Forestry Planner

Agricultural Recruitment Specialists; Dumfries; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm in agriculture is seeking a skilled Forestry Planner in Dumfries. This hybrid role involves preparing and managing forestry management plans, liaising with regulatory bodies for compliance, and supporting forest managers. Candidates should have a strong background in forestry planning and related documentation. The position offers a competitive salary between £40,000–£50,000, a company vehicle or car allowance, and excellent benefits including private healthcare and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Company vehicle or car allowance

Pension scheme

Bonus opportunity

Private healthcare

Professional development support

Qualifications

• Proven experience in forestry planning or management.
• Strong understanding of UK forestry regulations.
• Experience preparing felling licences and management plans.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and manage Forest Management Plans.
• Liaise with regulatory bodies for approvals.
• Support forest managers with planning input.

Skills

Forestry planning

Regulatory documentation

Communication

Organizational skills

GIS

Education

Degree in forestry, environmental management, or related discipline

Tools

Forestry-related software

Job description

Forestry Planner – Dumfries (Hybrid / Field‑Based Working)

£40,000 – £50,000 + Company Vehicle / Car Allowance + Benefits

The Job

We are seeking a skilled Forestry Planner to support the preparation, coordination, and delivery of forestry management plans across a diverse portfolio of woodland assets. The role will involve close collaboration with forest managers, clients, regulators, and internal technical teams to ensure plans are compliant, commercially sound, and aligned with sustainable forest management objectives.

This role would suit an experienced forestry professional with strong planning, regulatory, and analytical skills who is looking to develop further within a progressive forestry organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and manage Forest Management Plans, felling licences, and associated regulatory submissions.
• Liaise with Scottish Forestry and other statutory bodies to secure approvals and ensure compliance.
• Support forest managers with planning input for harvesting, restocking, and long‑term woodland objectives.
• Maintain accurate spatial, operational, and planning data using GIS and forestry management systems.
• Contribute to grant applications and funding compliance, including the Scottish Forestry Grant Scheme.
• Monitor regulatory changes and ensure planning processes reflect current guidance and best practice.
• Assist with audits, reporting, and internal quality assurance processes.

The Candidate

• Proven experience in forestry planning, forest management, or a related land‑based role.
• Strong understanding of UK forestry regulations, planning processes, and sustainable forest management principles.
• Experience preparing felling licences, management plans, and regulatory documentation.
• Confident communicator able to work effectively with regulators, colleagues, and clients.
• Highly organised, detail‑oriented, and comfortable managing multiple deadlines.
• Competent IT skills, including GIS and forestry‑related software.
• Degree or equivalent qualification in forestry, environmental management, or a related discipline.
• Membership of the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF), or working towards chartered status, desirable.
• Full UK driving licence essential.

The Package

• Competitive salary £40,000 – £50,000, depending on experience.
• Company vehicle or car allowance.
• Pension scheme.
• Bonus opportunity.
• Private healthcare, life assurance & permanent health insurance.
• Professional development support.
• Clear progression opportunities within a growing forestry business.

Please email your CV to Conor Atay, Recruitment Delivery Consultant.