At a Glance
- Tasks: Supervise and support forest operations while ensuring safety and quality standards.
- Company: Join Forestry England, a leader in sustainable forestry management.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a mix of office and outdoor work.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and teamwork.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in forest management while working in nature.
- Qualifications: Experience in supervising contracts and knowledge of forestry standards required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
In a Beat team, the Work Supervisor supports the Beat Forester to plan, organise, supervise and monitor operational programme delivery by Beat Craftspeople and contractors in accordance with Forestry England environmental, safety and quality standards and procedures as outlined in Forestry England guidance and industry standards such as UKFS, UKWAS and FISA. The role involves a mixture of office work and time spent in the forest. The job is varied and wide ranging, requiring close team working to continually re-balance priorities as unplanned situations arise that need dealing with, whilst maintaining momentum to deliver planned programmes. The Work Supervisor takes responsibility for managing their own workload and balancing time supervising operations, assisting Beat Craftspeople with practical tasks, working independently in the forest, and carrying out computer-based work in a busy office.
Key responsibilities & accountabilities
- Assisting the beat forester in all aspects of the day-to-day management of the beat and in planning, organising and supervising forest operations by staff and contractors to ensure agreed work is delivered to required standards safely, effectively and efficiently.
- Being a visible presence on site, championing our health and safety culture and consistently demonstrating our core value of “look out and look after”.
- Developing and coaching the beat team through demonstration and clear verbal communication.
- Collecting accurate site measurements and observations and using these in informing decisions, monitoring outcomes and updating records.
- Communicating appropriately with colleagues and all stakeholders including landowners, neighbours, contractors, customers and members of the public.
Typical Beat Work Supervisor tasks
- Carrying out forest surveys, assessments, marking and measuring to inform work programme decisions and monitor achievement of outcomes.
- Ground truthing and updating forest inventories and mapped features.
- Assisting forester to plan and organise work programmes.
- Drafting job specifications for staff and tender documents for contracts.
- Promoting a culture of safe working.
- Working collaboratively, maintaining strong relationships to support effective site operations.
- Monitoring and supervising staff and contractors to ensure full compliance with work specifications and health & safety requirements, maintaining a site monitoring diary.
- Carrying out FISA checks and audits, ensuring forestry operations meet relevant safety and competency standards.
- Providing craftspeople with direction and support, ensuring high quality work across all assigned tasks.
- Maintaining yard and estate safety and security.
- Overseeing stock control of materials and maintenance of equipment.
- Organising legally compliant handling, storage and disposal of waste.
- Leading on hazard tree surveys, including organising and overseeing associated remedial works where appropriate.
- Undertaking any other duties reasonably requested by your line manager.
Person specification
Skills, knowledge & experience
Essential professional and technical experience
- Experience in supervising and monitoring contracts to ensure quality and compliance.
- Experience of delivering to tight deadlines.
- A sound understanding of UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) and UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS) requirements.
- Working knowledge of health and safety systems relevant to practical countryside and forestry work including risk assessments, Forest Industry Safety Accord (FISA) guidance, and lone working procedures.
- Competence in use of software to create and edit spreadsheets and documents.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a wider team.
- Proven experience of effective team working and supervision.
Desirable professional and technical experience
- Experience of carrying out practical forestry operations.
- Competence in GIS systems.
Qualifications
Essential: A full current driving licence that enables you to drive in the UK.
Desirable: A formal Forestry education and/or practical qualification.
If you require any reasonable adjustments, please email fcrecruitmentteam@forestryengland.uk.
Works Supervisor – Thetford employer: Elbichologo
Forestry England is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can thrive both in the office and the great outdoors. With a strong commitment to health and safety, employee development, and a collaborative culture, we empower our Works Supervisors to lead impactful forestry operations while fostering personal growth and teamwork. Located in Thetford, you'll enjoy the unique advantage of working amidst beautiful natural landscapes, contributing to sustainable forest management and conservation efforts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Works Supervisor – Thetford
✨Get Involved in Local Agricultural Communities
Join local farming cooperatives or agricultural societies in your area. By attending their meetings, you can network with industry professionals and learn about potential job openings in the agricultural sector.
✨Showcase Your Expertise at Industry Events
Keep an eye out for agricultural fairs, conferences, and exhibitions. These events are golden opportunities to meet face-to-face with hiring companies like Elbichologo. Don’t forget to bring some business cards or a digital portfolio showcasing your hands-on experience in agricultural and forestry sciences.
✨Consider Certification Programs
Enrol in agricultural certification programs to stand out from the crowd. Many employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about ongoing education and relevant certifications, making you a more attractive option for a full-time role.
✨Check Out Career Pages Directly
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We think you need these skills to ace Works Supervisor – Thetford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience with Field Work:In the agricultural and forestry sciences field, practical experience is golden. Be sure to highlight any field work, internships, or volunteer opportunities you've had that relate to this area. We want to see your hands-on skills, so don’t forget to sprinkle in any specific tasks you undertook or technologies you used in your applications for Elbichologo.
Get Technical with Your Qualifications:In your CV and cover letter, dive into any relevant technical skills or certifications you've gained. If you've got knowledge in areas like soil science, pest management, or environmental conservation, flaunt it! Listing out specific qualifications and how they tie into the role can really set you apart from the rest when applying for Works Supervisor – Thetford at Elbichologo.
Tailor Your Personal Statement:Your personal statement or cover letter should reflect your passion for the agricultural and forestry sciences. Talk about why you're excited about the role and how you envision contributing to Elbichologo. This is your chance to showcase your motivation and cultural fit, so keep it engaging and genuine!
Keep It Professional Yet Approachable:While we love to see your personality shine through in applications, remember to maintain a level of professionalism in your writing. Use clear and concise language, and make sure your application materials for Works Supervisor – Thetford at Elbichologo are free from jargon unless necessary. This will help the hiring team easily understand your qualifications and enthusiasm.
How to prepare for a job interview at Elbichologo
✨Know Your Crops!
Make sure you brush up on the specific crops, soils, and pest management strategies relevant to the role in agricultural sciences at Elbichologo. Be prepared to discuss your practical experiences with eco-friendly farming techniques, as this will demonstrate your commitment to sustainable practices – something that’s becoming increasingly important in our field.
✨Showcase Your Field Work
Since this is a full-time role, it’s vital to bring along your portfolio showcasing any projects or research you've conducted. Talk about your hands-on experience in the field, whether it’s data collection, experimentation, or working with farmers. This not only illustrates your knowledge but also your willingness to get your hands dirty!
✨Embrace Tech in Agriculture
The agricultural sector is rapidly embracing technology, so don’t shy away from discussing tools like GIS, remote sensing, or precision agriculture software you’ve used. Highlighting your tech-savviness can set you apart, especially at a forward-thinking company like Elbichologo.
✨Passion for Sustainability
Full-time roles demand a genuine passion for what you do, especially in agriculture where sustainability is key. Be ready to share your ideas on how to improve agricultural practices, reduce environmental impact, and contribute to food security. Showing your long-term vision for the industry can really impress the interviewers at Elbichologo.
