Woodland Ranger

South West

Job details

Location

Gloucestershire

Salary

£27,000-£31,000

Hours of work

08:00 to 16:30 Monday - Thursday, 08:00 to 15:30 Friday

Contract

Permanent

Closing date

February 8, 2026

The Ernest Cook Trust is a landowning organisation and an educational charity – one of the
UK’s foremost providers and funders of Outdoor Learning. We see a future where land and lives
enrich each other, a future where anyone can find their place, purpose and potential through
connections to thriving land.

We’re seeking a Woodland Ranger to play a hands-on role in caring for and enhancing the natural environment across our Home Estates in Gloucestershire. Based at our new Estate Yard near Quenington, this varied, seasonal role focuses on woodland management and tree safety in the winter, alongside vegetation management and estate maintenance during the summer months.

Working closely with the Conservation & Woodland Manager and Estates team, you’ll help deliver woodland and habitat management plans, maintain public footpaths and bridleways, and respond to issues such as fallen trees or storm damage. You’ll also support conservation projects, wildlife management and on-site contractors, while helping to promote safe and responsible public access.

This role is ideal for someone with experience or a strong interest in arboriculture, forestry or conservation, who enjoys practical outdoor work and takes pride in high standards of land stewardship. If you’re passionate about wildlife, woodland management and working as part of a collaborative land management team, we’d love to hear from you.

The Role

Main Accountabilities:

Woodland Management and forest habitats
• Support the implementation of Woodland Management Plans and habitat management strategies to promote strong woodland compartments, biodiversity and ecological health.
• Wildlife management focusing on control of squirrel population, embracing technology and innovation
• Identify and assist with tree work and other tasks, using initiative and as directed by the Conservation and Woodland Manager

Access and Pathway Maintenance
• Review and maintain public footpaths to ensure they remain clear, accessible, and safe for use throughout the year.
• Respond to issues such as fallen trees, wind damage, and other environmental challenges that may impact estate access.
• Seek opportunities to engage with the public, welcome access and promote safe and responsible ways of doing so

Collaboration with wider teams
• Work closely with the wider estates team, property management teams, and the Trust as a whole, covering a broad area of land and river management tasks.
• Provide direct support to the Conservation & Woodland Manager, particularly with tree work and other conservation-related projects.
• Contribute to project working across the Trust, with a willingness to bring ideas and expertise to bear.
• Willing to lead and support volunteer working parties.

Take a look on the Ernest Cook Trust website for the full job description and details on how to apply.

Wildlife Manager

Lyndhurst

Job details

Location

Lyndhurst, South East England, SO43 7NH

Salary

£37,537 - £39,661

Hours of work

Flexible working, Full-time

Contract

Permanent

Closing date

February 2, 2026

About the job

What you’ll do

You will share leadership of the District’s wildlife team, working alongside another Wildlife Manager to provide high-quality wildlife management operations in line with industry best practice and Forestry England policy. You will collaborate with Beats and other District functions to contribute to the wider Forest District operations.

Through inclusive leadership and teamwork, you will support the high performance of the District’s wildlife team, with a strong focus on nature conservation and delivering increasing cull targets. You will champion a positive health and safety culture, and ensure the proper management of firearms and production of venison.

Please see the job description below for more information and details about what we need from you.

Where you’ll work

You will share leadership of the District’s wildlife team, working alongside another Wildlife Manager to provide high-quality wildlife management operations in line with industry best practice and Forestry England policy. You will collaborate with Beats and other District functions to contribute to the wider Forest District operations.

Through inclusive leadership and teamwork, you will support the high performance of the District’s wildlife team, with a strong focus on nature conservation and delivering increasing cull targets. You will champion a positive health and safety culture, and ensure the proper management of firearms and production of venison.

Please see the job description below for more information and details about what we need from you.

Job description

• Responsible for the protection of crop and habitat from wildlife damage. Lead and inspire the New Forest Keeper team to deliver effective deer management operations, maintenance and operation of deer larders (and the presentation of carcasses for sale), in collaboration with Beat Foresters, District Foresters and specialist District leads.
• Take responsibility for the delivery of wildlife management projects and programmes of work as required.
• Promote a positive and inclusive culture in the New Forest Keeper and wider District team and actively foster cross-functional collaboration and support. As a Line Manager in the Forest District demonstrate and embed our organisational values and behaviours.
• Ensure compliance with organisational guidance and procedures and communicate the importance of working safely, to manage risk across operations for staff, contractors, and customers. Embed a culture of continuous improvement, promoting learning and development opportunities amongst the team.
• Provide leadership across the New Forest Keeper team, and deputise for the District Forester, as required, to ensure expertise and continuity in wildlife management.
• Develop and deliver the Districts Wildlife Management strategy, including the district deer cull and the management of other mammals to mitigate damage to crop and habitat.
• Design, manage and execute the programme of operations (Wildlife Management Plan) for the District.
• Ensure effective communication of the programme to colleagues in Land Management and across functions.
• Plan, procure, and manage contracts (including Deer Control Licences, volunteers and contractors) to deliver effective wildlife management, and the preparation and sale of carcasses, whilst meeting all relevant guidelines and legislation.
• Efficiently manage resources to enable effective delivery of wildlife management projects, programmes, deer larders, and ‘business as usual’ operations.
• Prepare the annual wildlife management business plan, monitor, reforecast and report on budgets and Key Performance Indicators throughout the year.
• Leadership of the New Forest Keeper team and any associated contractors and volunteers.
• Maintain professional and productive relationships with stakeholders across all wildlife management and project interests and work collaboratively with colleagues across the wider district.
• Engage proactively and respond constructively to existing and prospective customers and present the highest standards of professionalism when representing Forestry England.

