Working for Forestry Commission

Find out the benefits of working for the Forestry Commission and where to apply.

The Forestry Commission is a vibrant organisation with highly talented staff, working to improve people’s lives through the many benefits that woods and forests provide. We believe in rewarding our people by providing these excellent benefits.

Civil Service Pensions

The Civil Service Pension is considered one of the most generous pensions available. Further details can be found at Civil Service Pensions.

Annual leave

  • 25 days’ annual leave allowance plus additional ‘privilege’ days off (pro-rata)
  • annual leave increases to 30 days with 5 years’ service
  • options to buy or sell up to 5 days annual leave

Work-life balance

We recognise that life isn’t all about work.

We offer a range of flexible working options depending on your circumstances, including part-time working, job share, annualised hours and a compressed working week.

Many roles also offer the option of working from home for part of the week

Family friendly

We understand the importance of supporting you and your loved ones, allowing you to thrive both in and out of work:

  • flexible and inclusive working patterns
  • significantly more than the statutory minimum maternity, paternity, shared parental and adoption leave benefits
  • opportunity to apply for unpaid career breaks
  • a variety of special leave options to help cope with those unexpected times in your life

Lifelong learning

We are committed to lifelong learning and supporting your career development in a variety of ways, including:

  • 5 days professional development a year to target the skills you need to take your career forward
  • access to Civil Service Learning (CSL), an online platform providing training courses, workbooks, e-learning and videos
  • nurturing early talent: apprenticeship and graduate development programmes

Wellbeing

  • our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) giving you access to free, independent and confidential expert advice and support, including specialist counselling, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
  • occupational health to help keep you safe and healthy whilst in work
  • free eye tests
  • mental health awareness, including a trained team of mental health first aiders
  • local wellbeing champions organise events, share information and support your wellbeing

Volunteering

We offer 3 paid volunteering days per year (pro-rata for those who work part time).

Diverse and inclusive work environment

We believe in listening to our staff to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and feels included every day:

  • our employee networks bring people together to embrace the full range of diversity. We listen to our diverse groups to understand what they love and to find ways to make things better
  • we are working hard to improve female representation across our organisation
  • local inclusion ambassadors are enthusiastic about making our workplaces inclusive spaces and know how to challenge inappropriate behaviours, and model inclusive behaviours

Additional benefits

  • generous sick pay entitlement
  • free parking at Forestry England sites and entry to our National Arboretums
  • an employee benefits portal that provides discounts on everyday supermarket shopping, as well as purchases such as gadgets, clothes, mobile phones, electrical items, medical insurance, holidays and Headspace
  • cycle to work scheme, where you can save tax and NI on a new bike
  • discounted gym membership
  • salary advances to purchase season tickets for public transport or IT equipment
  • the Civil Service Sports and Social Club, Insurance Society, Charity and Motoring Club also offer discounts and support

Where to apply

Forestry is a rewarding career where you can make a real difference to the environment, nature, the economy and future generations.

Our current vacancies can be found on Civil Service Jobs.

Find out more about working in forestry.

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