Estate Forester
20 days ago
York
Job Title: Estate Forester \n Location: Halifax Estates, Based from Garrowby Sawyard, YO41 1QA \n Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience \n Job type: Permanent, Full-time \n About the Role: \n We are seeking a motivated Estate Forester to join our small woodland management team of three. This is a hands-on, varied role suited to someone with formal forestry training who is comfortable working outdoors in all weather, both independently and as part of a tight-knit crew. You will play an active part in the day-to-day management of the Estate's 1,400 acres of woodland, covering everything from planting and maintenance to timber extraction and firewood processing. \n Key Responsibilities: \n\n • Carry out forwarding operations, extracting timber from felling sites to roadside or processing areas\n, • Undertake tree planting programmes, including ground preparation, planting, and aftercare (weeding, beating up, protection from browsing)\n, • Perform general woodland maintenance, including ride and boundary clearance, drainage upkeep, fencing, and deer/rabbit protection measures\n, • Process felled timber to required specifications using a chainsaw, including cross-cutting, debranching, and stacking, in addition to operating the firewood processor as part of the Estates' commercial firewood business\n, • Operate and carry out routine maintenance on chainsaws, forwarding equipment, and other forestry machinery\n, • Work safely and efficiently as part of a 3-person team, supporting colleagues across all aspects of the operational programme\n, • Maintain accurate records of work completed, timber volumes, and stock movements\n, • Adhere to all health and safety procedures and relevant forestry legislation (e.g. UKFS, felling licence conditions)\n, • Contribute to habitat and biodiversity management as part of wider estate conservation objectives\n\n About you: \n Essential Requirements \n\n • Competent and experienced in operating tractors safely and effectively\n, • Strong understanding and appreciation of woodland maintenance practices and silvicultural systems\n, • Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and undertake physically demanding tasks\n, • A strong commitment to health and safety in a forestry environment\n, • A full, clean driving licence (tractor/trailer licence an advantage)\n, • Good teamwork and communication skills\n\n Desirable Requirements: \n\n • A valid chainsaw certificate of competence (e.g. CS30/31 felling and processing; CS38 maintenance) - units in cross-cutting and small tree felling required as a minimum\n, • A relevant forestry or arboriculture qualification (e.g. National Diploma/HND in Forestry, Forest Management, or similar)\n, • Additional tickets such as CS39 (winching), brushcutter, or first aid at work\n, • Experience operating a forwarder or similar extraction machinery\n, • Knowledge of pesticide/herbicide application (PA1/PA6 certification)\n, • Familiarity with deer management or wider estate conservation work\n\n What We Offer: \n\n • On-the-job training and opportunities for further qualifications\n, • Provision of accommodation can be discussed\n, • Working as part of a supportive, experienced small team in a beautiful rural setting\n\n Please click on the APPLY button to send your CV and Cover Letter for this role. \n Candidates with the relevant experience of; Estate Forester, Experienced Forester, Woodland Maintenance, Woodland Manager, Forestry Operative, Forestry Manager, Tractor Driver, Farm Worker & Agricultural Worker may also be considered for this role.