Senior Surveyor (Rural) Land acquisition Candidate Information Pack
Beach Baker is delighted to be partnering with Forestry England in the search for a Senior Surveyor to join their National Woodland Creation Team .
This is a unique opportunity to combine commercial surveying expertise with a role that delivers lasting environmental impact . Working at the forefront of one of England's most ambitious woodland creation programmes, the successful candidate will play a key role in securing land that will
support biodiversity, carbon sequestration, sustainable timber production and public access generations to come.
for
ABOUT FORESTRY ENGLAN D Forestry England doesn't just manage forests - they create, protect and care for them. As England's largest land manager, Forestry England is responsible for some of the country's most important natural assets. Their forests provide homes for wildlife, support sustainable timber production, improve air quality and offer millions of people access to nature every year. Forestry England is committed to growing the nation's forests and adapting landscapes for the future. Through its Woodland Creation Programme, the organisation is helping deliver national environmental ambitions while creating forests that will benefit communities, wildlife and future generations.
With approximately 1,000 hectares of land targeted for acquisition and planting each year through to 2030, Forestry England is seeking an experienced Senior Surveyor to support the continued delivery of this nationally significant programme.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Reporting into the National Woodland Creation Team, the Senior Surveyor will identify, assess and secure land acquisition opportunities across England, helping Forestry England expand its forest estate and deliver long -term environmental benefits. This is a role for a commercially minded Chartered Surveyor who is motivated by the opportunity to combine professional expertise with meaningful public and environmental outcomes.
THE ROLE The successful candidate will lead on the acquisition of rural land for woodland creation projects across England. Working closely with forestry specialists, district teams, legal advisers, landowners and agents, they will take responsibility for progressing acquisitions from initial opportunity through to legal completion. The role offers significant autonomy and variety, with opportunities to influence strategic land acquisition decisions and represent Forestry England at both regional and national level.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES The Senior Surveyor will: •
Build and maintain productive relationships with land agents and landowners across England to identify both on -market and off -market acquisition opportunities.
•
Work collaboratively with Woodland Creation and Forest District teams to assess land suitability and support recommendations for inclusion within Forestry England's woodland creation programme.
•
Negotiate commercially advantageous terms for the freehold acquisition of land and associated property interests.
•
Lead the due diligence process, working closely with legal advisers to identify and manage risks through to completion.
•
Negotiate and renew leases, licences and agreements supporting woodland establishment projects.
•
Undertake valuation work and provide professional surveying advice where required.
•
Support wider estate management matters across the Woodland Creation and National Estates teams.
•
Act as an ambassador for Forestry England, promoting the Woodland Creation Programme and building support amongst stakeholders and partners.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE Beach Baker is keen to speak with Chartered Surveyors who have a strong background in rural property, estate management or land acquisition. Candidates may currently be working within: • Rural surveying practices • Property consultancies • Estate management organisations • Utilities or infrastructure sectors • Public sector estates • Agricultural property businesses The successful individual will have a strong commercial mindset, excellent relationship -building skills and a proven track record of delivering successful land transactions.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE Candidates should be able to demonstrate: • Experience in rural land management or general practice surveying. • A successful history of managing land transactions and achieving commercial outcomes. • Strong stakeholder management and relationship -building skills. • The ability to work independently whilst contributing effectively within multidisciplinary teams. • Excellent problem -solving and decision -making capabilities.
ESSENTIAL: • Professional membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (AssocRICS, MRICS or FRICS).
QUALIFICATIONS
• Degree or equivalent qualification in Rural Estate Management or a related discipline. DESIRABLE: • RICS Registered Valuer status. • Fellow of the Association of Agricultural Valuers. • Knowledge of woodland creation or sustainable forest management.
LOCATION & FLEXIBILITY One of the key attractions of this role is its flexibility. The successful candidate can be based from any Forestry England office in England and will benefit from a blended approach to working, combining home working, office collaboration and travel. The role will involve occasional travel across England, including overnight stays where required.
REWARDS & BENEFITS Forestry England offers an attractive package including: • Salary of £48,765 - £52,557 • Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension Scheme with employer contributions averaging 28.97% • 25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days with service • Access to the STaR employee benefits scheme • Free parking at Forestry England sites
• Free entry to Westonbirt and Bedgebury National Arboretums • Ongoing professional development and support for professional memberships • Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
A CAREER WITH PURPOSE This is far more than a traditional surveying role. Every acquisition secured will contribute towards the creation of new forests, support biodiversity recovery, increase carbon capture and provide public access to green spaces across England. For experienced surveyors looking to use their expertise on projects that will leave a lasting national legacy, this represents an exceptional opportunity.
CONTACT US Dan Cole Director Property - Rural dan.cole@beachbaker.co.uk
07443 880 834
Beach Baker is proud to be supporting Forestry England with this appointment and welcomes conversations with individuals who would like to play a pivotal role in shaping England's future landscapes. All third party and direct applications will be forwarded to Beach Baker Recruitment for review.