And any other tasks, reasonably requested by your line manager.

Person specification

Essential professional and technical experience

• Experience of leading a team, as well as successfully demonstrating a collaborative approach to team working.
• Experience of planning and supervising wildlife management operations, and the ability to demonstrate a significant understanding of health and safety and compliance, in particular the use of firearms, across wildlife management operations.
• Experience of budget management, and a sound understanding of and experience in contract management.
• Competence in IT with experience in the use of MS Office applications.
• A full drivers licence.

Conservation Outcomes Manager

Hybrid Working

Job details

Location

Hybrid working between home and any Woodland Trust Office

Salary

£44,000

Hours of work

Full Time

Contract

Permanent

Closing date

February 10, 2026

The Woodland Trust is looking for a Conservation Outcomes Manager who will lead a team to embed conservation outcomes across our work, providing expert guidance, training and tools, and building strong partnerships to deliver nature recovery, climate and people-focused outcomes.

The Role

• Lead on building organisational expertise in evidence-based practical conservation, providing specialist guidance and advice.
• Embed conservation principles and a culture of evidence-led conservation, including use of Conservation Standards.
• Develop, review, and maintain evidence-based practical conservation guidance.
• Build capability through staff training, networks, and sharing good practice.
• Ensure delivery activities (acquisitions, treescapes) have clear conservation outcome objectives focused on nature recovery.
• Lead and line-manage the Conservation Outcomes team, setting priorities and supporting effective delivery.
• Build and maintain external conservation networks to extend organisational influence.
• Represent the Woodland Trust in national conservation partnerships and support collaborative delivery across Countries and Regions.
• Work closely with Heads of Estate, Landscape Delivery, and Outreach and Landowners to support regional teams.
• Manage relevant budgets effectively.
• This is a hybrid role including a mix of working from home and at any of our Woodland Trust offices.

The Candidate

We are looking for candidates who have the following:

• You have an enthusiasm for the environment and share our core values – Grow Together, Explore, Focus and Make it Count
• Developing and embedding evidence-based technical guidance
• Strong leadership skills and a strategic thinker with a creative approach to solving conservation problems to achieve quality outcomes.
• Excellent facilitation skills
• Effective networker with experience building partnerships across diverse stakeholders
• Line management of a small team, supporting performance and professional development
• Strong understanding and experience of UK conservation issues and commitment to nature-rich woods, trees and wildlife
• Excellent written and verbal communication, translating complex science for technical and non-technical audiences
• Degree-level education in forestry, ecology, land management or a related field
• Chartered status (or working towards) or equivalent continuous professional development
• Ability to travel around the UK to meetings, site visits and events across the UK, with overnight stays

Benefits & Wellbeing

Joining our team means you’ll be a big part of tackling environmental and climate issues. We take good care of our staff, offering support and training opportunities. We also offer:

• Enhanced Employer Pension
• Life Assurance
• Flexible & Hybrid Working Options
• Generous Annual Leave – 25 days + bank holidays (pro rata for part time)
• Buy and Sell Annual Leave
• Enhanced Parental Pay
• Employee Assistance Programme

About Us

The Woodland Trust is the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity. We want to see a world where trees and woods thrive for people and nature. The Trust engages and inspires people to make their difference tackling the nature and climate crisis helping protect, restore and create our vital woods and trees.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

To achieve our vision of a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature, we need to better reflect society and the communities we work in. All people, no matter their background, identity, ability, or circumstance, should benefit from trees.

People of colour and disabled people are currently under-represented across the environment and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we particularly encourage you to apply.

Please contact us to discuss any additional support or adjustments you may need to complete your application.

Application Advice

For fairness we keep our candidates’ personal details hidden from the hiring managers, we do not ask for your CV at application stage. Make sure that your Personal Statement clearly shows how your skills and knowledge link to the specifications in the job description and you share with us your passion for the role.

Acceptable Use Policy – AI

We understand that candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their job applications-for example, to help structure or edit written responses. We welcome the use of AI in this way, particularly where it helps improve accessibility, such as for neurodivergent applicants. However, we ask that any information submitted reflects your own experience, skills and understanding. During interviews, candidates are expected to respond independently without the use of AI tools. If you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please contact recruitment@woodlandtrust.org.uk.

Apply Now

If you’re ready to make a difference and grow with us, send in your application today. We might close the job opening early if we get a lot of applications, so it’s a good idea to apply soon. If we do close the advert early, and you have an application in process, we will email you prior to closing to give you time to complete.

Head to The Woodland Trust website to apply

Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams on 18th & 20th February.

For queries relating to this new opportunity please email recruitment@woodlandtrust.org.uk

Lead Independent End-point Assessor (LIEPA) and Independent End-point Assessor (LEPA)

Remote Working

Job details

Location

Remote Working

Salary

Based on a rate per assignment and Reasonable travel and expenses paid in addition

Contract

Permanent

We are recruiting forestry subject experts to support with our upcoming standard: ST1427 Forestry Works Manager.

Visit the website for full role details and how to apply

Email  Assessment Delivery Team at assessment@openawards.org.uk with questions about the roles

Forest Craftsperson

South East England

Job details

Location

Bucks Horn Oak, South East England, GU10 4LS : Hill Brow, South East England, GU33 7QP

Salary

£26,959

Hours of work

Flexible working, Full-time

Contract

Permanent

Closing date

January 25, 2026

About the Job

What you’ll do…

We are looking for an enthusiastic, hardworking and highly motivated team player who enjoys practical tasks in an outdoor environment. You must be able to work independently as well as part of a team. You will be part of the South Downs beat team completing a wide range of management and maintenance tasks to help meet the team’s and District’s work commitments as instructed by the beat manager.

