Forester – Commercial Forestry Operations

About the role

As a Forester within the National Trust’s commercial forestry team, you will help protect and sustainably manage some of the UK’s most treasured woodlands. Working primarily from Bowe Barn in Borrowdale, you will spend most of your time outdoors across the Lake District, delivering high‑quality woodland management.

Key responsibilities

• Carry out tree and woodland management tasks such as thinning, coppice re‑establishment, felling and timber extraction.
• Operate chainsaws, tractors, mechanical forestry winches and woodchippers safely and efficiently.
• Contribute to planned and reactive work programmes, maintaining high standards of safety and quality.
• Support tree safety operations, including roadside tree felling.
• Maintain and repair machinery, report faults and ensure safe use.
• Carry out boundary repairs, including dry‑stone wall construction and fence maintenance.
• Assist with tree establishment activities such as planting, weeding and shelter maintenance.
• Supervise volunteers on practical tasks, ensuring they work safely.

Required profile

• Passionate about trees, nature and heritage.
• Enjoy practical, outdoor work and can work Monday‑Friday with no weekend requirements.
• Commitment to health and safety and ability to work across Cumbria.
• Willingness to collaborate with colleagues, tenants, contractors and volunteers.

Required skills

• Chainsaw operation
• Tractor operation
• Mechanical forestry winch operation
• Woodchipper operation
• Machinery maintenance
• Tree safety operations
• Dry stone wall construction
• Fencing installation and repair
• Tree planting
• Weeding

What we offer

• Permanent contract with a salary of £27,612 per annum.
• 37.5‑hour work week, Monday‑Friday.
• Opportunity to work in inspiring woodland landscapes.
• Supportive, collaborative team environment.
• Professional development within a leading conservation organisation.