The Job with Englefield Estate

Job Description

The Englefield Estate is situated between Reading and Newbury, the major part lying South of the A4.  The Estate covers some 5600 ha in Berkshire and Hampshire, including 1,400ha of woodland and a Home Farm of 800ha.  There are 25 let farms, a number of small holdings, 300 + residential properties, numerous smaller lettings, a forestry enterprise, mineral extraction and commercial properties. See www.englefieldestate.co.uk and Englefield Echo 2023. At the heart of the Estate is Englefield village and Englefield House, a Grade II* Listed building that is both home to the Benyon family and, from time to time, a venue for events.

The Forestry Department are responsible for the management of the woodlands on the Estate, which is roughly split 50% broadleaf, 50% conifer.  In addition to the woodland management the Forestry Department is also responsible for individual trees, tree safety across the Estate and some other natural areas such as ponds and watercourses.

Job Purpose

The Assistant Forester’s primary role is to support the Foresters and the Forestry Manager in the delivery of the forest and woodland management across the Estate.  The role is a hands on, practical position carrying out forestry management activities that enhance the Estate’s woodlands in respect of economic, environmental and amenity considerations. The Assistant Forester may also be involved in external contracting where appropriate, working on woodlands or Estates not owned by The Englefield Estate.

About You

• Excellent timekeeping, flexibility and attention to detail.
• Good understand of woodland and estate management.
• To take pride in work.
• To have a positive disposition.
• Previous experience of land management with a range of machinery & equipment would be an advantage.
• Pro-active, customer focused approach, you’ll also be flexible to the needs of the wider Estate operation.
• An interest in wildlife, conservation and heritage matters is essential.
• Enjoy the outdoor working lifestyle.
• Ability to cultivate and maintain strong working relationships both internally with team members and/or management.
• Willingness to learn on the role from senior team members and management.

Essential

• Full driving licence.

Desirable

• Chainsaw certification NPTC Units 201,202,203.
• Strimming and brush cutter training and experience.
• Tractor driving skills.
• Tractor and machinery maintenance.
• Familiarity with and use of a range of tractor equipment.
• First Aid Certificate.

Benefits and more details

Hours of work – Your official hours will be 7.30 am to 4:00 pm, with up to half an hour being taken for lunch but, due to the nature of the job, the days and hours that you will be required to work may vary and you may be required to work such additional hours as necessary to fulfil your duties, including some (limited hours) weekend work.

Salary – £20,000+ per year.

Holidays – 20 days per year plus bank holidays although where bank holidays are worked the equivalent time off in lieu may be taken by prior agreement.

Term – A 1 year fixed term appointment with a 2 month probationary period.

Support – Up to 20 days paid release to attend fully funded CPD training (To the value of £2,000)

Regular progress reviews with the RFS and employer.

There is access to a £300 relocation grant available upon request from RFS.

Applicants must have the right to live and work in the United Kingdom. The successful candidate may be required to undertake a Basic Disclosure check before or during their employment.

You must be available to start work between 1st August and 31st September 2024.

Applications close at midday on 14th August.

Questions

Please feel free to reach out to Alison if you have any questions about the role, the Forestry Roots program, the application process or the interview process.