Woodland Agent
South Downs National Park Authority
Position: Woodland Agent
Location: South Downs Centre, Midhurst
Closing Date: 31 August 2026
Interview Date: 10 September 2026
Salary: £43,806 - £48,266
Hours: 37 hours per week
Type of post: Permanent
Are you a passionate and experienced forestry champion? Are you a qualified forester with the drive to help tackle climate change, restore nature and shape the future of one of England's most treasured landscapes?
The South Downs National Park Authority is looking for a Woodland Agent to play a key role in delivering the groundbreaking South Downs Woodland Carbon Project. This landmark partnership with National Parks Partnerships and Legal & General is targeting more than 500 hectares of new woodland across the National Park and is expected to remove over 150,000 tonnes of CO2e over its lifetime.
You will work with landowners, farmers, partners and colleagues to build a strong pipeline of woodland creation schemes, support access to grant funding and carbon finance, and help deliver high-quality projects under the Woodland Carbon Code. The role will also support compliance monitoring across nature-based solutions schemes, including woodland carbon, nutrient neutrality and habitat banks, while contributing to ReNature targets and wider climate action ambitions.
We are looking for someone with strong forestry, woodland creation or land management experience, excellent relationship-building skills and the confidence to guide projects from early opportunity through to delivery and long-term monitoring. You will be commercially aware, collaborative and committed to creating resilient, well-designed woodlands that work for nature, land managers and local communities.
In return, you will join a supportive, purpose-driven organisation working at the heart of the South Downs, helping to deliver one of the UK's most ambitious woodland creation initiatives.
Apply now and help grow the future of the South Downs.
To apply: Please apply via the button shown to upload your CV and complete our application, referring to the person specification.
SDNPA is an inclusive organisation, and we welcome applications from everyone, irrespective of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, faith and religion, disability and age.
We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS) for disabled applicants.
In all circumstances, the SDNPA appoints on merit based on evidence the applicant supplies in meeting the essential criteria for the post. Further information on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion can be found on our website.
SDNPA enhanced benefits
- Flexible working – (this is available for the majority of our roles. However, some positions may require on-site presence and/or specific hours due to business needs)
- Local government pension scheme
- Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme
- Heat Scheme (capped interest-free green home improvement loan, available on a first-come, first-served basis)
- Healthcare - includes cash plan, counselling and wellbeing discounts
- Access to Health and Wellbeing portal and webinars
- 28 days' annual leave, increasing to 31 days, plus bank holidays
- Professional development support
- Cycle to work scheme
- Car sharing
- Use of pool cars
- Regular staff events / activities, which support the SDNPA's Purposes and Duty
About South Downs National Park Authority
The South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) is responsible for keeping the South Downs a special place. The SDNPA is also the planning authority for the National Park.
The Authority is a public body, funded by government, and run by a Board of 27 Members.
The South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) is responsible for keeping the South Downs a special place. The SDNPA is also the planning authority for the National Park. The Authority is a public body, funded by government, and run by a Board of 27 Members.
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