We’re looking for an experienced HR Business Partner to join our People team on a permanent basis. This role can be based out of our Edinburgh or Inverness Office.
Our team comprises of 5 x HR Business Partners and 3 x HR Advisors. The People Management team is an integral part of the wider People Team and we work closely with the other functions such as: Resourcing & Talent, Learning & Development, Health, Safety and Wellbeing, Payroll, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, HR Systems and MI, HR Policy and the Change team.
To be successful, you’ll already have CIPD membership and have proven experience of operating in a business partner model and working with local managers to create positive business outcomes. You’ll also have Strong team leadership, motivational and communication skills especially with a diverse range of staff. Experience of working within Civil or Public sector HR would be advantageous but is not essential.
Please click here to view the full list of benefits of working for us.
If this sounds like a role you’re interested in, we’d encourage you to apply with your CV – please ensure you provide evidence of the essential and desirable criteria detailed on the attached job description and success profile document.
We’re looking for Forest Planners to join our planning and environment team in both our South and East Regions (please see Job Description and Success Profile for further information)
The planning and environment teams work closely with other teams and specialists to design sustainable forests of the future, protect and restore semi-natural habitats, respond to climate change and enhance our landscapes. The teams prepare spatial plans, develop work programmes and coordinate and manage data and surveys, as well as contribute to national initiatives and projects to ensure the public land is well cared for.
To be successful, you’ll be qualified to degree or HND level in Forestry or an equivalent. You’ll also require demonstrable knowledge and experience of forest operations and building strong working relationships with both internal colleagues and external stakeholders and regulators. Although previous experience in spatial planning of forestry or analysing spatial information would be advantageous, is not essential.
Working at Forestry and Land Scotland is all about ‘People, Pride and Purpose.’ Join us and take pride in supporting the economy, protecting and enhancing the environment by managing Scotlands National forests and land.
The post holder will lead two workshops based in Bladnoch and Ae Village, managing the mechanical engineering teams and ensuring adherence to health and safety policies. The manager will also promote best practice, support the business planning operations and provide technical support when required. The Workshop Manager is also responsible for accurate tracking of repair costs and service delivery across the workshops, and ensuring the stock levels for parts are maintained.
Mechanical Engineering Services (MES), part of the Fleet and Buildings function, works with all areas of the agency to support and deliver fit-for-purpose vehicles, machinery, and equipment. MES is undergoing an exciting transformation, developing a new operating model to support FLS in achieving sustainability. This includes implementing a new Fleet Management system and Telematics. The national team operates from ten workshops and two offices across Scotland.
To be successful in this role you will need experience of managing a team within an engineering environment. Please see the job description for more information.
We’re looking for an Assistant Area Land Agent to join our commercial development (CD) team in the South Region.
The CD team lead on non-forestry commercial activities through the delivery of diversified income streams throughout the national forests and land to support FLS long-term business sustainability. In fulfilling this role, CD manages a wide range of commercial activity including renewable energy developments, communication masts, mineral extraction, residential property, agricultural leases and the acquisition and disposal of land. These activities generate a significant income, and CD has a remit to grow this further.
To be successful, you’ll have experience in rural surveying or land agency with a practical understanding of Scots Law, the ability to analyse, interpret and resolve problems and to develop and implement practical solutions. A degree in Estate Management or equivalent land-based qualification (or working towards one) is also essential.
We’re looking for an Area Visitor Services Manager to join our team in the Central Region based out of our lodge in Aberfoyle.
The Visitor Services Team are responsible for providing a high quality visitor experience through the management of the recreational facilities and engagement with: visitors, lease holders, event organisers and participants.
Working with a small team, you will manage a diverse range of sites. This includes The Lodge Visitor Centre, Aberfoyle along with Sallochy camp site on East Loch Lomond. You will work with colleagues to provide a high quality, 7-day, visitor experience, in a safe and cost-effective way. Part of the role is to encourage new audiences to our sites across the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park and central belt, working with neighbours, groups and communities to enhance visitor experience.
To be successful, you’ll have substantial experience of managing recreation facilities within the countryside / recreation / tourism sector to a high standard, experience of managing teams and budget management. The ability to use GIS or equivalent software would be advantageous but not essential.
We’re looking for a Regional Stewardship Manager to join our team in the South Region based out of our Dumfries Office.
The South Region are a fantastic team who have the very great privilege of managing almost 170,000ha of land with huge variety and potential, spread all the way from the Scottish Borders to the Isle of Arran.
The Regional Stewardship Manager plays a key role within the Region, managing the delivery of core programmes in woodland creation, restocking and managing delivery of projects for colleagues in Estates, Planning, Environment, Wildlife and Visitor Services.
