DUNNET FORESTRY TRUST COMMUNITY FOREST MANAGER –JOB DESCRIPTION (1 Year Contract)
1. Dunnet Forestry Trust
Dunnet Forestry Trust (DFT) is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated May 2002, with a membership of 450 whose primary purpose is to safeguard and sustain Dunnet Forest as a Community Forest. The Forest is leased from SNH and managed according to Plans drawn up after extensive community consultation. The existing management plan covers the period April 2003 – March 2008.
2. Location
The Community Forest Manager will be expected to work from the DFT office in Castletown. A significant amount of the Forester’s time will be spent in the Forest.
3 Line Management
The Community Forest Manager will be directly responsible to the Board of Directors of DFT. Line Management will be undertaken by one of the Directors
4. Responsibilities of the Community Forester
The key tasks and specific responsibilities for the community forest manager are to
co-ordinate the development of a new forest management plan
organising and publicising the public consultation process liaising with statutory bodies: FCS, SNH, HC and others as appropriate advising the Board on silvicultural and other options writing up and presenting the Plan
arrange funding packages to ensure implementation of the agreed forest management plan
researching and exploring funding opportunities negotiating with potential funders, both in the public sector and elsewhere completing and submitting funding applications
carry out practical management and maintenance tasks around the forest
organising and carrying out small-scale silvicultural and other operations in the forest as required (e.g. felling, thinning, planting, fencing, path works and general maintenance) and maximising wherever possible the involvement of volunteers from amongst the membership of DFT and elsewhere in the above operations, particularly tree planting & path works. preparing tender documents, managing the tendering process and the site managing works with regard to operations being undertaken by external contractors. Contracts and tendering will be designed to encourage local contractors wherever possible. preparing appropriate risks assessments and having at all times the highest concern for Health and Safety issues, both with regard to those working in the forest and recreational users.
In addition the Community Forest Manager will be required:
To maintain a sound financial record of all project transactions and to manage budgets prudently. Regular budget reporting to the Board of Directors and to funders will be required.
To continue the development of sustainable income streams from forest products to ensure the long-term economic viability of the Forest.
To liaise closely with Scottish Natural Heritage and other agencies and organisations to conserve, maintain and enhance the conservation interest of the site.
To liaise closely with the Highland Council Ranger Service to maximise educational usage of the forest.
To organise, in conjunction with the Board and representatives of other agencies (e.g. HC Ranger Service, SNH etc) as appropriate, regular open days and other public events in the forest.
To design, prepare and distribute regular newsletters, promotional literature, press releases and articles, and to represent DFT at speaking engagements, and wider forums where appropriate.
To identify personal training needs and to further personal development by attending various training courses as appropriate.
5. Hours
The working week will consist of 37 hours, however the Community Forest Manager will be expected to adopt a flexible approach to working hours. Weekend and evening work will be an occasional requirement of this position. No overtime will be paid, however the post holder will be allowed Time off in lieu for extra hours worked.
6. Remuneration
The starting salary for this position is £22,000 per annum.
7. Leave
All leave will be paid leave. In addition to public and privilege holidays, which total 10 days, the post holder will be entitled to 20 days annual leave.
8. Transport
The Community Forest Manager will use his or her car for work related journeys. It is the responsibility of the post holder to ensure that their insurance covers them for this purpose. A mileage allowance based on Inland Revenue recommended mileage rates will be payable monthly in arrears. This will not be payable for the journey to and from work.
DUNNET FORESTRY TRUST COMMUNITY FOREST MANAGER –PERSON SPECIFICATION
The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate expertise in three key areas: project financial development and management, practical silviculture, and informal public relations. Working on a regular basis in Dunnet Forest, the Community Forester will be the public face of Dunnet Forestry Trust, and this post will require regular and sensitive interaction with a wide range of recreational users of the forest.
Criteria Essential Desirable
Qualification Degree or diploma in forestry or countryside management
Practical experience in a wide range of forestry and general maintenance skills.
Appropriate certification in use of Appropriate certification in chainsaws application of herbicides
Experience 3 years practical forestry experience Experience of the (forestry qualification) or 5 years silvicultural demands of (countryside management “difficult” climates such as qualification) North Caithness
Demonstrable experience of working with community groups and enterprises
Experience of organising and supervising volunteers.
Project Planning, Demonstrable experience of forest or Experience of organising Development and land management planning, writing and managing public Management long term forest plans, applying for consultations forestry or land management grants.
Demonstrable experience of project development, including the production of costed proposals, funding applications, etc.
Demonstrable experience of project management, including managing contractors, reporting to funders, processing grant claims, etc.
I.T. A high standard of computer literacy. Graphic design experience Use of standard packages, e.g. MS – production of promotional Word, MS Excel, email materials, leaflets. Website design and maintenance
“Person Skills” Experience of informal public relations. Experience of managing sites with heavy recreational pressure. Other Good standard of physical fitness and “weather-hardiness”
Own vehicle available for work use. Full driving licence