Trainee Forester - RFS Forestry Roots

Job Title: Trainee Forester via Royal Forestry Society (RFS)

Type of Contract: Temporary

Key Responsibilities:

• Carry out a range of forestry and woodland management duties, including tree felling, processing, planting, and maintenance
• Undertake tree and parkland maintenance using chainsaws, strimmers, and brush cutters
• Assist with conservation and habitat management across the Estate
• Support wider estate maintenance tasks, including work on residential, agricultural, and commercial areas
• Fencing: assisting the team with the erection of park post and rail fencing, stock and deer net.
• Assisting with pest control
• Assist with preparation of the park for events held throughout the year when required, including preparing the park for the Burghley Horse Trials
• Operate forestry and grounds maintenance machinery, including ATVs and other vehicles (dependent on experience)
• Reporting to the Head Forester

Skills and Experience:

• A genuine interest in forestry, woodland management, or arboriculture
• Practical, hands-on approach with the ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and alongside other trades
• An enthusiastic, positive attitude
• Full UK driving licence

Please be aware this job is part of the RFS Forestry Roots traineeship which is charitably funded and all applicants must fulfil the below eligibility criteria:

• Aged 18-30 years old
• Faced a barrier to education or employment
• Not currently gainfully employed, or working within the forestry or arboriculture sector

You will need to be available to start work between 1 August and 31 September 2026.

Early submission is encouraged as RFS reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received.

Please apply through the Royal Forestry Society website here .