Forests & Ecosystem Services Officer

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) UK; Wales; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An environmental certification organization in the UK is seeking a motivated individual to promote sustainable forestry practices. The role requires engaging with various stakeholders to enhance awareness of forest value and certification benefits. Ideal candidates have relevant degrees, experience in nature markets, and excellent communication skills. Responsibilities include supporting FSC claims, developing training resources, and leading market strategies for sustainability projects.

Qualifications

• Understanding of forest management in the UK.
• Knowledge of environment and nature markets.
• Experience working on nature-based solutions.

Responsibilities

• Support promotion of FSC Verified Impact claims.
• Develop training resources on FSC Verified Impacts.
• Lead development of UK market strategy for FSC projects.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Ability to work autonomously

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Introduction to the role

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to drive forward our approach to independent verification and data-driven claims about ecosystem services in forestry projects. Are you looking for an exciting new opportunity to use and expand your skills and interest in forestry, conservation, nature markets and sustainable investment? Would you be suited to a position which would require you to engage with a broad range of multi-sector stakeholders to ensure the delivery of high quality and verifiable ecosystem services and to increase awareness of the value of forests and FSC certification in the context of climate mitigation and biodiversity? If so, perhaps you would like to join our small and dedicated team who are committed to promoting the values of FSC and the benefits of certification and place yourself at the heart of delivering woodland based ecosystem changes.

Main purpose and responsibilities

• Encourage uptake of FSC forest management certification and impact verification through technical support and guidance to forest managers / FSC group scheme managers
• Promote FSC's Verified Impact to potential funders and help to connect businesses to ecosystem-services projects in FSC-certified forests.
• Support and, where appropriate, approve the promotion of FSC Verified Impact claims.
• In conjunction with the Training & Outreach Officer, develop and maintain training resources on FSC Verified Impacts.
• Lead on the development of a UK market strategy for FSC Verified Impact projects including value proposition, partnership opportunities and communication guidance.
• Increase awareness of the value of forests and FSC certification in the context of climate mitigation and biodiversity, in line with FSC's Climate and Biodiversity Strategic Framework.
• Identify opportunities and build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including government policymakers, potential funders of forestry projects, broker organisations, and organisations representing forest owners and managers.
• Coordinate FSC UK responses to relevant consultations and assess relevance of campaigns or statements that FSC UK may be asked to support.
• Deliver presentations on FSC and Verified Impact (e.g. at forestry events and to interested associations, businesses and educational establishments, etc.).
• Engage with environmental and social NGOs, primarily through umbrella bodies such as Wildlife & Countryside Link.
• Attend and represent FSC at conferences, trade fairs, training courses, events and meetings.
• Represent FSC UK on relevant FSC International groups and taskforces to help improve the FSC system and standards.
• Support FSC UK’s delivery of FSC International funded projects.
• Identify examples of best practice and work with the Communications Manager and certificate holders to develop case studies on FSC forest management certification and impact verification.
• Deputise for the Forest Standards Manager at events and meetings as required.

Person Specification

Knowledge and Experience Essential An understanding of forest management in the UK.

An understanding of environment and nature markets.

Relevant degree or equivalent.

Good understanding of Microsoft Office. Desirable

An existing understanding of FSC / certification.

Experience working on design / delivery of nature-based solutions or natural capital projects. Skills and Abilities Essential Experience of communicating effectively and accurately both in spoken and written form.

Excellent interpersonal skills to maintain good working relationships.

Ability to work on own initiative but happy to follow instruction and accept guidance.

Effective time management and organisations skills with the ability to prioritise workload

UK driving licence Personal Attributes Essential Able to work as part of a small and dynamic team

Friendly and professional manger

A positive, enthusiastic attitude with an ability to enthuse others

Able to relate to the mission and values of FSC UK and work towards its strategic objectives Desirable A good sense of humour

Application Process

• To apply, please complete the online application form.
• The deadline for applications is 11 : 59pm on 14th January 2026.
• Interviews will be held online on 26th or 27th January 2026.

Please note that this is a UK-based contract and as such, you are required to have the Right to Work in the UK. Evidence of your Right to Work will be checked prior to interview.

TO APPLY PLEASE CLICK THE "APPLY NOW" BUTTON AND YOU WILL BE REDIRECTED TO BEGIN THE APPLICATION PROCES