Senior Civil Engineer
Forestry Commission
Apply before 11:55 pm on Sunday 5th January 2025
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About the job
Job summary
Forestry England is the government body responsible for managing the nation’s forests for people, nature, climate and the economy. Yorkshire District covers an area from Teeside to Spurn Head, stretching over the North York Moors National Park, and the Leeds metropolitan area to the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
The District is responsible for the sustainable management of a 21,000-hectare estate, which includes some of England’s most expansive and ecologically important woodland parcels. These forests are of distinct natural importance but are also steeped in history and culture, surrounding the homes of a diverse population. They attract over 400,000 visits per year, including at the Dalby Forest Visitor Centre.
It is our job to manage these woodlands so that they produce a range of public benefits and ensure that they continue to thrive for many generations to come. We do this by managing spaces for wildlife and people, alongside sustainable timber production and carbon capture. We want to do our part to ensure a prosperous and sustainable future for Yorkshire Forest District and the more than 3.5 million people who call the area home.
The Senior Engineer will manage and drive forward the delivery of the district’s civil engineering programme, including all overall planning, budgeting, compliance, and commercial responsibilities. Leading the civil engineering team, they will be accountable for the safe delivery of all civil engineering works and asset management within the district. Support the delivery of Forestry England’s purpose and objectives, as well as the targets set out in the current strategic plan. The districts 500km+ of infrastructure and 55 bridges help to deliver approx 125000 tonnes of timber to the market each year and are key in ensuring Yorkshire meets its financial targets.
The role will be an important part of the district’s operational leadership and there may be scope to develop into a Principal Engineer role for the right candidate.
Job description
Accountabilities
- Prepare an annual plan of essential civil engineering works to support timber production, recreation income generation and the safety of our civil engineering assets, including bridges and dams.
- Provide leadership and line management to the civil engineering team, supporting and coaching them to deliver the work programme.
- Accountable for all commercial aspects associated with the delivering civil engineering works, including compliance with all procurement requirements and contract management.
- Ensure an asset management plan is in place and implemented though an inspection and maintenance programme.
- Obtain consents for undertaking civil engineering works, including the submission of planning applications where necessary.
- To role model high standards of health and safety in civil engineering and seek opportunities to improve the working practices of Forestry England staff and contractors.
- Build networks both internally and with external agencies and partners to support the management and delivery of Forestry England’s civil engineering activities.
- Ensure all civil engineering activities comply with the requirements of UKWAS and other applicable legislation and best practice.
- Plan and deliver civil engineering capital investment projects, which are often part of wider projects that can be complex, high risk or cross function.
Responsibilities
- Set and manage the civil engineering budget through monthly monitoring and annual business planning, based on a 5-year model.
- To pro-actively manage and monitor engineering health and safety issues, leading incident investigations and ensuring that lessons are implemented.
- Actively manage the environmental impacts of our engineering activities, including the accurate measurement and management of carbon emissions. Seek opportunities to reduce carbon emissions where possible.
General Responsibilities
- Display Forest England’s values.
- Minimise filing backlogs and prioritise workload to meet targets.
- Present a friendly and professional appearance.
- Be familiar with and appropriately adhere to Forestry England Policies and Procedures.
- Undertake any other duties, reasonably requested by the Area Land Agent or Forest Management Director.
Person specification
Essential Professional and Technical experience
- Significant experience in the safe design and delivery of civil engineering construction projects, including a good understanding of the Construction Design and Management Regulations and other applicable H&S legislation.
- Significant experience working in the Civil Engineering sector including works planning, design, and contract management.
- Significant experience in working within a team, communicating effectively, and building enduring relationships with other disciplines and stakeholders. Candidates must be able to engage with geographically dispersed teams.
- The ability to produce civil engineering design details and specifications.
- A good understanding of the NEC contract suite and the associated contract management processes.
- Project management skills to be able to deliver the work programme on time and within budget.
- Stakeholder management skills, be able manage a variety of stakeholders.
- Knowledge of the relevant CE standards and best practice and application to forestry civil engineering.
Desirable Professional and Technical experience
- Civil Engineering experience of working in a forestry or rural environment and application of ecologically sensitive best practice.
- Experience using GIS software or other mapping systems.
- Experience of using computer aided design software, such as AutoCAD or Civils 3D.
- Experience in the quarrying/extractives industry, and the application of the Quarries Regulations.
Essential Qualifications:
- 3 A levels.
- HND in Civil Engineering.
- CITB Site Managers Safety Training Scheme or IOSH Managing Safely qualification.
Desirable Qualifications:
- Incorporated Engineer (IEng).
Qualifications
3 A levels.
HND in Civil Engineering.
CITB Site Managers Safety Training Scheme or IOSH Managing Safely qualification.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Making Effective Decisions
- Delivering at Pace
- Managing a Quality Service
Benefits
- Learning and development tailored to your role.
- An environment with flexible working options.
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.
- A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
- A range of wellbeing benefits including discounted civil service healthcare, access to an Employee Assistance Programme 24/7, Bike to Work Scheme, plus more.
- 25 days annual leave, with 1 additional day for each years’ service up to 5 years (pro rata), plus 10.5 bank holidays/privilege days (pro rata).
- Ability to buy or sell up to 5 days annual leave.
- 3 days volunteering per year (Pro rata).
Things you need to know
Selection process details
As part of the application process you will be asked to complete a CV and personal statement as follows:
- A CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. Please ensure you have provided reasons for any gaps within the last two years.
- A Personal Statement (no longer than 1000 words) explaining how you consider your personal experience, skills and qualities are relevant to this role. Please demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria as detailed in the person specification.
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the CV only. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift, or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
Sift is expected to take place on Monday 6th January 2025 and interviews will be conducted in the week commencing Monday 20th January 2025. (Actual dates to be confirmed).
Your interview will either be conducted face to face or by video. You will be notified of the location if you are selected for interview.
Further Information
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Any move to Forestry Commission from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf.
However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.
This role is full time only. Applicants who wish to work an alternative pattern are welcome to apply however your preferred working pattern may not be available and you should discuss this with the vacancy holder before applying.
The duties of this post require the applicant to have a full current 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 any other means.
Where a role has been identified as one which falls under the scope of the Public Sector English Language Requirements, within Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016, it is essential that applicants should have the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English. Applicants will be assessed in the selection process in accordance with the requirements.
Reasonable Adjustment
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
Contact Government Recruitment Service via fcerecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
Complete the ‘Assistance required’ section in the ‘Additional requirements’ page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
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Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
Diversity and Inclusion
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Richard Scott
- Email : Richard.Scott@forestryengland.uk
- Telephone : 07733 296057
Recruitment team
- Email : fcerecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Further information
