Operations Administrative Officer

www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk - Jobboard; Exeter; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency focused on forestry is seeking a candidate to join their Operational Delivery Team in Exeter. This role involves administering woodland grants and ensuring compliance with all relevant procedures while providing high-quality customer service. The position requires strong organizational skills and the ability to effectively communicate with various stakeholders. Ideal for those passionate about forestry and environmental initiatives.

Qualifications

• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Customer service experience and effective communication abilities.
• Ability to process applications and manage casework efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Administer current and legacy grant schemes and regulatory processes.
• Ensure compliance with Forestry Commission policies and legislation.
• Provide customer service and handle public inquiries.

Job description

Never has there been a more important time for trees and forests to help tackle the climate emergency and provide a much-needed sanctuary for people and wildlife. We aim to at least treble tree planting rates in England, reflecting England’s contribution to meeting the UK’s overall target of planting 30,000 hectares per year by the end of this Parliament. This acceleration in current planting rates in England will contribute to meeting the net-zero by 2050 ambitions, and to government’s wider environmental targets. This is supported by the £640m Nature for Climate Fund announced in the March 2020 budget.

If you are passionate about the role of forestry in creating a better future for England, and want to play a key part in that, we want to hear from you.

By joining the Forestry Commission, you will become part of a team of passionate, committed colleagues, and be able to build on a wealth of expertise to take this ambitious work forward. You will be able to make your mark by helping the Forestry Commission to transform how we work together and reach new stakeholders.

Forest Services is part of the Forestry Commission and are the Government’s forestry experts. We advise nationally and locally on how to unlock the full potential of woodlands and support the forestry sector to protect, improve and expand England’s valuable woodland assets, ensuring that they continue to provide benefits to people, the environment, and the economy.

This role sits within Forest Services’ Operational Delivery Team. The Operational Delivery Team provides administrative support to Forest Services’ area teams (our technical experts). Together these teams deliver woodland creation grants and deliver the Forestry Commission’s regulatory functions for customers.

The purpose of this role is to undertake transactional duties and activities within the Operational Delivery Team. Effectively administer current and legacy grant schemes and regulatory processes in accordance with Forestry Commission procedures and complying with paying agency rules. Work with peers, area staff and the woodland sector to ensure a high quality of customer service and the coordinated delivery of Forestry Commission targets.

Key Work Areas

• Ensure effective handling of the transactional aspects of current woodland grants, legacy grant schemes and Regulations.
• Follow Forestry Commission policy, processes and procedures and comply with legislation, scheme rules, paying agency, and internal audit requirements.
• Follow the financial controls which are in place.
• Provide effective case management including processing applications, contract/license approval, claim management, amendments, inspection, case review and closure.
• Provide a customer service function for above activities, giving verbal and written advice and communication to customers. All transactional activities to be carried out in accordance with customer service/citizens charter standards.
• Liaise with area staff (particularly Woodland Officers) on technical issues, and queries involving direct liaison with the customer.
• Deal with public enquiries through triage to the Area teams or other appropriate Forestry Commission staff where necessary.

The post will report to the Operations Admin Manager.