About the Job at Hillyfield

Join our successful programme for ages 18-30 and gain a year's paid placement, training, relocation expenses and mentoring.

Forestry Roots is our flagship traineeship program and is entering it’s eighth year.

We offer young people, aged 18-30, the opportunity to be employed in a forestry or arboriculture role. Each trainee will receive 20 days of training and CPD, their employer can access a £2,000 training fund to help them gain qualifications for relevant skills, they will enjoy the benefits of RFS Student Membership for free for their 12 month placement and can also access regular mentoring and coaching calls to support them through the traineeship and help with their future career progression.

Job Overview

The Assistant Woodland Manager and Sawyer will play a key role in the ongoing restoration and management of The Hillyfield, a 46-acre ancient woodland. This role combines practical timber processing with essential woodland management tasks. The successful candidate will work in a dynamic outdoor setting, contributing to the sustainable management of woodland and the value-added use of timber. They will also assist with community engagement, event facilitation, and farm-related tasks as required.

Key Responsibilities

Woodland Management Tasks:

  • Ride Management & Thinning
  • Pruning & Coppicing
  • Fencing & Infrastructure
  • Sustainable Practices
  • Pest & Invasive Species Control

Timber Processing & Workshop Work:

  • Timber Extraction
  • Woodmizer Sawmill Operation
  • Firewood Processing
  • Woodworking and Workshop Tasks

Community & Event Facilitation:

  • Event Support
  • Woodland Tours & Volunteer Days

Residential & Farm Responsibilities:

  • Shared Living Areas: Contribute to maintaining shared living spaces and workshop areas in a clean and organized manner.
  • Residential Crew: If appropriate to take part in the communal responsibilities of living and working on a family farm, which includes interacting with young children and being a positive, community-minded presence.
  • Farm Responsibilities: To play an active role where required in moving and feeding livestock, caring for poultry, and helping as required in the vegetable garden.

Skills and Responsibilities

Essential:

  • Driving License: A valid driving license is required for transportation of tools and timber.
  • Machinery & Power Tools: Ability and willingness to learn use of machinery and power tools in timber processing and woodland management tasks.
  • Independent Work: Ability to structure your work, manage tasks autonomously, and meet deadlines.
  • Team Collaboration: Ability to work well with others in a positive and supportive working environment.
  • Physical Ability: Physically fit and able to manage steep slopes, heavyweights and demanding work (e.g. the sawmill), and take care to avoid injury.
  • Punctuality & Responsibility: Be punctual, reliable, and self-motivated, able to work without supervision, and communicate effectively with the team.

    Desirable:

    • Carpentry & Woodworking Skills: Experience with woodworking tools and carpentry, or a desire to learn and develop these skills.
    • Chainsaw Certification: Chainsaw certification desirable; crosscutting, maintenance, and felling trees will be required early during the placement.
    • Craft Skills: A general interest or experience in constructing with timber or craft skills relevant to woodland work.

    Key Personal Attributes

    • Socially and Ecologically Minded: Must be motivated by both environmental sustainability and community engagement.
    • Adaptability & Flexibility: Comfortable working in varying weather conditions and across diverse tasks.
    • Self-Management: Ability to structure your own workday, set priorities, and stay focused, even in a busy, diverse environment.
    • Commitment to Learning: Be open to ongoing learning about woodland regeneration, forestry practices, and community-based initiatives.

    What We Offer:

    • A year-long role in a dynamic and rewarding setting focused on the restoration of ancient woodland and community engagement in woodland.
    • The opportunity to gain hands-on experience in both woodland management and timber processing.
    • A supportive, collaborative working environment where your contributions will directly impact the future of The Hillyfield and the local community.
    • Regular evaluations and opportunities for feedback, growth, and personal development.
    • Potential to stay on site in workers accommodation as part of an engaged Hillyfield woodland team.

    This is a physically demanding, yet highly rewarding position for someone with a passion for working outdoors and contributing to sustainable land management. If you are someone who thrives in a hands-on, dynamic environment, enjoys working with others, and is eager to learn, we encourage you to apply.

    Start Date – The candidate must be available to start work between 1st August-31st September on a date that is convenient to the employer.

    Interviews – Interviews will be taking place online, via Teams, on the 2nd July so please ensure you’re available for this date.

    If you wish to read more about what the job will involve please click here.