At a Glance
- Tasks: Keep the Forest of Dean clean and welcoming for visitors while supporting the recreation team.
- Company: Join Forestry England, a leader in maintaining beautiful natural spaces.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, pension contributions, and discounts on various services.
- Other info: Full-time role with opportunities for career development and lifelong learning.
- Why this job: Make a difference in nature while gaining valuable experience and skills.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required, just a passion for the outdoors and teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 26509 - 26509 £ per year.
As a Recreation Craftsperson with Forestry England you will provide essential support to the recreation team throughout the Forest of Dean. Your primary duties will be to keep visitor sites, car parks and associated facilities clean, tidy and well maintained, including daily rubbish collection, litter picking and general maintenance tasks. You will also open and unlock site gates and barriers each morning on a varying schedule.
Working pattern
Full‑time permanent position, 37 hours per week including regular weekends. You will work a seven‑day rota that covers annual public holidays, alternate weekends and occasional out‑of‑hours events.
Location
Beechenhurst, GL16 7EL (working across the Forest of Dean).
Benefits
- 25 days holiday per year, increasing by one day each year of service up to 30 days (pro‑rated for part time employees) plus bank holidays.
- Participation in the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (approx. 28.97% employer contribution).
- Access to STaR employee benefits scheme (discounts on supermarkets, hotels, mobile phones, medical, car insurance, gym, Headspace wellbeing app, etc.).
- Free parking at Forestry England sites and free entry to National Arboretums at Westonbirt and Bedgebury.
- Commitment to lifelong learning through career development, continuing professional development and support for learning plans.
Key responsibilities
- Maintain visitor sites, car parks, and other recreation facilities in a clean, safe and tidy condition.
- Collect and dispose of rubbish from bins on a daily basis.
- Pick up litter and carry out general maintenance tasks around the playing estates and features.
- Unlock site gates and barriers each morning according to schedule.
- Support the recreation team by ensuring visitor experience is high quality and all facilities are fit for purpose.
Required behaviours and competencies
- Communicating and influencing
- Working together
- Making effective decisions
- Managing a quality service
Vacancy closes 31 July 2026. Successful applicants will be subject to a criminal record check and a baseline personnel security standard check.
Recreation Craftsperson - Forest of Dean in Coleford employer: Forestry England
Forestry England is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With generous benefits including 25 days of annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and access to various discounts, employees enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance while contributing to the preservation of the beautiful Forest of Dean. Join us in making a meaningful impact on visitor experiences in this stunning natural environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Recreation Craftsperson - Forest of Dean in Coleford
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
Dive into your local sports scene! Attend community games, coaching sessions, and meet-ups. Building relationships with coaches and team managers can help you uncover job opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Leverage Internships and Volunteering
Even though you’re after a full-time role, don’t underestimate internships or volunteering in sports organisations. These positions not only give you hands-on experience but can also lead to permanent openings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make your face known in the industry!
✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
Keep an eye out for sports job fairs and career expos specific to the recreation management field. These events are goldmines for meeting hiring managers from organisations like Forestry England. Bring your A-game and be ready to chat about how you can contribute to their team!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out openings on our site! Our listings will often include positions at excellent organisations in sports recreation management, including Forestry England. Applying directly through our platform increases your chances of getting noticed by recruiters. Let's get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Recreation Craftsperson - Forest of Dean in Coleford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sports:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sports and recreation shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the industry and how it's shaped your career choices. Sharing specific experiences, like managing a team or organising an event, can really make you stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, focus on any relevant internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs related to sports and recreation management. Make sure to quantify your achievements – did you increase team participation by a certain percentage or successfully lead a project? Numbers speak volumes!
Tailor Your CV for Sports Management:Use a CV format that emphasises your skills in leadership, teamwork, and event coordination. Don’t forget to include specific training or certifications that relate to sports management, as these can set you apart from other applicants. We love seeing candidates with relevant qualifications!
Express Your Long-Term Goals:In your application, we want to see your career aspirations in sports management. Don’t hesitate to include how you envision your future in this industry and how joining Forestry England aligns with those goals. We’re looking for candidates who are not just a perfect fit for the role but are also excited about growing with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Forestry England
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Forestry England, make sure to express your genuine love for sports and recreation. Share experiences that showcase your passion, whether it's managing a local sports team, organising events, or simply being an active participant in various activities. This helps them see you're not just a fit on paper, but also someone who truly cares about the field.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
This role is all about managing resources and people, so be ready to discuss your leadership and organisational skills. Prepare some examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project, particularly in a sports or recreation setting. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to make your answers concise and impactful.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. You might be asked how you would handle a tricky situation, such as resolving a conflict between team members or managing a crisis during a major event. Think through these scenarios and practice how you’d articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Demonstrate Enthusiasm for Team Collaboration
In the sports and recreation management field, teamwork is essential. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you work within a team and foster a collaborative environment. Share success stories where teamwork led to a positive outcome, emphasising how you built relationships and encouraged participation among team members to achieve a common goal.
