Head of Forestry Division (Grade 6) Forest Service

Forest Service is an Executive Agency of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland. Forest Service’s work makes a significant contribution to DAERA’s vision of “Delivering a net zero nature positive future, supporting sustainable agriculture and thriving rural communities.” 

The Head of Forestry Division within Forest Service is a senior leadership role of national importance. The postholder will shape how forestry contributes to climate action, biodiversity recovery, sustainable land use and economic development across Northern Ireland. They will lead a multidisciplinary workforce, oversee significant public assets and investment, and work closely with Ministers, senior officials and partners across the UK and Ireland. 

Applications are invited from experienced leaders, who are motivated by public value, environmental stewardship and strategic challenge. 

Location 

This post is based at Forest Service HQ, Inishkeen House, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, BT74 4EJ.  

The Northern Ireland Civil Service Hybrid Working Policy applies to this post, which blends working at the headquarters, in other office locations occupied by DAERA such as Belfast, Newry and Ballykelly and at home based on business need. 

Salary and Benefits 

The salary for this post is £77,904 per annum (under review). 

In addition, a Recruitment and Retention Allowance of £10,000 per annum is payable to recognise the specialist and scarce skills required for the role. 

Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) offers all employees:

• An annual leave allowance of 25 days, increasing to 30 days after 5 years, in addition to public and privilege holidays.
• An attractive pension package.
• Access to NICS career pathways and job opportunities. 

Key Responsibilities 

The purpose of the Head of Forestry Division post is to lead, advise on and support the development of forestry policies and deliver Ministerial priorities through fully integrated strategic and operational forestry functions. The postholder will: 

• be influential in leading and implementing all aspects of forestry work across the sector, providing assurance and advice and maintaining the confidence of industry and other stakeholders; 

• be responsible for ensuring that forestry programmes contribute effectively to NI’s climate action plans and provide a wide range of ecosystem services and benefits, derived from existing and new forestry assets, with proportionate effort and cost; 

• directly support the Chief Executive on forestry matters and they will have a key role in the overall leadership and decision-making of the Agency as an Executive Member of the Forest Service Management Board; and 

• lead and manage professional foresters and multidisciplinary teams to deliver a comprehensive forestry programme including senior professionals, technical foresters, administrative and industrial staff of approximately 120. 

Eligibility Criteria 

Applicants must, by the closing date for applications: 

1. Possess a degree in Forestry or another educational qualification* that meets the minimum requirement of 5 points as assessed by the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF). *These qualifications may include those acquired outside the UK. 

AND

2. (a) Hold current membership of a recognised professional forestry body such as ICF, Society of Irish Foresters or another professional body considered by the competition panel to be of equal standing.

OR

(b) Be in a position to achieve membership within 12 months from appointment. 

AND

3. (a) Have either at least 3 years’ experience of strategic decision making and policy development in a forestry or forestry-related context at a senior management level within a medium sized complex organisation.

OR

(b) Have at least 3 years' experience in successfully leading and directing a range of work programmes in a forestry or forestry-related context, involving strategic decision making and a diverse range of senior management level stakeholders and staff, within a medium sized complex organisation. 

Application Information 

To apply, please go to www.nicsrecruitment.org.uk 

Completed application forms must be submitted no later than 12:00 noon (UK time) on Friday 13^th November 2026. 

Applicants wishing to learn more about the job role can telephone Fiona Johnston on 028 6634 3007 or email fiona.johnston@daera-ni.gov.uk. 

If you have any questions about the competition process, or require any documentation in an alternative format, you should contact HRConnect on 0800 1 300 330 or email: recruitment@hrconnect.nigov.net. 

The Northern Ireland Civil Service is an Equal Opportunities Employer. 

ALL APPLICATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT ARE CONSIDERED STRICTLY ON THE BASIS OF MERIT.