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Wildlife Ranger - Forest of Dean

Ref0025-7
CountryEngland
LocationColeford
Position TypeFull Time
Salary24119 - 27912 ( GBP )
Closing date for applications21 February 2013
 
There are no set hours for this post however, the working hours will average 44 per week.
Background Information

West England Forest District covers 35,000 ha of the public forest estate from Shrewsbury in the north, to Marlborough in the east and Truro in the south-west.  The forest district office is located in Coleford, in the heart of the Forest of Dean.

This post is one of 3 wildlife ranger posts responsible for the management of wild deer and feral wild boar in the Forest of Dean and surrounding areas.  
Purpose of the Job

To undertake forest protection duties in the Forest of Dean and to work as part of the West England Forest District team across the wider forest district as may be required to deliver forest protection and habitat conservation objectives on the public forest estate.

Key Work Areas

Control wild deer and feral wild boar as well as other mammals to protect regeneration sites and conservation sites.  Undertake inspection and preparation of deer and boar carcasses in line with OGB5A Wild Venison Standard.

Undertake all operations in line with OGB 5 Deer Management and equivalent for wild boar, including animal welfare legislation including the despaatch of deer and other wild animals involved in road traffic accidents on or adjacent to the public forest estate.  Undertake safe use and maintenance of firearms in line with OGB14 Firearms.

To undertake regular liaison with other team members to assist and support operational planning, wildlife management and conservation and habitat restoration work.

To build and sustain external contacts, particularly where this benefits collaborative wildlife management and stronger community relations.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

Significant practical experience of deer management, including culling, larder work, census procedures, impact monitoring is essential; as is practical experience in surveying for and monitoring of protected species

Professional & Technical Expertise

Essential

All candidates must hold DMQ Deer Stalkers Certificates at Level One and Level Two.  A higher level qualification in wildlife management or game keeping (such as BTEC National Diploma, or HND, or Degree) is essential

Applicants must hold full UK Police firearm and shotgun certificates
 
Work with Other People

Essential
Build and maintain good working relationships
Be reliable and flexible within the team  
Desirable
Encourage and display attitudes and behaviours which respect and value diversity
Communication
Essential
Ensure all internal and external communication channels work effectively
Develop a relevant network of contacts to share information and best practice
Desirable
Ensure that written and verbal communication is clear, structured and convincing for the relevant audience
Deliver Results
Essential
Identify and act on opportunities to reduce cost, increase income and achieve value for money
Make informed decisions but know when to refer upwards for advice
Learn and Apply
Essential
Encourage and act on constructive feedback to improve team performance
React positively to change and support others to do the same
Other 
The duties of this post require frequent travel including to remote areas, 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.
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
If you have any queries regarding our application process please contactresourcing@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
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