Estate Forester

Description:

Job Title: Estate Forester

Location: Halifax Estates, Based from Garrowby Sawyard, YO41 1QA

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

Job type: Permanent, Full-time

About the Role:

We are seeking a motivated Estate Forester to join our small woodland management team of three. This is a hands-on, varied role suited to someone with formal forestry training who is comfortable working outdoors in all weather, both independently and as part of a tight-knit crew. You will play an active part in the day-to-day management of the Estate's 1,400 acres of woodland, covering everything from planting and maintenance to timber extraction and firewood processing.

Key Responsibilities:

Carry out forwarding operations, extracting timber from felling sites to roadside or processing areas
Undertake tree planting programmes, including ground preparation, planting, and aftercare (weeding, beating up, protection from browsing)
Perform general woodland maintenance, including ride and boundary clearance, drainage upkeep, fencing, and deer/rabbit protection measures
Process felled timber to required specifications using a chainsaw, including cross-cutting, debranching, and stacking, in addition to operating the firewood processor as part of the Estates' commercial firewood business
Operate and carry out routine maintenance on chainsaws, forwarding equipment, and other forestry machinery
Work safely and efficiently as part of a 3-person team, supporting colleagues across all aspects of the operational programme
Maintain accurate records of work completed, timber volumes, and stock movements
Adhere to all health and safety procedures and relevant forestry legislation (e.g. UKFS, felling licence conditions)
Contribute to habitat and biodiversity management as part of wider estate conservation objectivesAbout you:

Essential Requirements

Competent and experienced in operating tractors safely and effectively
Strong understanding and appreciation of woodland maintenance practices and silvicultural systems
Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and undertake physically demanding tasks
A strong commitment to health and safety in a forestry environment
A full, clean driving licence (tractor/trailer licence an advantage)
Good teamwork and communication skillsDesirable Requirements:

A valid chainsaw certificate of competence (e.g. CS30/31 felling and processing; CS38 maintenance) - units in cross-cutting and small tree felling required as a minimum
A relevant forestry or arboriculture qualification (e.g. National Diploma/HND in Forestry, Forest Management, or similar)
Additional tickets such as CS39 (winching), brushcutter, or first aid at work
Experience operating a forwarder or similar extraction machinery
Knowledge of pesticide/herbicide application (PA1/PA6 certification)
Familiarity with deer management or wider estate conservation workWhat We Offer:

On-the-job training and opportunities for further qualifications
Provision of accommodation can be discussed
Working as part of a supportive, experienced small team in a beautiful rural settingPlease click on the APPLY button to send your CV and Cover Letter for this role.

Candidates with the relevant experience of; Estate Forester, Experienced Forester, Woodland Maintenance, Woodland Manager, Forestry Operative, Forestry Manager, Tractor Driver, Farm Worker & Agricultural Worker may also be considered for this role