Land Agent
Forestry England – South District
We're recruiting an experienced Land Agent to join the Estates team in Forestry England's South District. This is a senior professional role offering real influence, variety and the opportunity to manage some of the most significant rural and environmental assets in England, including land within the New Forest National Park.
Location: Lyndhurst, Hampshire (with blended working available)
Contract: Permanent, full-time (37 hours per week)
Salary: £48,765 – £52,557
Closing date: 11:55pm, Thursday 23 April 2026
The opportunity
We're looking for a confident, commercially aware Land Agent who can combine strong technical expertise with leadership capability.
In this role, you'll provide professional estate management and property advice across a large and diverse portfolio spanning Surrey, Hampshire, West Sussex and Berkshire, with wider coverage across the South District. You'll work closely with senior leaders and multidisciplinary teams, playing a key role in shaping how Forestry England manages, protects and derives value from its land and built assets.
What you'll be responsible for
You will:
* Lead and manage the District Estates team alongside another Area Land Agent, including line management responsibilities
* Act as cost centre manager for the Estates budget, overseeing annual and five‐year business planning
* Manage a wide-ranging portfolio of residential, agricultural and commercial properties
* Negotiate and renew leases, licences, wayleaves and agreements
* Lead on land acquisitions and disposals, securing best value outcomes
* Undertake RICS Red Book valuations for financial and internal purposes
* Handle legal and compensation claims in liaison with solicitors
* Identify development and income‐generating opportunities aligned with government policy
* Support delivery of Forestry England's Energy Strategy and low‐carbon ambitions
* Contribute as a member of the District senior leadership team
Who we're looking for
Essential requirements
* Chartered membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS or FRICS)
* Degree (or equivalent) in Rural Estate Management or a related discipline
* Proven experience in rural or general practice estate management
Desirable
* RICS Registered Valuer status
* Fellow of the Association of Agricultural Valuers
* Experience using GIS and strong IT skills
* Understanding of sustainable forest management
We're keen to hear from candidates who are collaborative, decisive and comfortable working within sensitive, high‐profile landscapes.
Why Forestry England?
This is a standout role because it offers:
* Responsibility for unique, nationally important assets
* Significant autonomy and professional trust
* A supportive, values‐led organisation with long‐term purpose
* Flexible and blended working arrangements
* Excellent development and progression opportunities
Benefits include:
* 25–30 days annual leave plus bank holidays and additional leave
* Generous Civil Service pension (minimum 20% employer contribution)
* Paid professional membership fees
* Family‐friendly policies and wellbeing support
* Structured learning and development, including five dedicated learning days per year
How to Apply
If you are looking for a friendly, knowledgeable team then this could be a great role for you.
Your application will be dealt with in the strictest confidence by Dan Cole. Please call our office on 07443 880 834 or alternatively send your CV (at this stage do not worry if it's not up-to-date) directly to .
Alternatively, if you would like to ask a few questions before applying, please get in touch.