Forest Works Supervisor

About the Job

Never has there been a more important time for trees and forests to help tackle the climate emergency and provide a much-needed sanctuary for people and wildlife. The government has targets to increase woodland cover from 14.5% in 2023 to 16.5% by 2050. This acceleration in current planting rates in England will contribute to meeting net zero by 2050 ambitions and wider environmental targets. This is supported by the Nature for Climate Fund.

Forestry England are helping to deliver these ambitions by expanding the nation’s forests to deliver even more benefits across England, through the Forestry England Woodland Partnership.

We are looking for a forestry professional to join one our Forest Districts. your focus will be on ensuring the successful establishment of the new woodland sites. This will involve overseeing the on-the-ground operations of the new sites as work begins. You will be responsible for managing and coordinating contractors to complete works to a high health & safety and quality standard, ensuring targets are met within a given time frame. You should be able to work closely with a team to solve problems and manage challenges that may arise throughout the process. In addition you will monitor success rates, tree protection and advise when interventions may be needed.  You will work within the Yorkshire Forest District team although there will be close coordination with the National Woodland Creation Team and you will support with new woodland creation in the North District.  There is an expectation that travel across England may be required with occasional overnight stays necessary.

This post will be based in Yorkshire with regular trips to the North. There may be a future requirement for you to travel to assist in other woodland creation projects across England. In Yorkshire there are currently 2 woodland creation sites totalling 57 ha  and in the North, there is one 30 ha woodland creation site for planting in winter 24/25.

Job Description

Key Work Areas

• Supervise the planting and establishment phase of new woodland creation to deliver outputs and results
• Monitor and supervise contractors to ensure compliance with contract specifications, ensuring health and safety requirements are met.
• Assist in the planning of work programmes with the District Forester
• Effectively supervise, motivate and support colleagues and contractors ensuring a high quality of work, effective communication and team working.
• You may be expected to assist with other tasks in the forest district although woodland creation tasks will be prioritised.

Person Specification

Essential

• Relevant experience of forestry or land management.
• Experience of effective team working
• Experience of contract supervision.
• Experience working to meet tight deadlines.
• Proficient use of IT including Microsoft packages and GIS
• Sound understanding of health and safety in forest operations.

Desirable

• Experience in new woodland establishment operations.
• Hold a recognised Forestry qualification
• Good understanding of UKFS requirements.
• Professional membership of the Institute of Chartered Foresters or another relevant professional body is desirable.

Find full job details and how to apply here.