This role can be physically challenging, and you will be working outdoors in all weather conditions using a variety of equipment including vibrating power tools.

Please see the job description below for more information and details about what we need from you.

Where you’ll work…

The post covers two geographic areas and time will be split evenly between these areas.

The South Downs beat covers 4,300 ha of mixed woodland that varies from pure beech on the South Downs to ancient broadleaf woodland – remnants of the Royal Hunting Forest of Bere. The woodlands are spread across East Hampshire and West Sussex and include well used recreation sites, conservation areas and sites of Special Scientific Interest. The Beat team are based at Forestry England Operations Yard, Liss, GU33 7QP.

The Chiddingfold beat covers 2,800 ha of mixed woodland ( 60% BL, 40% conifer) that varies from designated ancient woodlands in the west to areas of production conifer in the Surrey Hills to the east. The woodlands are spread across Surrey and East Hampshire. They are well used for recreation and contain nationally important conservation areas consisting of sites of Special Scientific Interest and SNCI’s. Much of the beat area is contained within the Surrey Hills AONB. The Beat team are based at Forestry England Operations Yard, Farnham, GU10 4LS.

Job Description

Operational:

• restock and establishment work: hand planting, tree guard construction, repairing fences and controlling clearing and maintaining trees: high pruning, cutting back and tree safety work: surveys, putting up safety signs and safety tree survey work related to managing potentially hazardous estate maintenance work such as high pruning operations to maintain access and the management or clearance of trees or other vegetation.
• make sure work programmes you are responsible for are delivered effectively and surveying, including measuring/tariffing, tree safety, stocking density and a variety of recreation when needed, gather operational data accurately and efficiently and maintain appropriate up to date records to the standard required.
• assist with delivering the annual tractor programme of works – mowing, flailing, reinstating tracks, recovering timber and delivering materials amongst the key tasks.

Team working and health and safety:

• operate and maintain tools and resources to required standards and make sure work on site meets our health and safety standards.
• by effectively liaising with colleagues and stakeholders, plan, implement and deliver efficient work programmes that help meet Forestry England’s aims and objectives.
• engage proactively and respond constructively to existing and prospective customers and present the highest standards of professionalism when representing Forestry England in the marketplace.
• carrying out risk assessments working to high health and safety standards which are guided by FISA (Forest Industry Safety Accord).

And any other tasks, reasonably requested by your line manager.

Person Specification

Essential Professional and Technical Experience

• practical experience in forestry or countryside / environmental management.
• general understanding of forestry, arboriculture, nature conservation, outdoor recreation and countryside- related issues.
• competently use a range of hand tools.
• awareness of health and safety systems relevant to practical countryside work e.g. risk assessments, Forest Industry Safety Accord (FISA) guides and lone working systems.
• competent IT user with experience in MS Office suite of applications.
• good interpersonal and communication skills, and ability to work effectively alone and as part of a team.

Desirable Professional and Technical Experience:

• experience in tractor based operations including NPTC tractor base unit and flail & mulcher qualifications.

Qualifications

• City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award or equivalent in one or more practical forestry skills such as chainsaw maintenance, cross cutting, and felling and processing trees up to 380mm or equivalent qualification.
• full UK driving license, however the Forestry Commission is willing to consider any proposals put forward by applicants that would allow them to do the job by any other means.
• NPTC (or equivalent) in safely applying pesticides using handheld applicators.

Desirable

• forestry or land management qualification.
• further NPTC and Lantra qualifications in Forestry based skills.
• emergency first aid at work + forestry (F).
• a GCSE in Maths and English or functional skills equivalent.

Forest Works Supervisor

Staffordshire

Job details

Location

Forestry England, Cannock Chase, Lady Hill, Birches Valley, Rugeley, Staffordshire, WS15 2UQ

Salary

£30,105 - £30,105

Hours of work

Flexible working, Full-time

Contract

Permanent

Closing date

January 25, 2026

About the job

What you’ll do…

The Works Supervisor will plan, deliver, and supervise work programmes for contractors and staff to ensure compliance with the UK Forestry Standard and UK Woodland Assurance Standard. Assist in setting and maintaining standards in all aspects of forest and woodland management to help meet business plan targets.

Please see the job description below for more information and details about what we need from you.

Where you’ll work…

This post is located at The Cannock Forest office within the Central District.

Central England Forest District Team manages 30,000ha of the Nations Forests within a triangle formed by Preston, Grimsby and Milton Keynes. We manage a diverse range of forests from ancient oak-wood to new community forests, producing 150,000 tonnes of timber every year and providing homes for a wide range of wildlife. Over 8 million people live within 20 miles of our forests, giving rise to a diverse range of customers, neighbours and stakeholders. We manage seven visitor centres, attracting over 2.5 million visits per year, and 23,000 hectares of accessible woodlands.

Job description

• Supervise operational sites to identify health, safety, and environmental issues, and take corrective action.
• Monitor progress against the contract or work schedule.
• Accurately record site visits and keep the Forester and other colleagues informed of progress and other
issues in a timely way.
• Oversee the day-to-day management of the beat facilities including environmental and safety standards.
• Assist in leading and managing staff and contractors to deliver outputs and results.
• Complete site assessments and gathering data / information to inform operational planning, for example
measuring timber for sale and maintaining stock records.
• Communicate appropriately with colleagues and all stakeholders including landowners, neighbours, contractors, customers, and members of the public.

And any other tasks, reasonably requested by your line manager.

