Assistant Forest Managers and Forest Managers

Location

The majority of the work will be based on our existing and any new estates in and around West Sussex/Surrey/North Hampshire. Travel in the whole South East region will be required.

The roles are largely home and site based with some team contact and meeting requirements at our office in Petworth, West Sussex.

Background

English Woodlands Forestry is one of South East England’s longest-established and leading forestry consultants.   We have a wide and prestigious range of clients from large mixed estates to small woodland owners and farmers.   Our small professional team offer our clients a quality and personal end-to-end service from woodland management plans and grants through to arranging contractual work and timber harvesting/marketing.   We also specialise in woodland creation projects including planning, planting, establishment and carbon sales.

We strive to keep the health, biodiversity and resilience of woodlands at the forefront of our activity and pride ourselves on exemplary health and safety records. See our website for more information about our team and work. (www.englishwoodlandsforestry.co.uk)

We are looking to recruit Assistant Forest Managers and Forest Managers to be responsible for delivering quality woodland management services and being an integral part of our small professional team.   We welcome all eligible applicants and are happy to develop our staff over time. Prior forestry experience is not a pre-requisite for the Assistant Forest Manager role.

Key Responsibilities for both roles are as follows:

The Assistant Forest Manager position will operate in a more supporting role – helping other team members as required. This position will therefore suit those with limited or less relevant experience wanting to develop to a Forest Manager over time.

• To oversee the woodland management/woodland creation for allocated estates or one-off activities within the business portfolio
• Financial management: preparation of budgets, quotes, invoices and statements
• Silvicultural analysis, surveys and report writing
• Set up and supervision of operational work – contract management including preparation and management of timber harvesting and marketing
• Completion of all grant obligations to deadline
• Client liaison including regular meetings and updates as required
• Production of woodland management plans, Maps (GIS), felling licence applications, grant applications and any associated reporting to authorities or client – including making any necessary grant claims to deadline
• Stakeholder engagement as required (included statutory consultees)
• Keeping and filing of all necessary paperwork including licences/plans/budgets etc
• Preparation of all pre start paperwork and checks including RAMs, EPS surveys, health and safety
• Maintaining all internal administrative and financial records and being accountable to Directors for time, profit margins, debtors control and cashflow
• To be an active and integral part of the wider team: contribute to team development through training needs analysis/knowledge exchange opportunities/business improvement suggestions etc
• Maintain a network of tried and tested quality contactors to meet the needs of all operational activity and keep good relationships.
• Represent the company at industry or related events and through media channels where appropriate

Salary – commensurate with experience

Assistant Forest Manager: £28 – 35K per annum (commensurate with experience)

Forest Manager:   £35-45K per annum (commensurate with experience)

Core Skills

• Practical and commercial experience of forestry operations including contract management and timber sales
• Knowledge of lowland silviculture and its application
• Relevant academic qualifications (e.g. forestry or land management) (Desirable)
• Demonstrable experience in budgeting and financial management
• Proven track record of client liaison and excellent communication skills
• GIS skills (ARC GIS preferable)
• Good knowledge of UK Forestry Standard
• Understanding of forestry grants, regulations and industry standards
• Full UK Driving licence and preparedness to travel.

Benefits

• Company Pension
• 25 days holiday (excluding bank holidays)
• Company Bonus (profit related and beyond one year’s continual employment)
• Company uniform – including boot allowance
• Funded training and professional fees

How to apply

To apply please send your CV and covering statement (no more than one page) explaining your suitability for the role and motivation for applying.  Please send to Laura Henderson:  admin@englishwoodlandsforestry.co.uk

If you would like more information about the roles or our company, please contact Laura as above.

Note: These positions have no fixed closing date and are expected to remain advertised until Christmas 2025 or until filled. Once recruitment is complete, the advertisements will be removed. Please apply at your earliest convenience