Graduate Forestry Consultant 2022

For generations we have managed thousands of square miles of the nation's countryside and coastline. As the world tackles the current climate and biodiversity crises our forestry, natural capital and sustainable investment teams are delivering nature-based solutions to help preserve the planet for the future. Do you want to make a difference?

If so, we are recruiting for a Graduate Forestry Consultant to join our Forestry Team in Perth, Scotland. This is a new and exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic graduate to join our high performing Forestry Team.

Bidwells manages c.200,000 hectares of rural property across Scotland from offices in Perth, Fort William and Inverness, with the Forestry Team managing contracts and properties across Scotland and Northern England. Our clients range widely from Forestry and Land Scotland to commercial investors, landowners, estates, renewables developers, utility companies and forest managers.

We provide support to our clients in the following ways

• Strategic advice, annual budgeting, financial account management and VAT returns
• Appointment and oversight of forest managers to deliver work programmes
• Purchasing and Sales of Forest properties
• Performing investment appraisals and valuations
• Buying and selling forests and woodland
• Woodland creation
• Advising on timber marketing and sales
• Overseeing projects
• Tenders and due diligence
• Habitat management
• Helping with technical forestry issues as part of the renewable energy planning process

What you'll be doing?

• Developing broad forestry skills from woodland creation to timber harvesting
• Learn to provide woodland management oversight on behalf of clients
• Assist in the securing of woodland creation approvals
• Creation of work contract maps using QGIS
• Prepare Work Plans for forest management activities and manage progression of these through to completion
• Ensure forest operations are carried out to professional health and safety standards, to protect workers and members of the public
• Liaise with other professionals on contracts such as landscape architects, archaeologists, ecological surveyors and engineers
• Assist in preparing costing, financial forecasts, budgets and reporting
• Monitor contract compliance and delivery of key best practice guidance
• Keep up to date with changes in legislation and other developments in the industry

What You'll Achieve

You'll get the chance to grow with us, in-fact we really want you to progress and will do all we can to help. You'll be enrolled on our 2-year graduate development programme, which will focus on commercial and financial acumen, presentation and writing skills and effective communication as well as equipping you with the industry specific knowledge you will require as a modern, professional forester. This will develop you beyond your current technical expertise, building a strong foundation for your career in forestry.

• Part One: A programme which will see you get involved in a range of skill development activities and networking opportunities, not just with other graduates, but with key senior stakeholders.
• Part Two: The potential to further your study and focus on specific forestry qualifications.

Essential requirements

• Interest in and a willingness to learn about forestry
• Willing and able to work outdoors in all weather and seasons
• Good organisational skills with a methodical and logical approach
• Excellent writing and numeracy skills, to support report production and client reporting
• Good communication skills - speaking to a variety of stakeholders
• Computer literate - competency with word, excel etc
• Full UK Driver's Licence and own vehicle
• A degree in forestry, science, environmental science, geography or a related field, 2:1 or above

Desirable

• Some prior experience with GIS software, but this can be trained
• Hill navigation experience or decent time spent outdoors
• Financial literacy
• Creative, innovative and strategic mindset

Your Package

We will pay you competitively and provide you with an excellent benefits package: 25 days holiday (increasing with length of service), up to 8% contributory pension, health insurance, discretionary bonus, health cash plan scheme (money towards dental treatments, opticians and remedial therapies).

Bidwells is dedicated to fostering a truly inclusive culture of belonging, where everyone can thrive and succeed as their true and authentic selves at every level. We are committed to equal employment opportunity and positively encourage applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of race, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief.

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