Full Details for The Hillyfield Role

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: Carry out ride management and the thinning of young & old woodland to support healthy growth.
• Pruning & Coppicing: Perform formative and high pruning of trees, as well as coppicing work to ensure sustainable regeneration and ongoing management.
• Fencing & Infrastructure: Maintain and construct fencing as needed across the holding.
• Sustainable Practices: Work according to the woodland management plan approved by the Forestry Commission and contribute to the Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier Woodland Management Agreement. Tasks likely to include construction of leaky dams, wildlife boxes, thinning etc.
• Pest & Invasive Species Control: Help with ongoing control of pests, squirrel and deer, through trapping and shooting, disease & invasive species control (Japanese Knotweed, Laurel regrowth and monitoring and control of Ash Dieback and other diseases.)

Timber Processing & Workshop Work:

• Timber Extraction: Assist in the safe and efficient extraction of timber from the woodland using where appropriate Landrover, Quadbike & Tractor.
• Woodmizer Sawmill Operation: Operate the Woodmizer LT 15 Sawmill to process timber, ensuring high-quality cuts, safety, and quality stacking.
• Firewood Processing: Use the Hakki Pilke OH 60 firewood processor to efficiently prepare timber for firewood.
• Workshop Tasks: Spend time in the workshop using woodworking tools to create and maintain timber products.

Community & Event Facilitation:

• Event Support: Assist with setting up and packing down infrastructure for events held at The Hillyfield, including welcoming guests, parking, and ensuring a smooth experience.
• Woodland Tours & Volunteer Days: Participate in and help facilitate woodland tours and volunteer days, providing a welcoming and educational experience for visitors.

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 Qualifications:

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.

• Interest in Woodland Culture: A passion for or interest in woodland management, ecology, and sustainable land practices.
• Community-Minded: Able to engage with the local community, including children, in a respectful and inclusive manner.

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.

Skills you may gain during your traineeship:

• Woodland Management
• First Aid +F
• Driving Licence and skills at operating machinery quadbike, tractor.
• Machinery use including chainsaw, brush-cutter, chipper.
• Application of poison and herbicide (although we use this as little as possible)
• Timber Framing and Woodland Crafts

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.