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HR89/06
Cycling Project Co-ordinator
Closing date 24 April 2008
(See also the application paragraph)
The Forestry Commission invites applications for a Cycling Project Co-ordinator. The post is located at Bullers Hill, Kennford, Exeter, Devon, EX6 7XR.
This is a four year fixed term appointment with the possibility of extension or conversion to permanency.
The Cycling Project Co-ordinator is a region-wide partnership post. Executive partners supporting this initiative include Sport England (primary funder), SW Tourism, SW Protected Landscapes Forum, International Mountain Bike Association (UK), British Cycling and the Forestry Commission. The main delivery partner will be CTC the UK’s national cyclists’ organisation.
The Forestry Commission (FC) is hosting this post and will provide to day to day line management. The following sections provide further information about employment with the FC.
This appointment offers an opportunity to join a high quality Civil Service pension arrangement or a stakeholder pension. This gives you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you the best.
Selection will be by interview, in May and the successful candidate will be expected to take up post as soon as possible.
BACKGROUND
The Forestry Commission reports to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on England and GB issues, Scottish Ministers on Scottish issues and The National Assembly for Wales on Welsh issues.
The Forestry Commission leads the way in encouraging a strong forestry industry in Britain based not just on commercial success, but on a much wider appreciation of the many values that people attach to the nation’s forests and woodlands. Broadly, the Forestry Commission is concerned with the formation and management of national forests, the encouragement of forestry on private estates, research development, and education. Multi-purpose use is an important aspect of forestry policy. The emphasis has widened from encouraging timber production to the provision of social and environmental benefits arising from planting and managing attractive, as well as productive, woodlands.
Although the staff of the Forestry Commission are not members of the Home Civil Service, their terms of employment are similar to those of civil servants. The accompanying ‘General Information for Candidates’ should be read in this light as it contains information of interest to all applicants for posts in a Government Department.
The Forestry Commission aims to offer staff diverse and satisfying career opportunities. The movement of staff between the different arms of the Forestry Commission is facilitated and encouraged. We are committed to ensuring that all our staff are trained and developed to meet the needs of their respective jobs.
All staff are employees of the Forestry Commission and HR management procedures, structures and conditions of service are common to the Commission as a whole.
BACKGROUND ON FC IN THE SOUTH WEST
The Forestry Commission in the South West manages a total area 35,900 ha of forest. The region is sub-divided into 3 forest districts – Peninsula, Forest of Dean and New Forest. The total area of woodland in the South West is 212,00 ha. This woodland resource of both private and public forest provides many and varied opportunities for off-road cycling.
Peninsula is headed by Chris Marrow and covers Cornwall, Devon and West Somerset. The area includes Haldon Forest Park, a recently developed site and potential regional hub for off-road cycling located on the outskirts of Exeter. The post-holder will be responsible to David West (Development Manager) as Reporting Officer and Chris Marrow as Confirming Officer.
The ‘Wild Trails’ Initiative follows on from an independent feasibility study undertaken during 2006. The study concluded that the SW region offered significant and untapped demand from off-road cyclists, and that further development of the resource should be actively encouraged.
The key output to be achieved through this project is to raise the number of participants taking part in regular off-road cycling activity. This is in line with national Government physical activity, sport and health strategies. Our vision is to see the SW become the finest region in England for its range of off-road cycling and this post will be instrumental in turning the vision into reality.
The region is renowned for its rich and diverse landscape with National Parks (NP) and Areas of Outstanding National Beauty (AONBs) making up 37% of the total land area. It attracts 15 million visitors per year. The SW has a dynamic and highly successful coastal-based leisure tourism product and off-road cycling provides a great opportunity to supplement this with an exciting and sustainable countryside activity that is less weather dependent.
PURPOSE OF JOB
To co-ordinate the sustainable development of off-road cycling in the region and the delivery of key participation targets agreed with Sport England.
KEY WORK AREAS
- Facilitate the development of self-sustaining off-road cycling trail facilities working with all partners (AONB and NP staff – Dartmoor, Exmoor, Mendip, Quantock, Purbecks, East Devon and Tamar, FC foresters in Peninsula, New Forest and Forest of Dean, managers and landowners from the private woodland sector along with local cycling enthusiasts). Initially the emphasis is likely to be placed on raising the quality of existing off-road cycling sites in the SW region before facilitating the development of new sites.
