This is a ‘hands on’ role in which they will carry out all the same tasks as the Forestry Workers that they supervise. In addition they will be responsible for the immediate management of a small team of Forestry Workers. The practical work they do will vary depending upon the nature of their employer.
Depending on the nature of the woodland in which they work and on the type of activity undertaken by their employer, Forestry Workers may be involved in a very narrow range of activities. Working for a contracting company, they may specialise in operating a harvester or forwarder to mechanically harvest timber, or in site preparation and the planting of young trees. Working in private woodland or for the Forestry Commission will often require a wider range of skills and knowledge such as some basic land management skills including hedging and drainage
Forestry Workers can be involved in all aspects of work within woodlands. Typical work might include tree planting, pruning or thinning, harvesting of trees, the maintenance of machinery and equipment and using a range of specialist equipment.
The Forestry Foreman will usually be in charge of a small team of Forestry Workers. They will have gained a good deal of experience as a Forestry Craftsman and will be responsible for the safe completion of the job on the site. This will include ensuring that all the equipment needed to complete the task is available.
On site they will organise the team to complete the work safely and efficiently. This will include making sure that everyone is aware of the hazards on site and work in accordance with the risk assessments. This may include delivering ‘tool-box’ talks to the members of their team. They may also be required to complete the job specific risk assessments at the site.
Workers employed by contractors might specialize in timber harvesting or forestry establishment, involving ground preparation and the planting of seedling trees. All forestry workers can also be called on to assist in tackling forest fires
This can be physically hard, demanding work and individuals should be fit and able to perform physical labour outdoors. Forestry Workers need to be prepared to work outdoors in all weathers.
Forestry Workers typically work a standard full-time week. However, the hours may vary and weekend or Bank Holiday work can be required.
It is potentially hazardous work, requiring the use of power tools and heavy machinery. Protective clothing may need to be worn for certain tasks. Tools, equipment and any protective clothing required to undertake the job are usually provided.
Depending on the area covered, there may be a significant amount of travelling between different sites. A driving license may be required and self employed contractors will need a driving licence along with their own transport. Occasional periods may be spent working away from home.
These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.
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Experienced Forestry Workers may earn between £14000 and £24,000
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Self employed forestry contractors may earn up to £30,000 or more
- Maintain and understand records
- Maintain supplies of physical resources
- Plan and manage the harvesting, transportation and storage of crops
- Monitor and evaluate the management of crops
- Control local pollution incidents
- Report on site surveys
- Carry out site surveys
- Measure, record and forecast volume of timber
- Select and mark trees and prepare for harvesting
- Survey trees
- Inspect trees
- Manage harvesting operations
- Contribute to the control of resources
- Monitor the work of your staff
- Identify, quantify and evaluate forest and woodland products and services other than wood
- Identify the hazards and evaluate the risks in your workplace
- Maintain safe and effective work in isolated situations or when working alone
- Working with others
- Communication
- Initiative
- Attention to detail
- Safety awareness
- Management / Leadership Skills
- Planning / Organizing Skills
- Customer Care / People Skills
- Mediation / Negotiation Skills
- Project Management Skills
- Instruction / Training Skills
- HR Skills
There are a variety of qualifications and training courses that can help you:
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Find employment
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Improve your current skills
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Gain promotion
Individuals entering at this level will have significant experience in forestry and will have completed the relevant certificates of competence for their work area. These might include chainsaw use, chipper use and operation of specialist equipment such as a forwarder or harvester.
An Apprenticeship and an Advanced Apprenticeship are available in Forestry. There are no set entry requirements for these Apprenticeships. Apprenticeships are open to all age groups (above 16yrs) whether you are just leaving school, have been working for years or are seeking to start a new career.
Further information on Apprenticeships in Forestry can be found on the Apprenticeship website.
The Diploma in Environmental and Land-based Studies is also a useful qualification to have achieved prior to employment, an Apprenticeship or further training.
There are forestry sector courses available, including:
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Introductory Diploma in land and environment
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National Award, Certificate or Diploma in forestry and arboriculture
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NPTC Level 2 Certificate and Level 3 Diploma in forestry and arboriculture
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ABC Level 1 Award/Certificate in practical environmental and conservation skills
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ABC Level 2 Certificate in practical environmental studies
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Lantra Awards Level 2 Certificate in land-based activities
Some colleges may require one year's work experience and academic entry requirements vary, so applicants should check with individual institutions.
Forest workers are encouraged to gain technical and professional qualifications for operating forest tools and machinery. These include:
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Level 3 Work-based Diploma
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Level 2 Work-based Diploma
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Level 2 Certificates of Competence in chainsaw and related operations, all terrain vehicle handling or forest machine operations
Read more about all types of qualifications available in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Know what course you want? Search for a training course with Lantra’s CourseFinder.
The UK trees and timber industry employs around 22,500 people, many as forest workers. The largest employer is the Forestry Commission. Private estates, local authorities, conservation organisations and charities, government agencies and forest management companies also employ forest workers. Most jobs are found in rural locations with large forested areas.
While there is strong competition for jobs, demand for new entrants is constant. Around 50% of forest workers are self-employed. They are normally hired for specific contracts, such as planting or felling trees. Contracts are often short term, typically lasting about three months.
If you are interested in becoming forestry worker it is important that you:
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Enjoy working outside
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Enjoy practical/physical work
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Be interested in the environment
Organisations such as the Woodland Trust, British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) and local wildlife trusts welcome volunteers. Lists of organisations, voluntary environmental projects and jobs are advertised on the Countryside Jobs Service website. Job vacancies are advertised in national and regional newspapers and in local Jobcentre Plus offices. The Forestry Commission publishes vacancies on its website and the Royal Forestry Society (RFS) lists vacancies in its Quarterly Journal of Forestry.
Gaining experience and completing training courses in order to become competent in the use of specialist equipment will enable progression to ‘craftsman’ status. Thereafter, promotional prospects can vary depending upon the nature of the employer. With large employers, such as the Forestry Commission, it may be possible to progress to senior forest worker or works supervisor. In smaller organisations it may be necessary to change location or employer in order to progress.
Some forestry workers with a range of skills and experience become self-employed and run their own businesses. They may also progress to supervisory level, then on to management.
Many experienced forest workers become self-employed and contract out their services. With further training and qualifications, it may be possible to advance to forest officer level.
Opportunities may arise to become a forest ranger with the Forestry Commission or with a private forestry body. Forest rangers work with wardens or conservation officers to look after wildlife.
You can find out about other progression opportunities in this industry here
For further support and information on careers you can contact the Lantra Connect Service:
Tel: 02476 69 69 96 or e-mail treesandtimber@lantra.co.uk
Industry Information
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Forestry Commission, 231 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh EH12 7AT. 0131 334 0303
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The Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF), 59 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2JG. 0131 240 1425
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The Arboricultural Association, Ullenwood Court, Ullenwood, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL53 9QS. 01242 522152
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British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV), Sedum House, Mallard Way, Doncaster DN4 8DB. 01302 388883
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Landex
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The Royal Forestry Society (RFS), 102 High Street, Tring, Hertfordshire HP23 4AF. 01442 822028
Magazines/journals:
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Chartered Forester - ICF
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Forestry Journal
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Horticulture Week
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Quarterly Journal of Forestry - Royal Forestry Society