Head of Forestry Division (Grade 6) Forest Service

Northern Ireland Civil Service; Enniskillen; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Recruitment and Retention Allowance £

Job summary

Northern Ireland Civil Service's Forest Service seeks a Head of Forestry Division (Grade 6) to lead strategic forestry policy and delivery. The post oversees public assets and investment, shaping climate action, biodiversity recovery and sustainable land use across Northern Ireland. The role requires senior leadership in a multidisciplinary setting, with liaison to Ministers and key partners across the UK and Ireland.

A Recruitment and Retention Allowance of £10,000 p.a. applies.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the Forestry Division and develop plans to deliver climate action, biodiversity recovery, and sustainable land use.
• Lead a multidisciplinary workforce and manage significant public assets and investment.
• Collaborate with Ministers, senior officials and UK/Ireland partners to shape policy and delivery.

Job description

Head of Forestry Division (Grade 6) Forest Service

DEPARTMENT: Forest Service – An Agency of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA)

In addition, a Recruitment and Retention Allowance of £10,000 per annum is payable to recognise the specialist and scarce skills required for the role.

JOB ROLE:

The Head of Forestry Division within Forest Service is a senior leadership role of national importance. The postholder will shape how forestry contributes to climate action, biodiversity recovery, sustainable land use and economic development across Northern Ireland. They will lead a multidisciplinary workforce, oversee significant public assets and investment, and work closely with Ministers, senior officials and partners across the UK and Ireland.

Applications are invited from experienced leaders, who are motivated by public value, environmental stewardship and strategic challenge.

LOCATION:

This post is based at Forest Service HQ, Inishkeen House, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, BT74 4EJ.

The Northern Ireland Civil Service Hybrid Working Policy applies to this post, which blends working at the headquarters, in other office locations occupied by DAERA such as Belfast, Newry and Ballykelly and at home based on business need.

REF: IRC331266

Completed application forms must be submitted no later than 12:00 noon (UK time) on Friday 13th November 2026.

Further Information

Applicants wishing to learn more about the job role can telephone Fiona Johnston on 028 6634 3007 or email [e-mail].

If you have any questions about the competition process, or require any documentation in an alternative format, you should contact HRConnect on 0800 1 300 330 or email: [e-mail].

The Northern Ireland Civil Service is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

ALL APPLICATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT ARE CONSIDERED STRICTLY ON THE BASIS OF MERIT.