Community Forest Beat Manager

As Beat Manager you will be responsible for operational delivery and visitor safety and experience across the community woodland estate in Thames Beat, working to the Community Woodland Lead. You will be based out of the Thames Chase Forest Centre, near Upminster, Essex.

Purpose of the role:

Through the management of the Thames Beat team and working with partners, manage and sustainably expand the Thames Beat woodlands for people, wildlife and the climate. Take responsibility for operational delivery and visitor safety and experience across the Thames Beat woodlands.

Key Work Areas:

• People Management - line manage, mentor and support assigned personnel in the Thames Beat team in the delivery of Beat programmes and in their professional and personal development.
• Operational Programmes - plan and deliver operational programmes (including woodland creation & maintenance, vegetation management, tree safety and harvesting) working with staff, volunteers, contractors and partners.
• Ensure that programmes are delivered efficiently, safely and to schedule, and in line with district and national guidance.
• Create and maintain management plans and programmes of work for each woodland.
• Recreational Programmes - take responsibility for the development, inspection and maintenance of recreational facilities (eg trails, play, car parks) and the promotion and safe management of events and activities to connect people with the nation’s forests.
• Hold regular reviews with tenants, as set out in the tenancy agreement.
• Health, Safety and Wellbeing - promote a safe working environment by role modelling high standards of health, safety and wellbeing, through regular monitoring and recording of H&S compliance and the prompt reporting and investigation of accidents and near misses, ensuring that lessons learned are shared and implemented.
• Review or prepare risk assessments, method statements and other health and safety documentation for operations and facilities and undertake pre-commencement meetings with staff and contractors, in line with established procedures.
• Financial Management - Seek out and deliver opportunities to improve the financial sustainability of Thames Beat through cost control, income generation, partnership working and funding.
• Prepare, monitor and review the Beat budget and resources needed to deliver programmes