Local Government Jobs

Our Open Spaces Department manages over 10,000 acres of open space which is accessible to the public in and around London. This includes the nationally and internationally recognised Burnham Beeches and Stoke Common which together consist of 750 acres of ancient woodland, wood pasture, valley bog and heath land visited by over 550,000 people each year.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and adaptable person to join a small but dedicated team responsible for the protection and management of the sites. A practical all rounder, you will need to be able to work positively under pressure to deliver a wide range of projects. As a positive team player you will see challenges as opportunities to learn and develop, you will be as happy working with a chain saw as you would be motivating and encouraging volunteers or leading a guided walk.

You will be involved in carrying out a range of habitat and estate management operations, supervising volunteers, providing a uniformed site presence and in a developing role working with livestock, leading guided walks and assisting with public events. Consistently striving for high quality customer care you must be able to show an ability to be organised, a willingness to work outside in all weather and at times on difficult terrain and have a the desire and tenacity to develop new skills.

The successful candidate will ideally have relevant experience working in countryside management preferably including woodland management and working with volunteers and a relevant qualification in Countryside Management or a related discipline. A full driving licence, good written and verbal communication skills, competency in a wide range of practical skills both for the countryside and in the office and a commitment to Continuous Professional Development are also necessary.

The successful candidate will be based at the estate Office in Hawthorn Lane, Farnham Common. Starting salary will be dependent upon qualifications and experience.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and as part of the selection process the successful applicant will be required to obtain a Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure.

The closing date for returned applications is Wednesday 31st March 2010 at 12 noon. Interviews will be held on 21st and 22nd of April 2009 at the Burnham Beeches office.