- Develop monitoring mechanisms on each site to determine the levels of increased participation.
- Work with the cycling partners (IMBA /CTC) to ensure that grading standards and quality assurance are established on the promoted sites.
- Establish and co-ordinate a regional marketing group for off-road cycling providers and other members of the activity tourism sector in the area, developing an umbrella brand for the SW off-road cycling experience and leading on the development of marketing initiatives with partners and providers.
- Promote and encourage private sector investment in off-road cycling packages and associated services, raising the profile of off-road cycling as a legitimate and exciting new sport.
- Work with CTC and IMBA in the distribution of technical guidance on the development of clubs and new facilities.
- Promote and assist in the development of an industry led trail grading and accreditation scheme along with instructor training and competence assurance.
- Identify key sustainability ‘hot spots’ and work with land managers to develop appropriate solutions.
- Work with partners in developing and expanding outreach initiatives engaging ‘hard to reach’ groups in off-road cycling activity.
QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
You must have experience of working in the countryside recreation sector, establishing and developing effective partnerships/networks (with government bodies and or commercial organisations), an ability to think strategically, and a background in delivering complex projects. Competency in IT packages including MS Office will also be required along with in-depth knowledge of the off-road cycling sector.
ESSENTIAL
A qualification in countryside recreational management or sports development would be beneficial. A knowledge and understanding of sustainable development would be desirable. Experience in marketing and promotion, monitoring, along with evaluation and product development would be an advantage. A working knowledge of the SW region, particularly the rural area is beneficial with experience of working in the sports development and delivery sector. Entrepreneurial skills and the ability to take an innovative approach to solving problems would be an advantage.
DESIRABLE
WORKING INDEPENDENTLY AND AS A KEY PART OF A WIDE PARTNERSHIP
No other staff will be employed to assist in the delivery of this project so it is expected that you will be self-motivated, able to work independently, but also able to get the most from partner organisations actively engaged in project delivery.
ESSENTIAL
COMMUNICATION, REPRESENTATION AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
You must be committed and enthusiastic and effective communication skills are essential. The ability to quickly build and maintain rapport with partners is vital. You must be able to make clear and concise contributions to meetings, discussions, submissions, reports and when making recommendations. You will have excellent written and oral communication skills along with the ability to listen and take the views of others on board. Good influencing and negotiation skills are essential.
ESSENTIAL
PLANNING AND ORGANISING
You will have a challenging and varied workload requiring a high level of planning and organisational ability along with problem solving. You must able to cope with juggling priorities ensuring that outputs and outcomes have been achieved. The ability to remain calm and focussed under pressure and think in a strategic manner is vital and you should be able to monitor the effectiveness of plans and take remedial action where necessary.
ESSENTIAL
MANAGING RESOURCES
You will be responsible for a project budget and must be able to prepare well-reasoned, fully costed business plans for specific expenditure or realistic bids for budgets and resources. You will need to demonstrate how you have used imaginative and creative skills to come up with new business ideas and have the ability to see opportunities for new commercial ventures. You should also be able to demonstrate a track record of careful resource management with an eye for quality, care and detail.
ESSENTIAL
PROBLEM SOLVING
You will not be easily discouraged by obstacles or problems and should be confident in your ability to resolve issues, providing a positive, enthusiastic and creative approach. You will be faced with complex and challenging problems requiring critical analysis, sound common sense and a practical approach in dealing with them. The ability to focus on the objectives in hand and take the correct action is essential for this post.
ESSENTIAL
DRIVING LICENCE
The duties of this post require that applicants hold a full driving licence that enables them to drive in the UK. However, the Forestry Commission is willing to consider any proposals put forward by disabled applicants, whose disability prevents them from driving, that would allow them to do the job by another means.
OTHER
The post will require a significant amount of travel within the region.
ESSENTIAL
AGE
There are no age limits though regular and effective service is expected for a reasonable period before reaching a retirement age between 60 and 65.
NATIONALITY
See the Nationality section of the leaflet ‘General Information for Candidates’
REWARDS AND BENEFITS
The core package includes:
- A choice between a Civil Service pension or stakeholder pension scheme.
