Job Description
We care for some of the nation’s most precious woodlands – places rich in history, wildlife and meaning. As our new Forester, you’ll play a vital role in looking after these landscapes, ensuring they thrive today and for generations to come. Working as part of our commercial forestry operations team, you’ll help deliver high‑quality, sustainable woodland management across a varied and rewarding portfolio. If you’re passionate about trees, nature and heritage – and love practical outdoor work – this could be the perfect next step. Internally, you'll be known as a 'Forester - Commercial Forestry Ops'.
Salary: £27,612 per annum
Contract Duration: Permanent
Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Working Pattern: You will work Monday-Friday, with no weekend work required
Location: Your base location will be Bowe Barn, Borrowdale, but you will work across Cumbria (Lake District).
Provisional Interview Date: Thursday 4th June
What it's like to work here
You’ll join a friendly, dedicated team who care deeply about people, places and nature. Every day brings something different – from thinning and felling operations to woodland maintenance, boundary repairs and supporting volunteers.
You’ll work closely with colleagues across the National Trust, tenants, and occasionally contractors, contributing to our Land, Outdoors and Nature programme. You’ll be based within one of our commercial forestry hubs, spending most of your time outdoors in some of our most inspiring woodland landscapes.
We’re a collaborative team who support each other, share knowledge and celebrate what makes each place special. Safety, professionalism and passion for our work sit at the heart of everything we do.
What you'll be doing
You’ll play a key role in helping us care for our woodlands responsibly and sustainably, with a clear focus on safety, quality and the long‑term health of our forests. You’ll deliver a wide range of practical forestry tasks, including:
* carrying out tree and woodland management (e.g. thinning, re-establishing old coppice coupes, felling and tree extraction, producing timber to be sold to local markets)
* operating chainsaws, tractors, and mechanical forestry winch and woodchippers
* contributing to planned and reactive work programmes, ensuring high standards at all times
* supporting tree safety operations and felling roadside trees
* maintaining machinery and equipment, reporting faults and ensuring safe use
* carrying out repairs to boundaries such as dry stone walls, and stock and deer fencing
* supporting colleagues in tree establishment operations (e.g. planting, weeding, tree shelter maintenance)
* supervising volunteers on practical tasks, helping them work safely and confidently
You can view the full role profile for this role in the document attached. You don't need to have all the knowledge, skills and experience listed in the role profile; this is just to provide a full picture of what’s possible in this role.
Who we're looking for
We'd love to hear from you if you can demonstrate:
* Practical experience working in a woodland or countryside environment, including experience with boundary work (e.g. dry stone walling, fencing)
* Good understanding of woodland management and common silvicultural practices
* Competence with forestry machinery and equipment (e.g. chainsaws, tractors, winches) with relevant certifications
* Knowledge of health and safety requirements, and experience producing risk assessment
* Ability to work safely and maintain high standards across all forestry operations
* Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, making good decisions using your own initiative
* A clear passion to work in a varied woodland environment and show potential to learn and develop quickly
* A full UK driving license
The package
The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.
* Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
* Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
* Rental deposit loan scheme
* Season ticket loan
* EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
* Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
* Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
* Flexible working whenever possible
* Employee assistance programme
* Free parking at most Trust places