Deer Ecology & Habitat Recovery Lead

FORESTRY COMMISSION; Farnham; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

FORESTRY COMMISSION in the South East and London Area Team seeks a Deer Officer to lead work on protected sites under the DEFRA Protected Sites Strategy, with a focus on the New Forest, and to collaborate with Natural England and delivery partners. You will identify deer-related impacts, translate evidence into coordinated action and support landscape-scale recovery.

This applied role emphasises ecological judgement, strong partnership-working capabilities and the development of deer-specific

Qualifications

• Sound ecological judgement and ability to develop deer-specific knowledge.
• Strong partnership-working skills and ability to engage diverse partners.
• Experience in ecology, conservation, forestry or land management is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Understand habitat condition and identify priorities for protected sites.
• Turn evidence into a coordinated delivery plan with clear actions and owners.
• Build relationships with landowners, managers and public bodies to secure delivery.
• Enable investment, monitor progress and share learning with colleagues.

Skills

Ecology

Partnership working

Deer management

Habitat assessment

Monitoring

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Ecology

Conservation

Forestry

Land management

Applied research

Deer management

Job description

FORESTRY COMMISSION in the South East and London Area Team seeks a Deer Officer to lead work on protected sites under the DEFRA Protected Sites Strategy, with a focus on the New Forest, and to collaborate with Natural England and delivery partners. You will identify deer-related impacts, translate evidence into coordinated action and support landscape-scale recovery.

This applied role emphasises ecological judgement, strong partnership-working capabilities and the development of deer-specific