Person specification

Essential Professional and Technical experience

• Proven track record in successfully planning and supervising forest operations or hold a recognised Forestry
qualification or similar qualification to National Diploma level
• Good understanding of Health & Safety in the workplace
• Knowledge and understanding of industry standards and best practice
• Competent IT user with experience in MS Office suite of applications
• Excellent communication skills

Desirable Professional and Technical experience

• Experience using GIS

Qualifications

Essential:
• A GCSE in Maths and English or functional skills equivalent.
• Full UK Driving Licence

Nature Recovery Manager

North East England

Job details

Location

North East England

Salary

£40,388 - £43,482

Hours of work

Full Time

Contract

Permanent

Closing date

January 25, 2026

About the Job

The Nature Recovery Manager will oversee the strategic development and delivery of a suite of wild area and species recovery projects in North District under the Forest Wilding Programme. This will include overseeing existing projects and developing new ones, ensuring that these progress through the project lifecycle to effective delivery on the ground, reporting on progress to project and programme boards, and managing dedicated project officer staff.

The post holder will be a skilled project manager, bringing ecological experience and insight, developing and maintaining standards to deliver projects on time and on budget. You will have a strong track record of implementing nature-based projects using your land management expertise, collaborative working skills, and team leadership experience. Managing internal and external stakeholders and developing partnerships with stakeholders, landowners and funders will be a key part of this role, alongside the successful implementation of a robust communications plan. You will be willing to challenge established norms on management for nature and help drive nature recovery at scale and pace.

Job Description

1)      Detailed project planning, control and implementation, including:

• Manage district-based forest wilding projects, applying appropriate project management frameworks in accordance with Forest Wilding Programme guidance and principles, to ensure effective and timely project implementation
• Developing and maintaining appropriate project documentation, including project management plans, land management plans, stakeholder management plans, and communications plans
• Managing the delegated forest wilding budget, as a component of the wider Forest Wilding Programme budget
• Procuring, commissioning and managing contracts and contractors, especially for practical land management, feasibility studies, and ecological survey and monitoring
• Identifying and managing project risks and issues, managing project scope, overseeing change control, and escalating where necessary with Senior Responsible Owners and the Forest Wilding Programme Manager
• Ensuring projects integrates Forestry England’s principal functions of timber production, nature recovery and engagement with visitors, resolving cross-functional issues at project and district levels
• Ensuring forest wilding projects meet the defined project objectives, outcomes and benefits
• Monitoring project progress and performance, including through milestones and gateway reviews, and reporting on these to Project Boards and the Forest Wilding Programme

 2)    Provide strong technical leadership in ecology and nature-focussed land management, and its integration with forestry, especially through:

• Leading and managing district-based forest wilding officers, responsible for delivering wild area and species recovery projects, providing line-management, coaching and mentoring, supporting personal and professional development, and promoting a positive and inclusive culture
• Initiate and support the development of appropriate project initiatives, such as strategic land management plans, feasibility studies, and implementation plans, to produce a workable programme of nature-focussed land management
• Working with technical experts, contractors and colleagues to implement the strategic land management priorities on the ground
• Using best practice, technical knowledge and scientific evidence to contribute to the meeting Forestry England’s strategic ambition for nature recovery and resilience in the Nation’s Forests
• Working with the Forest Wilding Programme team to support the implementation of a coherent evidence framework, which both supports our decision making and monitors the outcomes of our land management

 3)    Develop and manage strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including:

• Supporting the district senior leadership team and relevant project boards, in providing confident and coherent leadership and governance to nature recovery projects
• Managing the engagement and communications with colleagues and internal stakeholders of forest wilding across the Forestry Commission family
• Managing the engagement and communications with external partners and stakeholders on district-based projects, especially those with a high-risk factor and high influence on the outcomes of the projects, through effective stakeholder management and communications plans
• Representing Forestry England and the Forest Wilding Programme with relevant external projects, working groups, conferences and other forums, both in district and, where relevant, nationally

 4)    Work with Forest Wilding Programme team and district colleagues to explore, secure and develop external funding for Forest Wilding projects, for example through:

• UK Government grants, especially Defra’s Environmental Land Management Landscape Recovery Scheme
• corporate sponsorship
• biodiversity net gain
• green finance

Person Specification

Essential Professional and Technical experience

• Previous knowledge and practical experience of managing change at pace in the environmental sector, including planning, risk, issue and dependency management.
• Strong ecological background, with experience in land management implementation for nature conservation outcomes.
• A skilled project manager, able to manage and prioritise workloads, meet deadlines and solve problems, and manage budgets
• Strong evidence of stakeholder management, demonstrating negotiation and influencing skills at a high level.
• A great team worker, with a strong track record of collaboration and relationship management.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Experience of analysing and evaluating complex or conflicting evidence to provide usable advice and guidance to multi-disciplinary teams.
• An excellent communicator, both written and verbally, able to adapt to a range of audiences.
• Competent using IT and Microsoft Office.

Desirable Professional and Technical experience

• Sound experience in the forestry sector
• Experience of procurement and contract management.
• Competence in the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• Working knowledge of environmental legislation and designations, including their practical application.

Qualifications

Essential

• Ecology or environmental degree, or equivalent professional experience in nature-focussed land management.
• A full and current driving licence that enables you to drive in the UK.

Desirable

• A recognised project management qualification
• A member of a relevant professional body, e.g. Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management, Institute of Chartered Foresters

Forest Craftsperson

Hampshire

Job details

Location

Micheldever Forest Office, Micheldever, Hampshire. SO21 3BP.

