Estate Worker

We are looking for a skilled and enthusiastic Estate Worker to help deliver our land management and ecology objectives across Sherwood Forest and Budby South Forest. Our work focuses on balancing the needs of vulnerable wildlife and ecology while providing a high-quality visitor experience to a world-famous destination.

Sherwood Forest is home to rich folklore and the legend of Robin Hood, but also one of the largest collections of Ancient Oaks in Europe, including the Major Oak, and is one of the UK’s most important ancient woodlands. Budby South Forest connects directly to the busy Sherwood area, itself is one of the largest extents of historic heathland in the Midlands. A former royal hunting forest, Budby is a mosaic of characteristic Sherwood habitats including lowland heath, acid grassland and wood pasture.

The notable trees and threatened habitats, along with the rare and vulnerable insect assemblages and other species that rely on them make Sherwood and Budby hugely special places for nature, and are legally protected by NNR, SSSI and SAC designations. The amazing wildlife as well as the cultural importance of Robin Hood and extensive historical significance make it a destination for hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

What's the role about?

Your main objectives will be to assist in delivering the estate and land maintenance across this busy National Nature Reserve, to ensure visitor experience, health and safety, and compliance targets are being met, all with ecology at the heart of our work.

You will be responsible for the use and maintenance of machinery and vehicles, work planning and record-keeping. It is essential you comply with health and safety requirements associated with this work.

You will be able to work well both with others and independently as required, primarily as part of the Outdoor Team (Estate Operations Manager, Warden and Assistant Warden), but also with RSPB volunteers and with the wider Sherwood and Budby team, particularly Facilities and Visitor Experience.

You should have a proven practical skill set, with the ability, physical capability and experience to tackle a complex workload of proactive and reactive works. A keen interest and knowledge of wildlife and conservation land management is desirable, to assist with the delivery of high standards and ecological best practice.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience: 

• Extensive use of powered machinery and equipment e.g. tractor, chainsaw, brushcutter plus a wide a range of hand tools
• Servicing and maintaining machinery, tools and equipment including vehicles to high standards, with excellent record keeping
• Practical land management experience and delivering high quality estate management works e.g. installation and maintenance of fencing, reserve furniture and path surfacing; vegetation management; infrastructure upkeep
• Understanding and willing to fulfil the demands of a busy visitor operation by leading on or assisting with day-to-day tasks, using a keen eye for detail to maintain high presentation standards
• The ability to follow and develop work programmes to complete tasks in an organised and prioritised way, both with others and independently
• Use of Microsoft or other computer software packages to produce basic pieces of work, keep records and communicate effectively
• A full driving licence valid for use in the UK and confidence to drive vehicles both on and off reserve, with trailers

 Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• Electronic data input and recording and use of GIS
• Livestock management and understanding of grazing programmes
• Experience working with and leading volunteers
• Knowledge/understanding of nature conservation, particularly woodland and heathland habitat management
• Lantra or equivalent qualification in tractors and attachments, trailers, chainsaws, brushcutters, ATV, pesticides

This is a permanent full-time role for 37.5 hours per week. Weekend and out of hours working may be required. 

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 9th June 2025. For further information please contact [email protected] 

As part of this application process you will be asked to complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by  the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.