Assistant Land Agent, South England Forest District
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Background Information
South England Forest District manages some 46,000 hectares of the public forest estate across West Sussex, Surrey, Berkshire, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Dorset & South Wiltshire. The varied, mixed woodlands produce some 120,000 m3 of timber each year, of which 25,000 is hardwood. Much of the land is of high importance for nature conservation, supporting some 29,000 hectares of SSSIs of which approximately 27,000 are also designated at a European level as Special Areas of Conservation. The majority of the land managed by the District is also within areas designated for their landscape value, including 7,500 hectares within AONBs and 31,500 hectares across two National Parks. Approximately one quarter of the land within the District is leasehold and maintaining professional and positive relationships with landlords is an important part of the Estates team's work. Overall the Estates team is also responsible for maintaining and developing numerous high value assets including some 86 houses; one large and a number of smaller forest offices and yards; over 3,000 individual residential access licences; and progression of other opportunities and associated consents ranging from those associated with filming, to mineral and other commercial uses of land - one of the most diverse portfolios in the public forest estate. The area receives some 20 million day visits by the public each year and includes two major Forest Centres at Moors Valley Country Park and Alice Holt Woodland Park.
Purpose of the Job
Working under the leadership and direction of the District Land Agent, to provide an Estate Management service to the Deputy Surveyor / Forest Management Director, District staff and National Office.
Key Work Areas
Working with the District Land Agent:
Manage the non-forest estate in the Forest District. The post will have no formal line management responsibilities but the applicant must have the ability to direct, guide and support the Estates Administrative staff on a day to day basis. Negotiate all lettings, leases, licences and agreements including those associated with 80 houses. Liaise and negotiate with landlords and neighbours in respect of leases, neighbour relations and disputes and other operational matters. Negotiate the sale of surplus land, woodland and buildings to achieve the best possible price. Identify and pursue development and income raising opportunities on the public forest estate in line with government policy. Deal with compensation claims made against FC and liaise with solicitors. Provide advice to operational staff on legal matters, referring difficult cases to solicitors.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential Experience of working in rural estate management with a proven record of delivery. Experience of working in partnership with fellow professionals of mixed disciplines (i.e. engineers, building surveyors, foresters, environmental managers) Desirable An understanding of sustainable forest management. Professional & Technical Expertise Essential Membership of RICS as rural management or general practice surveyor, whether training or fully qualified. Work with Other People Essential Build and maintain good working relationships Be reliable and flexible within the team Provide a service that meets customer/stakeholder needs Ensure staff work together to review and improve customer services Communication Essential Share your ideas, experience and knowledge Project a positive image when representing the FC Choose content, style and language to suit the audience and context Produce concise and persuasive written drafts, identifying the key issues, examining options and proposing a way ahead Deliver Results Essential Prioritise and organise your time and resources effectively to meet agreed deadlines and objectives Demonstrate drive and determination to complete task Understand and apply current legislation, rules and procedures relevant to the job Know when to involve others and consult colleagues about problems at an early stage Learn and Apply Essential Keep knowledge and skills for the job up to date Look for ways to improve how you work, make suggestions for and be open to change Take responsibility for own work, learning from experience, mistakes and constructive feedback Be aware of own strengths and development needs and be proactive in developing own performance through your Individual Learning Plan Other The duties of this post require frequent travel therefore applicants need to have a full driving licence that enables them to drive in the UK. However, the Forestry Commission is willing to consider any proposals put forward by applicants that would allow them to do the job by other means. The duties of this post will require over night accommodation away from home to reduce travel times on some working days.
Additional Information
Applications will be received up until 11.59pm on the closing date.
As a Government Department, the Forestry Commission is currently subject to the Civil Service Pay Freeze Click here for Useful Information for Candidates. If you have any queries regarding our application process please contactresourcing@forestry.gsi.gov.uk | |||||||||||||
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