Forest Craftsperson

About the role

The Forest Craftsperson supports the Beat Forester in managing and improving woodland areas. Working primarily on‑site, you will carry out planting, vegetation control and tree maintenance while upholding a strong health and safety culture.

Key responsibilities

• Restock and beat‑up planting of establishment sites across the beat.
• Manual vegetation control: brush‑cutting, knapsack chemical application and hand weeding.
• Mechanical vegetation control using tractors on forest rides and establishment sites.
• Maintain forest infrastructure such as gates and fences.
• Tree clearance and maintenance, including chainsaw felling and pruning.
• Conduct surveying tasks, measuring, tariffing and beat‑up assessments.
• Gather operational data, keep accurate records and deliver work programmes on schedule.
• Carry out risk assessments and ensure compliance with the Forest Industry Safety Accord (FISA).

Required profile

• Commitment to health and safety and the “look out and look after” value.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and liaise with stakeholders.
• Willingness to respond constructively to customers and represent Forestry England professionally.
• Capability to follow instructions from line management and adapt to varied tasks.

Required skills

• Brush‑cutting
• Knapsack chemical application
• Hand weeding
• Tractor operation for vegetation control
• Chainsaw operation and tree pruning
• Surveying (measuring and tariffing)
• Risk assessment

What we offer

• Opportunity to work in diverse woodland environments.
• Professional development within Forestry England.
• Supportive team culture focused on safety and sustainability.