Forestry Craftsperson

Location

The post will be based at Forestry Commission, Operations Yard, Gravel Hill Rd, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 4LG. It will cover the Chiddingfold Beat in the South Forest District. 

About the Job

South England Forest District manages 46,000 (ha) of public forest estate and national parks that stretch from Sussex to Dorset, and from Berkshire to the Isle of Wight.

The varied, mixed woodlands produce some 100,000 m3 of timber each year, of which 22,000 m3 is hardwood. The land management team have responsibility for an extensive programme of habitat restoration, principally ancient woodland and lowland heath.

Much of this land is of high national importance for nature conservation and wildlife, and of international importance for biodiversity. We are responsible for land that includes Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs), Ramsar sites, Areas of Outstanding National Beauty (AONB) and sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

The district is actively managed for people, nature and climate.

We are looking for a Forest Craftsperson for the Chiddingfold beat which covers 2,800 ha of mixed woodland that varies from designated ancient broadleaf woodlands in the west, to areas of production conifer in the Surrey Hills to the east. Much of the beat area is contained within the Surrey Hills AONB’s and contains designated SSSI’s and Sites of Nature Conservation Interests (SNCI’s).

The Beat team is based at the Operations Yard, Gravel Hill Rd, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 4LG. The woodlands are spread across Surrey and East Hampshire with a small area in West Sussex. Forest management includes ancient woodland and heathland restoration, diversifying tree species and age structure using low impact silvicultural systems.

All Forestry England woods are actively managed for people, nature and the economy, including timber production.

Job Description

We are looking for an enthusiastic, hardworking and highly motivated team player who enjoys practical tasks in an outdoor environment. You must be able to work independently as well as part of a team. This is a varied role which undertakes a wide range of forest management and maintenance tasks including things such as tree planting, fencing, chainsaw work and tariffing. The work forms a key part in protecting and enhancing the forest landscape we look after. It can be physically challenging, and you will be working outdoors in all weather conditions using a variety of equipment including vibrating power tools. Appropriate on the job training and formal qualifications as well as Personal Protective Equipment will be provided. 

Key Work Areas

Woodland Management:

Use acquired skills, appropriate materials and equipment for the regeneration, protection and maintenance of woodlands and habitats. 

Tasks will include; tree planting, vegetation control/management, fence/gate erection and maintenance, drainage, tree felling, timber measurement and the use of maps and surveying equipment. 

Conservation and Environment:

Apply acquired skills and appropriate resources to perform the tasks required in the management, maintenance and restoration of a variety of habitats and species including, heathland, wetland and ancient woodland habitats, protected species and SSSI’s. 

Such tasks will involve; scrub clearance including the felling of seedling pine and birch, coppicing and wetland restoration. 

Recreation:

Apply acquired skills and appropriate resources to the construction and maintenance of recreational facilities. 

Tasks will include; maintenance of paths/tracks, erection and maintenance of gates, barriers, signs, posts and rails together with vegetation management and communication with the public. 

Team working and Health & Safety:

Work constructively and enthusiastically with work colleagues and the wider Forest District team. Operate and maintain available tools and resources to required standards and ensure that a safe working site and safe methods are maintained for health and safety purposes.  

Person Specification

Essential Experience:

• Experience in forestry, countryside or environmental management at a practical level.
• A familiarity with a range of hand tools and ability to demonstrate competence in their use.
• NPTC or equivalent in chainsaw use and clearing saws.
• Demonstrate an enthusiasm for practical work in an outdoor environment.
• Basic computer skills

Please clearly demonstrate how the above applies to you throughout your application. Failure to do so will mean that your application is automatically sifted out.  

Desirable Experience:

• An understanding of Forestry and nature conservation issues in general and how these relate to the objectives of Forestry England. 

For full job details and how to apply.