Appointments

Bute Forest Ltd, a subsidiary company of Bute Community Land Company, are in the process of finalising the master plan which brings together the communities ideas about the activities which should and should not take place in the forest.  A recent graduate will complement the work of the Forest Manager to achieve the community’s aspirations.

The graduates tasks will include:

• Implementing the forest management plan
• Working with the Forest Manager and local environmental and archaeological organisations to ensure the protection and development of the forests assets
• Creating paths, bike trails, picnic benches and other facilities for visitors use and enjoyment
• Supervising volunteers to assist with the forest management and facility development
• Milling the forests timber and producing items for sale locally including fences, sheds and benches and progressing to buildings and larger items.

As part of the TalentScotland Graduate Placement Programme in the Highlands and Islands, the candidate will benefit from support from a team within Highlands and Islands Enterprise and also access training focussed on employability and business skills, including a five day residential course.

This position is part funded by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the European Regional Development Fund.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential:

• Forestry qualifications and / or experience
• Ability to build basic wood-based products such as fences and sheds
• Current driving licence
• Ambition and initiative
• Willingness to undertake further training and develop skills

Desirable:

• Ability to create forest-based facilities e.g. paths, viewpoints, picnic sites
• Volunteer management experience
• Business management or sales experience
• Community engagement experience

Company Information

Bute Forest Ltd (BFL) is a company limited by guarantee formed to manage the forest project. It is a subsidiary of Bute Community Land Company which was formed in September 2009 in order to enable the community to buy Rhubodach Forest.

Through the purchase and sensitive development of Rhubodach Forest the vision of the Bute community is to: Provide a catalyst for the Isle of Bute to become an exemplar in sustainable renewable energy and environmental management, whilst providing community, economic and environmental benefits to the Island.

This vision will be achieved through establishing a commercially viable operation following purchase of the forest which will:

• Improve the environmental quality and diversity of Rhubodach Forest
• Facilitate and encourage community access and use of the forest
• Establish a number of renewable energy projects which will both efficiently generate energy and provide a demonstration to encourage adoption by others
• Create business, employment and training opportunities for the people of Bute
• Attract additional visitors and associated spend to Bute

BCLC was formed in response to a significant view within the community of Bute that the forest should be acquired for community benefit and that this ‘once in a generation’ opportunity to acquire such as sizeable piece of land, with its potential to transform the island’s economy, could not be missed.

Their main business activities at present are the management and sale of timber, including timber products.

Location

Rothesay, Argyll, Highlands and Islands

Closing date 

28th February 2012

Placement Start Date

2nd April 2012

Salary

£15,500 p.a.

Duration

12 months

Apply

To apply for this placement please view the details on the TalentScotland website.