Salary

£26,959

Hours of work

Full Time

Contract

Permanent

Closing date

January 25, 2026

About the job

What you’ll do…

You will support the beat forester shaping the land we manage doing a range of operations and inspections in the forest, including helping with practical matters that may arise. Be a champion of our health & safety culture demonstrating our value of ‘look out and look after’ in our work.

Please see the job description below for more information and details about what we need from you.

Where you’ll work…

Reporting point: Micheldever Forest Office and Operations Yard, London road, Micheldever, Hampshire. SO21 3BP.

The post-holder will work under the direction of Beat Foresters and Beat Work Supervisors on the following on Beats;

Micheldever Beat: 

Comprises of mixed woodland from North and East Hampshire from the Thames Basin Heaths SPA and SSSI in the north through to the Hampshire downs which encompasses significant area of PAWS (Plantation on Ancient Woodland) restoration. Much of these woodlands have significant recreational, heritage and conservation value.

Solent Beat: 

Mixed woodland blocks spread across south central Hampshire and including the Isle of Wight. Forest management includes PAWS restoration, diversifying species and age structure and moving to continuous cover forestry, as well as responding to current tree pests and diseases e.g. Ash dieback. The beat area includes several Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It includes several Leasehold woods where public access is limited as well as locally popular woods with members of the public.

The job-holder will work in a team alongside another Forest Craftsperson and a Tractor driver. The Beats are also supported by a Wildlife Ranger and two Recreation Rangers.

Job Description

Operational:

• Restock and establishment work: hand planting, tree guard construction, repairing fences and controlling vegetation.
• Clearing and maintaining trees: high pruning, cutting back and felling.
• Tree safety work: surveys, putting up safety signs and safety fencing.
• Tree survey work related to managing potentially hazardous trees.
• Estate maintenance work such as high pruning operations to maintain access and the management or clearance of trees or other vegetation.
• Surveying, including measuring/tariffing, tree safety, stocking density and a variety of recreation trails.
• When needed, gather operational data accurately and efficiently and maintain appropriate up to date records to the standard required.
• The right candidate may assist with delivering the annual tractor programme of works – mowing, flailing, reinstating tracks, recovering timber and delivering materials.

Team working and health and safety:

• Operate and maintain tools and resources to required standards and make sure work on site meets our health and safety standards.
• Liaising with colleagues and stakeholders, plan, implement and deliver efficient work programmes that help meet Forestry England’s aims and objectives.
• Engage proactively and respond constructively to existing and prospective customers and present the highest standards of professionalism when representing Forestry England in the marketplace.
• Carrying out risk assessments working to high health and safety standards which are guided by FISA (Forest Industry Safety Accord).

And any other tasks, reasonably requested by your line manager.

Person Specification

Essential professional and technical experience

• Practical experience in forestry or countryside / environmental management.
• General understanding of forestry, arboriculture, nature conservation, outdoor recreation and countryside related issues.
• Competently use a range of hand tools.
• Awareness of health and safety systems relevant to practical countryside work e.g. risk assessments, Forest Industry Safety Accord (FISA) guides and lone working systems.
• Competent IT user with experience in MS Office suite of applications.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, and ability to work effectively alone and as part of a team.

Desirable professional and technical experience

• Experience in forest fencing, planting and forestry maintenance tasks.
• Experience in timber measurement.

Qualifications

Essential

• City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award or equivalent in one or more practical forestry skills such as chainsaw maintenance, cross cutting, and felling and processing trees up to 380mm or equivalent qualification.
• Full UK driving license; however the Forestry Commission is willing to consider any proposals put forward by applicants that would allow them to do the job by any other means.

Desirable

• Forestry or land management qualification.
• Further NPTC and Lantra qualifications in Forestry based skills, for example NPTC (or equivalent) safely applying pesticides using handheld applicators related to the role requirements.
• Emergency first aid at work + forestry (F).
• A GCSE in Maths and English or functional skills equivalent.

Head of Land Management

South England

Job details

Location

South England

Salary

£48,765 - £52,557

Hours of work

37 hours per week

Contract

Permanent

Closing date

January 27, 2026

About Forestry England

Join us. We’re foresters, professionals and experts. We are a passionate team who love to share our enthusiasm and want to make a positive difference for you and the environment.

Together, we’re using our scale and expertise to grow the nation’s forests for everyone. We’re already adapting our landscapes for tomorrow, and getting stuff done today, like creating amazing places and experiences for you to enjoy. We’re providing vital homes for wildlife, making our air cleaner to breathe and producing sustainable timber.

Where you’ll work…

We are Forestry England. We are the country’s largest land manager, caring for the nation’s forests for people, nature and the economy. The foundation of our organisation is our world-class sustainable management of the nation’s forests.

Our South England Forest District team is made up of around 170 people with a diverse range of roles – from foresters and wildlife rangers to civil engineers, and ecologists to marketing professionals. We all contribute towards the management of 46,000 hectares of public forest estate that stretch from Sussex to Dorset, and from Berkshire to the Isle of Wight. Nearly all of our forests are within either a National Park or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Much of this forest is of high national importance for nature conservation and wildlife, and of international importance for biodiversity. South England Forest District is therefore responsible for land that includes Special Areas of Conservation (for habitats), Special Protection Areas (for birds) and Ramsar sites (for wetlands). We also provide public access and recreation in our forests, with nearly 50 million visits every year to South England Forest District.

If the post you are applying for is PB5 or above, you will be asked to join the District duty roster, after a suitable period of time.

What you’ll do…

We are seeking a Head of Land Management to guide our teams in delivering complex, sustainable forestry programmes. You’ll set strategic direction, manage resources, and inspire collaboration across teams.

