Forest Craftsperson

About the role

The Forest Craftsperson will support the beat forester in managing Kielder Forest by carrying out a variety of operational tasks and inspections. You will help maintain the health, safety and sustainability of the woodland while contributing to recreational facilities.

Key responsibilities

• Restock and establishment work: hand planting, constructing tree guards, repairing fences and controlling vegetation.
• Clear and maintain trees: high pruning, cutting back, felling to maintain access or assist harvesting.
• Tree safety work: conduct surveys and perform remedial chainsaw operations.
• Surveying activities: measuring, tariffing, assessing tree safety and stocking densities.
• Collect operational data accurately and keep up‑to‑date records.
• Transport plants, materials and consumables across the forest.
• Repair and maintain walking and mountain‑bike trails.
• Operate and maintain tools to required standards and ensure compliance with health‑and‑safety policies.
• Carry out risk assessments following the Forest Industry Safety Accord (FISA).

Required profile

• Practical experience in forestry, countryside or environmental management.
• Good understanding of forestry, arboriculture, nature conservation and outdoor recreation.
• Familiarity with health‑and‑safety systems, risk assessments and lone‑working procedures.
• Competent use of IT tools, particularly the MS Office suite.

Required skills

• Hand planting
• Tree guard construction
• Fence repair
• Vegetation control
• High pruning
• Chainsaw operation
• Tree safety surveying
• Measuring and tariffing
• Stocking density assessment
• Data collection and record‑keeping
• MS Office proficiency