Forest Craftsperson

Role Overview

This position is located at the Cookworthy office in North Devon, supporting the beat forester in managing the landscapes we oversee. The role involves a variety of forest operations and inspections alongside addressing practical needs in the woodland. A strong emphasis is placed on health and safety, with an expectation to embody the ethos of 'look out and look after' on all job sites.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in restocking and establishing forest areas through hand planting, installing tree guards, fence repairs, and vegetation control.
• Maintain and clear trees by performing high pruning, cutting back, and felling activities.
• Conduct tree safety management activities including inspections, managing forest visitors via safety signage and fencing, and undertaking remedial work such as tree felling or supporting arb contractors.
• Carry out surveys focused on managing hazardous trees to ensure forest safety.
• Maintain estate grounds by managing vegetation and trees along roads, rides, paths, and rights of way; install and repair gates and barriers as necessary.
• Deliver assigned work programmes efficiently and effectively to meet operational targets.
• Perform diverse surveys and inspections relevant to timber marketing and forest management, including timber mensuration, stocking density assessments, ecological and recreational trail inspections.
• Gather and record operational data accurately, maintaining up-to-date documentation as required.
• Support projects related to Wild Areas and occasional woodland creation initiatives.
• Operate and maintain tools and equipment safely, adhering to health and safety standards and FISA guidelines.
• Collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders to plan and implement effective work schedules aligned with Forestry England’s goals.
• Conduct risk assessments consistent with high health and safety standards.
• Perform additional reasonable duties as requested by management.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential:

• Practical experience in forestry, countryside, or environmental management roles.
• Basic understanding of forestry, arboriculture, conservation, outdoor recreation, and related countryside matters.
• Proficiency in using a variety of hand tools.
• Knowledge of health and safety systems relevant to outdoor and countryside work such as risk assessments and lone working protocols compliant with Forest Industry Safety Accord (FISA).
• Competence in IT, particularly with MS Office applications.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Possession of City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award or equivalent in practical forestry skills including chainsaw maintenance, cross cutting, felling and processing trees up to 380mm.
• Full UK driving license; alternative solutions for travel may be considered.

Desirable:

• Forestry or land management qualifications.
• Additional NPTC and Lantra forestry certifications.
• Emergency first aid at work plus forestry first aid certification.
• GCSEs in Maths and English or functional skills equivalents.

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual salary of £26,959.
• Employer pension contribution of £7,810 towards the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension Scheme with a 28.97% employer contribution rate.
• Access to role-specific learning and development opportunities.
• Flexible working arrangements where possible.
• Inclusive and diverse workplace culture.

Application and Selection Process

Applicants must submit a 200-word statement outlining relevant experience and career history, alongside a personal statement up to 500 words. Selection involves assessment of experience and technical skills during the interview. Behaviors evaluated at interview include teamwork, effective decision-making, communication and influence, and quality service management.

Successful candidates undergo a criminal record check, baseline personnel security standard check, and a medical examination.

Additional Information

• Applicants must meet nationality requirements as detailed, including UK nationals, Republic of Ireland nationals, certain Commonwealth and EU nationals with appropriate work rights.
• This role is not regulated by the Civil Service Commission but follows principles of equal opportunity and fair competition.
• The Civil Service supports disability confident schemes and a redeployment interview scheme for civil servants at risk of redundancy.
• Applicants using artificial intelligence to assist their application must ensure all content is truthful, from their own experiences, and plagiarism-free.
• Reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process are available upon request.