This role combines leadership with innovation—driving climate resilience, biodiversity, and timber production while maintaining high standards of health & safety and compliance. You’ll oversee budgets, planning, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring our forests thrive for generations to come.

If you’re an experienced leader with expertise in land management and a passion for shaping the future of the nation’s forests, we’d love to hear from you.

Please see the job description below for more information and details about what we need from you.

Benefits

Alongside your salary, Forestry England contributes an average of 28.97% towards your pension. You will become a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension Scheme.

• 25 days holiday a year, raising by one day every year’s service, up to 30 days (pro-rated for part time employees) plus additional days off such as bank holidays.
• STaR is our employee benefits scheme offering discounts on everyday supermarket shopping, as well as other things such as hotel stays clothes, mobile phones, other electrical items, medical and car insurance, holidays, gym discounts, household bills, Headspace wellbeing app.
• free parking at Forestry England sites and free entry to our National Arboretums at Westonbirt and Bedgebury.
• a commitment to lifelong learning through career development. Forestry England will support your career development in a variety of ways, including continual professional development, support for individual learning plans and sponsored membership of professional bodies.

Read more about the benefits on the Forestry England website.

How to Apply

You will be asked to write a 200 word statement on your relevant experience and career history, along with a personal statement of no more than 500 words. You will be assessed on both during sifting. More details about how to apply are listed on the application form.

You will be assessed on experience during your interview.

The  Behaviours being assessed at interview are – 

• Leadership
• Making Effective Decisions
• Delivering at Pace

Successful candidates will undergo a criminal record check and the government baseline personnel security standard check.

If you require any reasonable adjustments, please email fcrecruitmentteam@forestryengland.uk.

If you’re planning to use AI to support your application, please ensure you’ve read our guidelines here first. 

Read more about our application process and working with us on the Forestry England website.

Head to the Forestry England website for full details and to make an application. 

Assistant Manager – Graduate

Nationwide

Job details

Location

Nationwide

Salary

Market Rate

Hours of work

Full Time

Contract

Permanent

Closing date

January 31, 2026

Grow your career as a graduate with the UK’s most integrated, and innovative forestry, nursery and harvesting company.

Location: Nationwide

Tilhill Forestry is the UK’s leading sustainable forestry and timber harvesting company.  Together, we operate a genuinely circular forestry model; from seed innovation at our nurseries, to woodland creation and long-term forest management, through to harvesting – all supported by the strength of our parent company, BSW Group and its fully integrated timber manufacturing supply chain.

This integrated approach ensures every part of the cycle, from seedling to sawmill, works seamlessly together. As a graduate, you’ll join a business where collaboration, commercial thinking, shared expertise and a joined-up approach underpins everything we do.

A programme built on innovation, resilience, commercial awareness and teamwork.

We are seeking graduates who are motivated by the following statements:

• You have the drive, enthusiasm, and passion to contribute to the future of sustainable UK forestry.
• You want to work as part of a connected, supportive team to help strengthen our circular model and building long lasting client relationships.
• You are excited to explore our full range of operations, from nurseries and woodland creation to forest management and harvesting, and understanding how each stage contributes to both environmental and commercial impact.
• You are ready to learn from experienced managers as you progress through a structured two-to-three-year hands-on training programme.

Why this programme stands apart…

A joined-up forestry model with unrivalled breadth

As part of the BSW Group, you’ll gain exposure to every stage of the forestry cycle. This collaborative, fully integrated system gives graduates a deep understanding of how decisions made in nurseries, forests and harvesting connect directly to the commercial performance and wider sustainability goals of the business.

Innovation that drives long-term resilience

Our nurseries, Maelor Forest Nurseries, leads on advanced propagation, improved genetics and plant health – producing resilient stock prepared for future climate conditions. This innovation flows directly into our woodland creation and management teams, supporting robust, future-proof forests that deliver sustainable value for landowners and the wider timber supply chain.

Harvesting excellence backed by teamwork and shared expertise

Tilhill’s harvesting reputation for technical capability and safe working practices is strengthened by strong partnerships across the business. Graduates see how aligned planning and communication ensure responsible, efficient timber extraction.

A future-focused approach shaped by experience

With over one billion trees planted and the largest team of professionally qualified managers in the UK, we combine decades of proven expertise with a modern, collaborative approach aimed at continually improving the UK’s forests and timber supply chain.

Where climate impact meets commercial forestry

Many people enter forestry to help the environment. Commercial forestry is one of the most effective ways to do that. Productive conifer forests capture carbon quickly, store it for decades, and supply the home-grown timber that replaces high-carbon imported materials. More productive planting means more carbon locked up — in forests and in the timber products they become.

Who we’re looking for

If you’re studying or recently graduated in forestry, land management, environmental sciences, horticulture or a related field, and you want to build a career that blends innovation, resilience, commercial awareness and environmental impact, then one of our graduate opportunities could be for you.

Benefits include:

• Company car
• Laptop and mobile phone
• Company provided health plan and Life Assurance
• Company sick pay, enhanced with length of service.
• Company pension.
• 31 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays) increasing with service
• Funded learning and career development opportunities.
• Discounted rate on a range of BSW products.
• Employee benefits portal with discounts across hundreds of brands
• Confidential 24/7 support with Wellbeing Hub.
• Cycle to Work scheme.

Our graduate programme opens on 1st December 2025, with successful applicants joining us in 2026.

Closing date: 

31st January 2026.

