Forestry and Harvesting Manager - South West England

The Woodland Trust is looking for a Forestry and Harvesting Manager to join our team in the South West of England to be responsible for implementing and supporting the planning, preparation and delivery of harvesting and forestry operations. This will include infrastructure projects across the South West region, but the initial focus will be around our Rainforest work on Dartmoor.

THE ROLE

• Planning, preparing and, as Forest Works Manager, delivering significant contracts and projects throughout the South West.
• Identifying works to be bundled into larger, more efficient contacts across SM areas and developing our contractor base to build confidence and competence within the sector, training and development of SM and Outreach specialists and working with the Estate and Outreach Support Team in developing process and standards.
• Plan, specify, tender, procure and supervise implementation of identified selected contracts on the Estate to the highest professional standard (ensuring full compliance with our FSC certification) and in accordance with all Woodland Trust Health and Safety policies and procedures.
• In partnership with the respective Site Manager(s), undertake planning, implementation and prudent financial management of harvesting, forestry and infrastructure works within an identified, planned programme of site management works using agents and contractors.
• This role is based in South West England with the initial focus on our Rainforest work on Dartmoor. We will require the successful candidate to travel in this area and around the region.
• This role is a full time, 3-year fixed term contract, with potential for extension
• A company car will be provided for this role.

THE CANDIDATE

• You’ll have an enthusiasm for the environment and share our core values-Grow Together, Explore, Focus and Make it Count.
• You’ll be qualified to HND/degree level in forestry, land management or a related field.
• You’ll have previous experience in managing complex tree safety contracts and dealing with tree pests and diseases such as Ash Dieback, whilst being compliant with Health and Safety standards.
• Proven experience in forestry and conservation land management on sites of high conservation importance with experience of timber mensuration, writing and reviewing harvesting plans, familiarity with FSC certification and UKWAS and a sound understanding of practical issues faced when managing woodlands (ancient and planted secondary) and open space habitats, acting as FWM for contract work. Planning and overseeing of infrastructure work with knowledge of CDM regulations
• Proven ability to successfully manage and deliver multi-disciplinary projects, including ensuring targets are met on time and within budget.
• You’ll have a collaborative approach, with the ability to work with multiple teams, building relationships with both internal and external stakeholders effectively.
• Experience of partnership working, and excellent skills in networking and relationship development and management including communities and volunteers.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbally being able to liaise with internal and external stakeholders.
• A full UK driving licence will be required.

Benefits & Wellbeing: Joining our team means you'll be a big part of tackling environmental and climate issues. We take good care of our staff, offering support and training opportunities. We also offer:

• Enhanced Employer Pension
• Life Assurance
• Flexible & Hybrid Working Options
• Generous Annual Leave
• Enhanced Parental Pay
• Employee Assistance Programme

About Us: The Woodland Trust is the UK's leading woodland conservation charity and is dedicated to creating a world where trees and woods thrive for both people and nature. Our mission involves engaging and inspiring individuals to contribute toward tackling the nature and climate crisis through the protection, restoration, and creation of essential woodland habitats.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: To achieve our vision of a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature, we need to better reflect society and the communities we work in. All people, no matter their background, identity, ability, or circumstance, should benefit from trees.

People of colour and disabled people are currently under-represented across the environment and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we particularly encourage you to apply.

Please contact us to discuss any additional support or adjustments you may need to complete your application.

Application Advice: For fairness we keep our candidates’ personal details hidden from the hiring managers, so they do not see your CV until shortlisting is completed. Make sure that your Personal Statement clearly shows how your skills and knowledge link to the specifications in the job description and you share with us your passion for the role.

Apply Now: If you're ready to make a difference and grow with us, send in your application today. We might close the job opening early if we get a lot of applications, so it's a good idea to apply soon. If we do close the advert early, and you have an application in process, we will email you prior to closing to give you time to complete.

Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams on 10th and 11th July 2025.

For queries relating to this new opportunity please email [email protected]