Forest Works Operative BAU 3

Role overview

This permanent Forest Works Operative position is based in Portlaoise and supports field operations across the Business Area Unit. The role focuses on safe working practices, environmental compliance, collection of field data, and the delivery of forest security measures that help protect the forest estate and maintain a local presence.

Contract and reporting

Employment is permanent and the role reports to the Estates Manager. The position is located in Portlaoise.

What you will do

• Help coordinate and deliver operational programmes while ensuring work on site meets quality, safety, and compliance standards.
• Perform practical manual tasks such as fitting silt traps, completing minor fence repairs, putting up operational signage, and handling commencement notices and planning permission-related actions.
• Assist with stakeholder engagement, networking, community public relations events, and local initiatives.
• Collect field information through site surveys and inspections, including data capture on a mobile device for items such as planting returns, dangerous trees, and biodiversity features.
• Promote safe working practices for employees, contractors, and visitors in the forest.
• Provide field updates to the Forester to support the preparation of operational plans.
• Support firefighting activities, fire patrols, and incident reporting.
• Put security controls in place to address trespass, timber protection, and litter management, safeguarding the timber resource and wider forest estate.
• Carry out roadside stock checks and measurements.
• Assist with upkeep of recreation areas and biodiversity sites, traffic management duties, and brush-cutting work.

Skills and behavioural strengths

The role calls for strong time management, the ability to handle competing priorities, resilience in a fast-moving environment, initiative in solving problems, discretion, collaboration, clear communication, and sound judgement when checking compliance with standards. A commitment to the organisation’s values is also expected.

Experience and technical requirements

A relevant forestry qualification at HETAC Level 5 is preferred, or at least three years of experience working in a forest environment. Good ICT skills would be an advantage.

Values

• Respect
• Outward Looking
• Simplicity
• Empowerment
• Responsible

Application and privacy information

Applications close at 4:00 pm on Friday, 10 July 2026. Applicants should submit their application through the recruitment platform. The employer is an equal opportunities organisation and is committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace that supports everyone to reach their full potential. If you need support or accommodation to complete your application, you can contact forestrecruitment@coillte.ie.

Application details will be retained for 14 months in line with the Data Protection Act 1988, as amended in 2003, and the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679. They will be used only for employment application purposes. Further details are available in the organisation’s Data Protection Policy and Privacy Policy.