Associate Vacancies – City and Guilds

Nationwide

Job details

Location

Various

Contract

Temporary

Associate Vacancies

There are a variety of contracted associate roles you may wish to apply for, such as Lead and Independent End-Point Assessors, External Quality Assurers, Moderators, Roles with our T Level Qualifications (Moderators, Principal Moderators, Technical Qualification Associates) Examiners and Assured Consultants.

We believe that diversity and inclusion strengthens and enriches us, and that it is the responsibility of everyone at City & Guilds to drive this value. We work hard to be inclusive in our approach to recruitment and associate opportunities, whilst still ensuring we meet our regulatory requirements. We strongly encourage and welcome applications from diverse and underrepresented communities.

Please click here to view all the Land Vacancies.

Forest Craftsperson

Cumbria

Job details

Location

Peil Wyke, Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth,CA13 9YG

Salary

£26,959 - £26,959

Hours of work

Flexible working, Full-time

Contract

Permanent

Closing date

February 4, 2026

About the job

What you’ll do

You will support the beat forester shaping the land we manage doing a range of operations and inspections in the forest, including helping with practical matters that may arise. Be a champion of our health & safety culture demonstrating our value of ‘look out and look after’ in our work.

Please see the job description below for more information and details about what we need from you.

Where you’ll work

Peil Wyke, Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, CA13 9YG

Job description

Operational:

• Restock and establishment work: hand planting, tree guard construction, repairing fences and controlling vegetation.
• Clearing and maintaining trees: high pruning, cutting back and felling.
• Tree safety work: surveys, putting up safety signs and safety fencing.
• Tree survey work related to managing potentially hazardous trees.
• Estate maintenance work such as high pruning operations to maintain access and the management or clearance of trees or other vegetation.
• Make sure work programmes you are responsible for are delivered effectively and efficiently.
• Surveying, including measuring/tariffing, tree safety, stocking density and a variety of recreation trails.
• When needed, gather operational data accurately and efficiently and maintain appropriate up to date records to the standard required.

Team working and health and safety:

• Operate and maintain tools and resources to required standards and make sure work on site meets our health and safety standards.
• By effectively liaising with colleagues and stakeholders, plan, implement and deliver efficient work programmes that help meet Forestry England’s aims and objectives.
• Engage proactively and respond constructively to existing and prospective customers and present the highest standards of professionalism when representing Forestry England in the marketplace.
• Carrying out risk assessments working to high health and safety standards which are guided by FISA (Forest Industry Safety Accord).

And any other tasks, reasonably requested by your line manager.

Person specification

Essential professional and technical experience

• practical experience in forestry or countryside / environmental management.
• general understanding of forestry, arboriculture, nature conservation, outdoor recreation and countryside­ related issues.
• competently use a range of hand tools.
• awareness of health and safety systems relevant to practical countryside work e.g. risk assessments, Forest Industry Safety Accord (FISA) guides and lone working systems.
• competent IT user with experience in MS Office suite of applications.
• good interpersonal and communication skills, and ability to work effectively alone and as part of a team.

Data & Information Lead

Hampshire

Job details

Location

Alice Holt, Hampshire

Salary

£40,388

Hours of work

Full Time

Contract

Temporary

Closing date

February 1, 2026

About the Job

Want to work at the cutting edge of environmental science? Passionate about making a difference and playing your part in tackling the climate and nature crisis? Forest Research (FR) is all about giving top quality evidence and advice to policymakers and practitioners to make a positive impact on the ground. Internationally recognised, we need people who have the skills and passion to work on excellent science and provide practical solutions for nature.

We’re small enough that your voice is heard, yet large enough, as part of the Forestry Commission (FC), that we have everything on hand to get the job done, as well as a variety of career pathways.  Our staff are dedicated to their work and sharing it with others to bring positive change for our planet.  And you will find us a flexible and inclusive employer, so you can have a work life balance that is tailor-made to your circumstances. So, whether it’s climate or carbon, pests or pathogens, behaviour or biodiversity that interests you, you can be assured of a warm welcome to the team. To find out more, visit www.forestresearch.gov.uk

The Valuing Our Information (VOI) project was established across the whole of the Forestry Commission in recognition of the need to significantly improve the management of information. The project has a clear mission:
‘to improve Forestry Commission’s effectiveness, trust, and compliance through increasing the level of knowledge and information management maturity.’

In addition, FR’s Digital strategy outlines the use of information is fundamental to FR meeting its aims of protecting, expanding, and promoting sustainable woodland; these aims will be met more successfully when accurate information can be identified and found quickly. Our Data Estate Modernisation Plan provides details of the projects which will help us meet these targets.

Job Description

FR have a requirement for an experienced and self-motivated information management professional. This role will be involved in implementing and supporting the new information management principles and helping to bring about change to both physical and digital records management, as outlined in our Digital and Data Strategies. This opportunity would suit applicants who wish to further develop their skills in data management and archiving, as FR progress plans to introduce new capabilities and technologies.

We are looking for someone who enjoys a challenge and has an interest in all things data related. You will enjoy working with colleagues across FR and have the vision to bring about change to our data estate.

Key  Work Areas:

Helping to deliver FR’s Data and Digital Strategies
The postholder will work closely across all areas of FR to help deliver our Data and Digital strategies and outcomes.  There are a range of activities including identifying and monitoring current data assets and managing the migration of our data away from traditional file shares to a cloud hosted solution.  This will require you to work with staff to provide support and guidance throughout the migration process, to ensure understanding of the reasons and benefits of the new solution.

Supporting the FC VOI Programme
This post is part of the team delivering the FC Valuing our Information Programme to FR  and improving knowledge and information management principles, policies, and practices.  You will be expected to be a key member of this team and liaise with colleagues across the FC in a similar role.

