THE job description for the man or woman who will spearhead a drive to win the Forest national landscape designation is being advertised by the Countryside Agency.

As well as this task, the agency states, the officer will "tackle a range of environmental, social and economic problems" in the area.

The national government agency, which has a remit to conserve and enhance the countryside and promote social equity and opportunities for the people who live there, is offering a salary of up to £25,000 for the post.

The need for a project officer arose from a visit to the Forest last year by the agency to investigate granting the area special status to protect it from unwelcome development.

Although it was agreed that the area did have very special needs the investigators were reluctant to decide what sort of protection was needed and agreed to appoint someone to continue looking into the matter.

"This will involve developing the scope of the project, negotiating and establishing good relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring implementation, monitoring and evaluation," the agency states.

It says it is essential candidates have at least five years' experience of work dealing with rural, social, economic and environmental issues.

The project officer will probably be spending three days a week working in the Forest of Dean and two days in the agency's South West office in Bristol. He or she will have to be mobile and willing to work out of hours.

Details of the post are available on 01242 533340.