- 25 days annual leave and 10.5 public and privilege holidays
- interest free loans
- flexible working patterns and
- Flexible benefits including; discounts on a variety of products, restaurants, tourist attractions and retail outlets and:
Tax and National Insurance savings on:
- mobile phone
- childcare vouchers
- bicycles
- wine club
- insurance products
- healthcare
The starting salary is circa £25,000. Subject to effective performance, progression through the Pay Band will be made through incremental steps. A non consolidated annual bonus is available for top performers.
Salary is paid monthly in arrears by credit transfer.
Candidates who have the relevant qualifications and experience required for the role will start at the minimum of the pay band. On the recommendation of the Selection Board, a higher starting salary will only be authorised if you have qualifications and/or experience considered to be of exceptional special value.
If you are already a Civil Servant, a more favourable salary than is allowed for above may be offered. The Forestry Commission reserves the right to set the starting salary but will give fair and reasonable consideration to an officer’s position and status in their present Department when making an offer.
HOURS
Staff normally work a 5-day week of 42 hours, including lunch intervals. If attendance on a Saturday (or other non working day) is required in addition to normal working hours, payment at overtime rates or compensating time off may be given.
ANNUAL LEAVE
In addition to the usual public holidays, there is an annual leave allowance of 25 days rising to 30 days after 10 years total service.
PROBATION
You will be on probation for 8 months. If you are an existing civil servant taking up a post in a higher grade, we may require you to serve a probation period. However, if the probationary service is unsatisfactory you will revert to your previous grade.
LOCATION
You will be based at Bullers Hill, Kennford, Exeter, Devon, EX6 7XR.
TRAVEL ON OFFICIAL BUSINESS
Where officers are required to travel by road on official business, depending on the extent of travelling there will be provision of an official vehicle, a lease car or mileage allowance for the use of a private vehicle.
PENSION
New entrants to the Civil Service will have the choice to join a high quality Civil Service pension arrangement or a money purchase scheme. Some new entrants will only be able to join the money purchase scheme. This all depends on the type of post being offered and your own personal circumstances. Under the provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 some restrictions may be applied on access to ill health retirement provisions. The successful candidate will be asked to complete a Health Declaration as part of the pre-appointment enquiries, and depending on your response, it may be necessary to take medical advice to determine whether you can be accepted for full pension benefits.
APPLICATION
Your completed application forms together with a concise CV giving full details of experience must reach the Forestry Commission marked for the attention of Lindsey King, HR Services, Forestry Commission, 231 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh, EH12 7AT by 24 April 2008.
The Commission will select candidates for interview and make arrangements for the Selection Board as soon as possible after the closing date. A late application can only be accepted if it is possible to deal with it under the arrangements already made when it is received.
SELECTION
Candidates who, on the basis of the application form appear to have the most relevant qualifications, skills and experience will be invited for interview. It is thus essential for you to give a full but concise description of the nature, extent and level of the responsibilities you have held. For this reason it is important that you allow adequate time to complete the application documents.
INTERVIEW
The Selection Board will normally consist of 3 interviewers who will question you mainly on subjects connected with your academic and/or work experience and your job-related achievements and interests. The Board’s main aim will be to gain an insight into your ability to communicate, your personal and interpersonal skills, your intellectual, and professional ability. The Selection Board will recommend to the Commissioners the candidates most suitable for appointment.
If you are successful, the Forestry Commission will carry out enquiries into your age, nationality, health and other matters, to ensure that you are qualified for appointment. To enable these enquiries to be completed, we will require to see your original birth certificate and/or passport, as well as your educational certificates. When the enquiries are completed satisfactorily, the Commission will then make you a formal offer of appointment.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
The Forestry Commission is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all age groups and sections of the Community.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Details of all of the Forestry Commission’s current vacancies are listed on our website at the address www.forestry.gov.uk/vacancies where adverts, job specifications and application forms are available for you to download and complete.
Unfortunately, we are not yet able to receive applications on-line. We are in the process of developing the facilities required and these will be available to you in due course.
OPEN AND FAIR COMPETITION
The Forestry Commission’s recruitment processes are underpinned by the principle of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of open and fair competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners’ Code, which can be found at www.civilservicecommissioners.org. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Code and you wish to make a complaint, you should contact Graham Millar (graham.millar@forestry.gsi.gov.uk) or care of HR at the above address) in the first instance. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Office of the Civil Service Commissioners.
To apply for this post please click on application pack
