DIO Forestry Graduate Scheme

Defence Infrastructure Organisation; Lichfield; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK government organization is seeking a Graduate Forester to join its Forestry Team. The role involves supporting sustainable woodland management, conducting field surveys, and ensuring compliance with health and safety protocols. This position offers professional development opportunities towards membership with the Institute of Chartered Foresters. The ideal candidate should hold an ICF-accredited degree and possess a valid UK driver’s license. Flexible working options are available, with a requirement for office attendance.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Inclusive culture

Civil Service pension with employer contribution

Qualifications

• ICF-accredited degree (BSc or MSc) awarded within the last two years.
• Full, valid UK driver's licence required for site visits.
• Demonstrated competencies in decision making and quality service management.

Responsibilities

• Support Head Foresters with audit and assurance inspections.
• Contribute to sustainable forestry practices and management plans.
• Assist in preparing long-term forest plans and reports.

Skills

Effective Decision Making

Quality Service Management

Communication and Influencing

Self Development

Education

ICF-accredited degree in Forestry or related field

Tools

MS Office

Field survey equipment

Job description

Overview

The MOD Estate comprises barracks, airfields, naval bases and extensive training grounds that span marine environments, dune systems, and the mountainous forests and moorlands of Scotland and Northern Ireland. This position offers an exciting opportunity to join the Forestry Team and support the development and management of this highly diverse estate, with a focus on tree safety management, sustainable woodland management and woodland creation. As a Graduate Forester you will work towards gaining your Professional Membership with the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF).

DIO Technical Services delivers in‑house expertise across natural capital, environmental planning, sustainable development, climate resilience, forestry, access and recreation, archaeology, historic buildings and ecology.

Responsibilities

• Support Head Foresters with audit and assurance inspections, focusing on health and safety, compliance with MOD policy and legislation, forestry/arboricultural operations and industry partner contract delivery.
• Adhere to health and safety protocols and guidelines while working in outdoor and woodland environments.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of sustainable forestry practices and management plans.
• Assist in conducting field surveys and assessments to collect data on forest ecosystems, biodiversity and habitat conservation.
• Assist in preparing long‑term forest plans, reports, presentations and other materials related to forestry and tree‑related projects.
• Collaborate with MOD staff and external partners to promote wider engagement and knowledge about trees, woods and forests.
• Support Head Foresters with desktop and site inspections to identify potential woodland creation opportunities, working closely with military representatives and the wider DIO team.

Benefits

• Flexible working options – most roles will be a mix of office and home work; a minimum of 60 % of working time in office is required.
• Inclusive culture that encourages diversity.
• Civil Service pension with employer contribution of 28.97 % (over £9 771 per year).
• Salary above the minimum for the grade, commensurate with specialist skills and sector knowledge.
• No relocation expenses; travel to interviews is not reimbursed.
• Probationary period of six months for external recruits and new Civil Service entrants.

Qualifications

• ICF‑accredited degree (BSc or MSc) in one of the following subjects at 2:2 or above, awarded within the last two years:
  • BSc (Hons) Forestry
  • BSc (Hons) Woodland Management with Conservation
  • BSc (Hons) Conservation with Forestry
  • BSc Forestry and Environmental Management
  • BSc (Hons) Arboriculture and Urban Forestry
  • BSc (Hons) in Forest Management
  • BSc (Hons) Forest Management – Forestry
  • BSc (Hons) Forest Management – Arboriculture and Urban Forestry
  • MSc Environmental and Forest Management
  • MSc Environmental Forestry
  • MSc Forestry Management
  • MSc Conservation and Forest Protection
  • MSc Arboriculture and Urban Forestry
• Full, valid UK driver’s licence (required for site visits).
• Demonstrated competencies in: Making Effective Decisions, Managing a Quality Service, Communicating and Influencing, Developing Self and Others.
• Job history, qualifications and previous skills listed in CV; personal statement required.

EEO and Nationality Requirements

This vacancy is open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• Nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• Nationals of Commonwealth countries with the right to work in the UK
• Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and their family members with settled or pre‑settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
• Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein who have made a valid application for settled or pre‑settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
• Individuals with limited or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme on or before 31 Dec 2020
• Turkish nationals and certain family members of Turkish nationals with accrued right to work in the Civil Service

The Ministry of Defence conducts a full security check and requires declaration of any outside interests that may conflict with MOD civilian roles. The MOD adopts a zero‑tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours, including bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination and victimisation.

Application Process

Application sifting is scheduled for the week commencing 12 January 2026 following advert closure. Interviews will be conducted remotely in the week commencing 26 January 2026. A minimum of two full working days' notice will be provided for interviews. Provisional offers will be made in February 2026, with pre‑employment checks commencing immediately thereafter. Pre‑employment checks may take several months. Feedback will be provided only to those who attend an interview or assessment.