Basis: Full time. Location: Glenbranter. Salary: £36,987 to £39,459. Contractual hours: 35. Region: Central. Job category/type: FLS Land Management.
At Forestry and Land Scotland, we have a permanent opportunity for a Harvesting and Marketing Forester based in Cowal (Glenbranter), Central Region. If you’re passionate about sustainable forestry and want to play a key role in shaping the future of Scotland’s forests and land, we’d love to hear from you.
In this role, you’ll support the sustainable management of forests across the Cowal area, working as part of a dynamic team to plan and deliver harvesting operations in line with UK Woodland Assurance Standards. This is a varied and hands‑on role where you’ll oversee tree felling programmes, manage timber stocks, and work closely with colleagues and contractors to ensure high‑quality, safe, and efficient delivery of forestry operations. You’ll also contribute to marketing timber to customers, helping to maximise value while supporting long‑term forest restructuring and environmental outcomes.
Your work will play an important part in balancing commercial timber production with wider land management objectives such as native woodland restoration, peatland restoration, biodiversity enhancement, and improving visitor experiences. The role will involve regular site visits across challenging terrain, where you’ll apply your expertise to minimise environmental impacts and ensure best practice is followed.
This role requires you to work both independently and collaboratively, managing competing priorities and making informed decisions to deliver operational programmes. You’ll supervise and support team members, promote a strong Health, Safety and Wellbeing culture, and contribute to planning activities such as developing harvesting programmes, managing budgets, and monitoring contracts. You’ll also use technology including IT systems and mapping tools to support delivery.
To be successful, you’ll have demonstrable experience in forest or land management operations, along with experience supervising or supporting others. You’ll have strong organisational and problem‑solving skills, the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders, and confidence using IT systems such as Microsoft Office. A proactive approach to health and safety and a commitment to sustainable land management are essential.
Attachment: Job Description and Success Profile - Forester (2).docx
If this sounds like a role you’re interested in, we’d encourage you to apply with your CV and covering letter – please ensure you provide evidence of the essential and desirable criteria detailed in the job description and success profile.