Background

The Royal Scottish Forestry Society, formed in 1854, is an educational charity focussing on promoting the understanding of trees, woods and forestry. Every year RSFS puts on what we believe to be the most extensive programme of practical forestry events across Scotland. This activity is being expanded into practical training events.

The Society has published a semi-academic journal, Scottish Forestry, since 1858 promoting all aspects of good practice in forestry. All back issues are available to Members via our website.

The Society has a mix of individual and organisational Members. Our membership includes professional foresters and managers, woodlands owners and many others with an interest in trees and woods.

RSFS is also the parent entity of Cashel Forest Trust, a charity based near Balmaha, in East Loch Lomond. Cashel Forest Trust owns a 1,300-hectare estate comprising a visitor centre, 5 km of recreational paths, a hydro-electric scheme, 300 Ha of native woodland, 500 Ha of peatland under restoration and 500 Ha of montane and open hillside. Cashel welcomes more than 10,000 visitors a year with an interest in natural ecosystems, native woodland and citizen science.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking up to 2 new trustees. Applications of those with experience of the following areas will be prioritised:

• Communications, stakeholder engagement and public relations ;

• Learning and development programmes in the context of CPD.

We would like applicants to:

• Empathise with our vision, mission and aims;

• Demonstrate a willingness and ability to devote the necessary time and effort;

• Experience of exercising sound and independent judgement;

• Think and apply knowledge creatively and strategically;

• Keep themselves and the charity mission-focused;

• Analyse and evaluate information and other evidence in the execution of their duties.

The Royal Scottish Forestry Society, formed in 1854, is an educational charity focussing on promoting the understanding of trees, woods and forestry.

Every year RSFS puts on what we believe to be the most extensive programme of practical forestry events across Scotland. The Society has published a semi-academic journal, Scottish Forestry, since 1858 promoting all aspects of good practice in forestry.

The Society is at an exciting stage of its development growing its practical training offering, offering a wider range of bursaries and expanding its digital content. To support these activities we are looking to appoint an Administrative Officer.

Who we are looking for

You will be a personable, dynamic self-starter, used to being the first point of contact within the organisation. As RSFS is a virtual organisation, you must be highly-organised and able to work independently contributing to the overall team outcomes.

The principal functions of the role will be to undertake all of the administration relating to the following areas and to support members who volunteer to organise RSFS events:

• Membership administration;

• Member circulation lists;

• Event administration

o Annual Study Tour (AST) planning, arrangements and record-keeping;

o Regional Field Day (RFD) arrangements and record-keeping;

o Training Event (TEV) planning, arrangements and record-keeping;

• Bursary and awards administration;

• Web content relating to these matters;

• Operational policies and procedures for these matters.

Outline terms and conditions

• The role is for 21 hours per week;

• A full-time equivalent salary of £26,500 to £28,500, pro rated for the hours worked, to be agreed depending on experience;

• 28 days paid holiday;

• Access to our employee well-being assistance programme.

The Royal Scottish Forestry Society is an educational charity focussing on promoting the understanding of trees, woods and forestry. Every year RSFS puts on what we believe to be the biggest programme of practical forestry events across Scotland. The Society has a mix of individual and organisational members. Our membership includes professional foresters and managers, woodlands owners and many others with an interest in trees and woods.

This is a new role providing an excellent opportunity to contribute to a dynamic and growing charity. You will be responsible for managing the membership information and be the main point of contact for members. You will work with the officers and volunteers to support the annual programme of events. We are looking for someone who takes pride in what they do and in the ethos of the RSFS. You should be well organised and approachable. Previous experience of customer relationship management would be a distinct advantage.

Main Responsibilities

• Member engagement

• Membership data management

• Member communications

• Event support

Working pattern and Location

You will be expected to manage your time to meet the needs of the role. Peak times are Dec/Jan when memberships are renewed and April/May for the Regional Field Days, Annual Study Tour and AGM. In total this will be 66 days throughout the year, which includes 7 days, either leave or public holiday, to be taken with our prior agreement.

This is a remote role. The job holder will also be expected to attend some meetings and field visits throughout Scotland.

Start date: To be agreed. Ideally December 2022.