Managing the FR Digital Archive
You will be responsible for the continual growth and management of our digital archive.  This will include assisting information asset owners whilst they review and make decisions regarding their records, prior to any digitisation or transfer activity in line with our policies and procedures.
Given the nature of the work with physical records, there is a manual handling aspect to the role

Contacts and Communication 
You will be expected to build strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders to support development and delivery of the programme. These will include colleagues at all levels and in similar roles across the sector.
The post holder will work alongside members of the IT team and have autonomy to make decisions within established frameworks and take forward our technical capabilities in assigned work areas.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

• Proven ability to effectively advise and communicate the benefits of Data and Digital strategies to a diverse range of stakeholders
• Experience of working independently under multiple time demands and deadlines, with sound judgement in time management.
• Expertise in the digitisation of archival materials
• Proficiency in using information and records management systems and processes that support governance and risk management
• Skilled in utilising SharePoint, including all document management functions within the platform.
• Ability to manage stakeholder expectations regarding team performance and deliverables
• Previous experience in line management.
• Comprehensive knowledge of legislation, standards, and procedures related to records management, including the Data Protection Act, GDPR, the Freedom of Information Act, and Environmental Information Regulations.
• Willingness to travel nationwide as required

Desirable Criteria: 

• Previous experience in a public sector organisation, particularly with a research-oriented focus
• Proficiency in using software (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Pro) to create accessible documents.
• Experience of handling records in compliance with the Public Records Act
• Knowledge or experience in managing and digitising legacy media types, or wiliness to develop these skills

DIO Forestry Graduate Scheme

Staffordshire and Wiltshire

Job details

Location

DMS Whittington, Lichfield, WS14 9PY Westdown Camp, Tilshead, Wiltshire, SP3 4RS

Salary

£33,730

Hours of work

37 hours a week

Contract

Permanent

Closing date

January 26, 2026

Location

DMS Whittington, Lichfield, WS14 9PY
Westdown Camp, Tilshead, Wiltshire, SP3 4RS

About the Job

Job summary

Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) is the estate expert providing advice on infrastructure and estate management across the defence estate in the UK and overseas. Do you want to influence the way almost 1% of the UK land area is managed? DIO manages the largest and most diverse part of the public estate, which has been described as the most important estate for wildlife and natural capital in the country with 37% designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Managing the estate in a sustainable way enables the armed forces and Defence civilians to live, work and train. It also supports wider government objectives and the public by delivering a range of ecosystem services ranging from pollinators, carbon sequestration and nature recovery.

Through our people, experience, skills and data, we are the Defence estate experts. We are the primary provider of Defence infrastructure and estate management advice both in the UK and overseas. We support the Armed Forces to enable military capability, and by delivering infrastructure improvements and estate management in a sustainable way we seek to improve the experience for our service personnel, their families and defence civilians to live work and train across the estate.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job Description

The MOD Estate includes MOD Barracks, Airfields, Naval Bases and a vast training estate that extends from the marine environment, through dune systems and across the UK to the mountainous forests and moorlands of Scotland and Northern Ireland.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Forestry Team supporting the development and management of this multifaceted, heavily designated estate with an emphasis on tree safety management, sustainable woodland management and woodland creation. As a Graduate Forester you will work towards gaining your Professional Membership with the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF).

DIO Technical Services

Technical Services provides in-house expertise to DIO and the wider MOD; the specialist skills available through the Technical Services team span natural capital, environmental planning, sustainable development, climate resilience, forestry, access & recreation, archaeology and historic buildings, as well as ecology.

Person Specification

The successful graduates will be expected to start in September 2026. You will work within a small team in the DIO Technical Services Environmental Management, Protection and Sustainability (EMPS) business area. During your time as a Graduate Forester, you will:

• Support Head Foresters with audit and assurance inspections, which will focus on health and safety, compliance with MOD policy and legislation forestry/arboricultural operations and industry partner contract delivery.
• Adhere to health and safety protocols and guidelines while working in outdoor and woodland environments.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of sustainable forestry practices and management plans.
• Assist in conducting field surveys and assessments to gather data on forest ecosystems, biodiversity, and habitat conservation.
• Assist in the preparation of long-term forest plans, reports, presentations, and other materials related to forestry and tree related projects.
• Collaborate with MoD staff and external partners to support wider engagement and knowledge about trees, woods and forests.
• Support Head Foresters with desktop and site inspections to identify possible woodland creation opportunities, collaborating closely with military representatives and the wider DIO team for each site.

Qualifications

You must have, or will achieve by September 2026, the following Qualifications/Essential Criteria:

• An ICF accredited degree in one of the below subjects at 2:2 or above awarded within the last two years.
• BSc (Hons) Forestry
• BSc (Hons) Woodland Management with Conservation
• BSc (Hons) Conservation with Forestry
• BSc Forestry and Environmental Management
• BSc (Hons) Arboriculture and Urban Forestry
• BSc (Hons) in Forest Management
• BSc (Hons) Forest Management – Forestry
• BSc (Hons) Forest Management – Arboriculture and Urban Forestry
• MSc Environmental and Forest Management
• MSc Environmental Forestry
• MSc Forestry Management
• MSc Conservation and Forest Protection
• MSc Arboriculture and Urban Forestry
• A full, valid UK driver’s license as you will be required to attend sites and locations that may be difficult to access via public transport

You are encouraged to apply with your predicted grades. Evidence of the above qualifications will be required as part of your pre-employment checks before a formal offer can be made.

Please note, if you already have Professional Membership with ICF you are not eligible to apply for this position.Please note, if your application does not include details of your qualification and grade obtained it will be removed from the application process and your application will be rejected.