Forest Contract Management Officer

Natural Resources Wales; Wales; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An environmental management agency in Wales seeks a Contract Manager Officer to join their Forest Operations Team. You will play a key role in delivering sustainable forest management, lead contract management, and collaborate with teams. Ideal candidates will have knowledge of sustainable forest management and community engagement. The position also requires ability in the Welsh language at A1 level, with support provided for learning.

Benefits

Civil Service Pension Scheme

28 days annual leave, rising to 33 days

Health and wellbeing benefits

Commitment to professional development

Qualifications

• Experience working across various land management disciplines.
• Knowledge of UKWAS and forest certification schemes.
• Ability to demonstrate Welsh Language Level A1 or willingness to achieve.

Responsibilities

• Lead on contract management and implementation of forest operations.
• Participate in technical forums and promote consistent practices.
• Manage budgets and ensure compliance with procurement processes.

Skills

Knowledge of sustainable forest management

Experience in community liaison

Attention to detail

Knowledge of designated sites

Job description

Overview

The role

We're looking for an enthusiastic forestry professional to join our Forest Operations Team, based near Llanrwst. As a Contract Manager Officer for Forest Operations, you'll play a vital role in delivering sustainable forest management across one of Wales' most diverse and beautiful landscapes. In this key position, you'll lead on the contract management and implementation of forest operations—from clear-felling and restocking to managing low-impact silvicultural systems—supporting the sustainable delivery of our Forest Resource Plans. You'll work within a small team, collaborate with internal and external partners, and support a Senior Officer in your allocated geographic area and/or silvicultural specialism. This is a role for someone who has attention to detail and who thrives on hands-on site management. You'll be preparing bespoke contracts with the support of a senior officer using GIS and IT tools, working closely with customers and contractors to identify constraints and opportunities, and ensuring work on the ground is carried out safely and to a high standard.

Interviews will take place face to face in the Gwydir Office, next to Gwydir Chapel, Llanrwst, LL26 0PN.

Successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) check. Appointments are normally made within 4 to 8 weeks of the closing date.

About us

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) manages the Welsh Government Woodland Estate. Our team area extends from Anglesey to Porthmadog in the south and Abergele in the east and we are part of the North West Wales Place team. We are a small, friendly team of 10 and work closely with colleagues in other teams, particularly land management, recreation and conservation. This role is one of two Contract Management Officers who support the team leader. It is key to delivering our sustainable forest management programme. NRW offers a great place to work with some seriously progressive employment conditions.

What you will do

• Implement team work plans, and delivery of agreed actions to contribute to business planning.
• Participate in NRW technical or represent NRW on external forums as a technical representative.
• Interact with peers in NRW to promote consistent industry and specialist subject practices.
• Have responsibility for direct delivery of delegated programmes and agreed delegated budgetary control, including all relevant compliance and adhering to procurement process.
• Undertake health and safety duties and responsibilities appropriate to the post.
• Be committed to Natural Resources Wales Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy, together with an understanding of how it operates within the responsibilities of the post.
• Be committed to your own development through the effective use of your personal development plan (known as Sgwrs).
• Any other reasonable duties requested commensurate with the grade of this role.
• Required to take part in incident response activities.

Your qualifications, experience, knowledge and skills

In your application and interview you will be asked to demonstrate the following skills and experience using the STAR method.

• Experience of working across a wide range of land management disciplines.
• Knowledge of sustainable forest management, UKWAS and forest certification schemes.
• Experience of community liaison and public engagement activities.
• Knowledge and experience of designated sites, and all aspects of forest practice, including land liabilities, forest planning and forest operations.

Welsh Language

Welsh Language Level requirements:

• Essential: A1 - Entry level
• Desirable: B1 - Intermediate level

Please note if you do not meet the level A1 requirement i.e., ability to understand basic phrases and ability to pronounce Welsh names correctly, NRW offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal requirements during the course of your employment with us.

Benefits

This role will offer a range of benefits, including:

• Civil Service Pension Scheme offering employer contributions of 28.97% (successful internal staff will remain in their current pension scheme)
• 28 days annual leave, rising to 33 days
• Generous leave entitlements for all your life needs
• Commitment to professional development
• Health and wellbeing benefits and support
• Weekly wellbeing hour to use as you choose

See full details for all the employee benefits you will receive.

Equal opportunities

We are passionate about creating a diverse workforce and positively encourage applications from under-represented communities. We embrace equality of opportunity irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We are committed to equal opportunities and we guarantee interviews for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. We are bilingual and comply with the Welsh Language Standards; Welsh language skills are considered an asset and NRW supports staff to learn and use Welsh. You are welcome to apply for vacancies in Welsh or English, and applications are treated equally. We welcome applicants who work part time, as part of a job share, or who work full time.