identifying any future thinning, felling, maintenance work and recommended remedial actions for other UUNW departments, Tenants or external customers.
• Assist with managing the woodland management budget, ensuring we deliver best value for money, identifying and securing external funding, and maximising sales opportunities from woodlands.
• Support the Woodland Officer in managing tree safety, plant health notifications and control of INNS (invasive non native species) within woodlands
• Work with the wider woodland team to deliver the companies tree planting targets and carbon commitments.
• Represent the company at local stakeholder groups and visits.
• Represent the woodland team internally with groups and visits from the wider company

Knowledge and Skills

• To have a minimum of City & Guilds level 3 or equivalent qualification in forestry or related subject together with
• Good understanding of woodland management, silvi-culture and arboriculture
• Good understanding of the UK Forestry Standard and UK Woodland Assurance Standard
• Full driving licence
• Relevant experience within the woodland industry
• Team Worker
• Effective communicator
• GIS and mapping experience
• Contract management experience
• Self motivated and confident working alone, with a strong affinity for working outdoors within the woodland industry

Additional Information

• UU woodlands are FSC certified currently measured against the UKWAS 4

We need fantastic people to enable us to deliver a great service to the public. We arecommitted to reaching and recruiting from every community and then supporting employees to achievetheir full potential ensuring they feel valued and included, regardless of their gender, age, race,disability, sexual orientation or social background.

If you are offered a job with us, a number of pre-employment checks need to be carried outbefore your appointment can be confirmed. Any offer of employment with United Utilities will besubject to a satisfactory checking report from the Disclosure Scotland / the Disclosure and BarringService.