To be successful, you’ll be qualified to HND qualification or higher, in Forestry or a related Land Management subject. You’ll also have knowledge of modern forestry and land management, as currently practiced in Scotland, experience in managing and supporting teams across multiple disciplines and locations and managing competing priorities and delivering time critical projects. Previous experience in managing complex programmes would be advantageous but not essential.
Our mechanics work on a wide range of vehicles, machines and equipment (VME) - from cars, vans and 4x4s, to trailers, quads and even forest harvesters and forwarders. We also work in some unique environments: our modern workshops operate with the latest tools and equipment, including two and four post vehicle ramps, computer based diagnostic equipment and Milwaukie hand tools. Working on-site involves operating within the forest environment, from your own FLS mobile mechanics' van.
Sitting within a small established team of mechanics and support staff, this is a varied, fast paced role. Mechanics are fully supported and provided with all appropriate training development opportunity.
The Mechanical Engineering Services (MES) team provide safe and economic repair and maintenance of all FLS vehicles, machinery and fleet equipment (VME). We cover the whole of Scotland, operating three workshop areas – North, South and Mid-Scotland.
To be successful in this role you will need Mechanical Engineering based qualifications and experience of carrying out repairs and maintenance work on a wide range of VME.
Please review the Job Description for more information
The Peatland Restoration Forester works as part of a regional delivery team to manage and prepare programmes and projects for peatland restoration. Working alongside regional foresters and the national peatland restoration team, the role involves preparing site restoration plans, as well as monitoring, reporting on outcomes, and overseeing ongoing maintenance. The postholder will ensure all work is specified to be safe, environmentally sustainable, legally compliant, and efficient.
So far, we’ve restored around 12,000 hectares of degraded peatland, averaging 1,000 hectares a year. We aim to increase this to 1,500–2,000 hectares annually — helping prevent emissions, capture carbon, and create vital habitats for threatened wildlife. To meet these ambitions, our Peatland Restoration team is growing. The National Planning and Environment team includes six specialists who lead programme management, GIS support, and technical advice.
To be successful in this role you will have a track record of leading or assisting in the delivery of work programmes at considerable scale.
Please review the Job Description for more information on this role, applications are received through our recruitment portal by way of CV and Covering Letter.
About FLS
Our Corporate Services Directorate, working with the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and Senior Leadership Team (SLT), is responsible for the delivery of a portfolio of business and digital change projects to help FLS achieve its goal of becoming ‘Fit for the Future’. The overarching intent of the Fit for the Future Change Portfolio is to ensure the long term, financial sustainability of FLS’ commercial operations, whilst continuing to create value of the national forest and land asset. Furthermore, the Change Portfolio is seeking to embed a culture of change and continual improvement, striving for operational excellence. Please see the attached supplementary information for more detailed information around the Improvement projects.
About the role
The Programme Director - Transformation will have overall accountability for leading transformation programmes and will report to Director of Corporate Services. This role will provide high-quality and visible operational and strategic leadership.
They will guide the direction of the Transformation programme, ensuring it aligns with FLS’ strategic vision and corporate objectives. The postholder will lead the delivery of all project and improvement programmes across FLS, working collaboratively with partners as needed to drive, embed, and support continuous improvement within Directorates.
In addition, the Programme Director - Transformation will be responsible for fostering a culture of innovation and improvement throughout FLS, regularly sharing ideas and best practices while ensuring effective implementation.
As a senior member of FLS’ Leadership team, the postholder will maintain visibility and effective business partnerships with key leaders, promoting and enabling FLS’ collaborative working arrangements.
About you
We are seeking a collaborative and experienced senior leader with a passion for transforming services to embed and lead our new Transformation team. This is a key role in supporting FLS as we challenge ourselves to be financially sustainable within the next three years to give us options for the future about what we invest in and how best to fulfil our mission.
As the Programme Director - Transformation, you will be responsible for overseeing our Transformation programme. You will be a senior transformation and programme manager, experienced in delivering ambitious change programmes, exploring innovative ways of working to achieve cost and quality improvements.
You will thrive in a complex system, managing sensitive issues and competing priorities.
What we offer
Our list of benefits can be found here
How to apply
This is a 24-month fixed term appointment and we would be delighted to consider all applicants including any current civil servants who are looking to work with us on a loan or secondment basis.
We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, recognising that diverse perspectives drive innovation and success. Our commitment to inclusivity ensures that everyone, regardless of race, gender, or other characteristics, is valued and welcomed to contribute to our dynamic team.