Summary
We’re looking for a Forester to join in a key, hands-on role in helping to maintain excellent standards of presentation, woodland and tree safety management, and conservation in order to deliver a visitor experience worthy of one of the north east’s major visitor attractions.
Based at Cragside, a grade 1 registered landscape this role has an emphasis on Arboricultural principles and practices, rather than commercial forestry.
The working pattern is Sunday to Thursday, including Bank Holidays.
What it's like to work here
Cragside is one of the most popular visitor attractions in the Northeast, welcoming around 250,000 visitors every year. Located in stunning, rural Northumberland 15 miles from the coast, and only 30 miles from the vibrant city of Newcastle, living and working at Cragside allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Managing the extensive landscape requires close cooperation between the outdoor teams, especially when it comes to delivering an exceptional, seamless visitor experience across the property. At Cragside, visitors have access to the entire estate should they wish to explore it fully.
We’ll provide the appropriate training, so you become competent in the following: tree safety inspections, med fell, assisted fell, and windblown timber CS39/204 using a chainsaw from a rope and harness, forestry machine operator units FMO 208, 209 (base unit and line skidder).
What you'll be doing
As a Forester, you’ll be involved in all aspects of tree and woodland management. This will include delivering the annual forestry work programme, responding to unplanned work, and maintaining woodland infrastructure and boundaries.
You’ll be carrying out practical forestry operations such as thinning, clear felling, timber extraction and roadside tree works. You’ll apply your knowledge of silvicultural practices across conifer, broadleaf and mixed woodlands, ensuring safe systems of work are followed, producing and monitoring risk assessments in line with Trust guidance. Working positively with tenants, local communities, contractors and partners, you’ll support and occasionally supervise volunteers or colleagues during practical tasks.
Who we're looking for
Applications from redeployees are assessed against the minimum criteria for the role. In your application, please provide details of how you meet the minimum criteria below:
1. practical experience working in a woodland or countryside environment, supported by relevant qualifications (Level 3 or equivalent vocational experience)
2. a good understanding of woodland management and forestry operations, including timber extraction
3. competence and certification to use forestry machinery and equipment, such as chainsaws and tractors
4. a strong awareness of health and safety requirements, with experience producing risk assessments
5. practical experince using IT systems and comfortable working out calculations
6. the ability to work well as part of a team, as well as using your own initiative when required
7. full UK driving licence
8. current first aid at work certificate or emergency first aid certificate
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.
9. Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
10. Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
11. Rental deposit loan scheme
12. Season ticket loan
13. EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
14. Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
15. Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
16. Flexible working whenever possible
17. Employee assistance programme
18. Free parking at most Trust places