At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to manage forestry, maintain buildings, and keep the estate thriving.
- Company: Forbes Estate, a beautiful working estate in Aberdeenshire.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, and potential accommodation.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Get hands-on experience in forestry and estate management while enjoying the great outdoors.
- Qualifications: Experience in forestry, chainsaw certification, and general maintenance skills required.
The predicted salary is between 16 - 16 £ per hour.
The Forbes Estate is a working Scottish estate based near Keig in Aberdeenshire, encompassing productive farmland, managed woodland and a range of residential and agricultural properties. We are seeking a skilled and versatile Estate and Forestry worker to join our small team on a full-time permanent basis. This is a hands-on, varied role working across multiple sites on the estate. Approximately half of your time will be spent on forestry and woodland operations, with the remainder covering general estate maintenance across buildings, grounds, roads and water infrastructure. The successful candidate will be confident working both independently and as part of a small team, taking ownership of tasks while also responding to direction from estate management.
Key Responsibilities
- Forestry & Woodland
- Operation of forestry machinery including forwarder and harvester.
- Operation of a tracked digger for forestry and estate groundworks.
- Chainsaw work including felling, cross-cutting and clearance of tree limbs (NPTC/Lantra certification required).
- Erection and maintenance of deer and stock fencing in forestry and woodland contexts.
- Operation of a band saw for timber processing; storage and stacking of timber cut on the estate (equipment to be acquired).
- Tree planting, establishment and general woodland management tasks as directed.
- Maintenance of forestry access tracks across estate woodland sites including Corrie Hill and Cattie Hill.
- General Estate Maintenance
- Building Repairs & Maintenance:
- Replacement of broken and missing slates; re-pointing stone walls.
- External painting of houses and buildings including paint removal, preparation and application.
- Repair of rotten timbers, doors and doorframes and re-glazing of windows.
- General joinery and building fabric repairs across estate properties.
- Meter readings in estate properties.
- General office maintenance e.g. lighting replacement.
- Escorting council staff to inspect wells and water infrastructure, assist with risk assessments.
- Supply to Castle of logs and wood.
- Management and audit of estate supplies and materials e.g. water infrastructure equipment, tools, building supplies.
- Roads & Drainage:
- Pot hole repairs using hardcore and sub-base; use of vibrating roller and plate.
- Cutting of asphalt roads using disc cutter.
- Digging and clearing of road offlets and drainage ditches.
- Water Supply:
- Repair of burst mains across the estate water supply network (MDPE, alkathene, polythene, copper and concrete pipe).
- Knapsack spraying around gathering and reservoir tanks and stop cock tobbies.
- Routine inspection and maintenance of gathering and reservoir tanks across estate locations.
- Grounds & Gardens:
- Mowing of lawns and grounds at Castle Forbes and other estate properties.
- Strimming of river banks, castle grounds, game cover plots and orchard.
- Tractor and topper operation across grazing fields, deer lawns and burial ground.
- Hedge cutting at estate properties and along estate roads.
- Machinery & Vehicles:
- Day-to-day operation and care of estate vehicles, tractors and equipment including 4x4 vehicles across varied terrain.
- Tractor and trailer operation for a range of estate tasks.
- Knapsack sprayer operation for weed control across estate roads, yards and buildings.
- Roof gutter cleaning across estate buildings.
- Essential
- Proven experience in forestry and/or woodland management operations.
- NPTC/Lantra chainsaw certificates (minimum CS30/CS31; further units an advantage).
- Experience operating forestry machinery (forwarder, harvester or similar).
- Competent operator of a tracked digger.
- Practical skills in fencing — deer fencing, stock fencing and gate hanging.
- General building maintenance skills: painting, basic joinery, slating and glazing.
- Experience of road and drainage maintenance on a rural estate or similar.
- Full, clean UK driving licence.
- Competent tractor driver and experienced 4x4 operator, including off-road use.
- Able to work safely and effectively outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Reliable, self-motivated and able to manage your own workload.
- Desirable
- Experience working on a Scottish rural or highland estate.
- Familiarity with rural water supply systems (MDPE/alkathene pipework, tanks and stop cocks).
- Pesticide application certificate (PA1/PA6 knapsack sprayer).
- Experience with timber processing including band saw operation.
- Experience with grounds maintenance including lawn mowing and hedge cutting.
- Knowledge of deer management or game cover.
- Salary: £39,000 per annum gross (£16 per hour net / £20 per hour gross, based on 40 hours per week).
- Hours: 7.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday (40 hours per week with 1 hour deducted for breaks).
- Holiday: 25 days annual leave plus 4 statutory days.
- Payment: Monthly by BACS.
- Accommodation: Estate accommodation may be available for the right candidate — please enquire.
- NEST pension scheme available.
- 4x4 vehicle available for work use.
Person Specification
Package & Terms
How to Apply
Please send a CV and the details of two references to: Andrew Campbell, Forbes Estate Office, Castle Forbes, Keig, Aberdeenshire or by email via the link below.
Locations
Estate & Forestry Worker in Alford, Lincolnshire employer: Forbes Estate Office
Joining The Forbes Estate as an Estate & Forestry Worker offers a unique opportunity to be part of a dedicated team in the picturesque Aberdeenshire countryside. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and a supportive work culture, you will enjoy hands-on experience across diverse tasks while contributing to the sustainable management of the estate. The role not only provides competitive benefits but also allows for personal development in a rewarding environment that values teamwork and individual initiative.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estate & Forestry Worker in Alford, Lincolnshire
✨Connect with Local Farmers and Co-ops
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We think you need these skills to ace Estate & Forestry Worker in Alford, Lincolnshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in agriculture, it's crucial to highlight any hands-on experience you have in farming, crop management, or sustainable practices. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're after, so be specific about the responsibilities you've had and any tools or techniques you've used.
Certifications Matter:In agriculture, relevant certifications can really give your application a boost. If you have any qualifications related to agricultural practices, pest management, or environmental regulations, make sure to mention them! They're great indicators of your commitment and expertise in the field.
Tailor Your CV to the Agriculture Sector:Your CV should reflect your passion for agriculture. Structure it to emphasise your field experience and any relevant projects you've been involved in. Don't forget to highlight your soft skills, like teamwork and communication, which are essential in this sector.
Passion is Key in Your Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time position, we want to feel your enthusiasm for agriculture in your cover letter. Share why you're drawn to this industry and mention any long-term goals you have that align with what Forbes Estate Office does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Forbes Estate Office
✨Get Familiar with Agricultural Technologies
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest agricultural technologies and tools that are commonly used in the field. Whether it’s precision farming tools or crop management software, being able to discuss these effectively during your interview with Forbes Estate Office will show that you're technically savvy and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Since agriculture is a hands-on industry, be prepared to share any practical experiences you've had. This could be through internships, volunteer work, or even personal projects. Discussing specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them can really impress the interviewers, especially in a full-time role at Forbes Estate Office.
✨Understand the Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is a hot topic in agriculture right now, so it's important to understand current practices and regulations in the industry. Familiarise yourself with concepts like crop rotation, organic farming, and environmental impact. Having informed opinions on these topics can set you apart from other candidates during your interview.
✨Practice Common Industry Scenarios
Expect to tackle a few scenario-based questions that mimic real-life challenges in agriculture. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a pest infestation or manage resources during a drought. Practising these scenarios will help you respond confidently and showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview with Forbes Estate Office.
