At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead woodland creation and management, ensuring best practices and health and safety compliance.
- Company: Join the Heart of England Forest, creating a vast woodland for future generations.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and the chance to make a real environmental impact.
- Why this job: Be part of an ambitious mission to grow England’s largest new native forest.
- Qualifications: Degree in Forestry Management or related field, with practical forestry experience.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and environmental stewardship.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 45000 £ per year.
Location: Colletts Farm Office, Dorsington and other forest sites.
Salary: £40,000 - £45,000 per year.
Employment Type: Full-time (37.5 hours).
Join us in growing England’s largest new native forest! The Heart of England Forest is on an ambitious mission to create and conserve a vast woodland for generations to come. We’re looking for a passionate and experienced Forest Operations Technical Lead to help us deliver this vision.
About the Role
As our Forest Operations Technical Lead, you’ll be at the heart of our woodland creation and management efforts. Reporting to our Director of Forest Operations, you’ll oversee operational programmes, ensure best-practice forestry standards, and lead on health and safety compliance. From managing contractors and supporting our forestry teams to guiding our tree nursery operations, this is a role where your expertise will make a lasting impact.
What You’ll Do
- Plan and oversee delivery of woodland creation, management, wildlife enhancement, and tree nursery programmes.
- Manage contractors from tendering to completion, ensuring quality, cost, and safety standards.
- Provide technical input for woodland planning and use GIS for mapping and surveys.
- Lead the Tree Nursery team, ensuring compliance and efficient stock distribution.
- Champion health and safety across all operations, aligning with FISA guidance.
What We’re Looking For
- Degree or diploma in Forestry Management, Woodland Ecology, or a related subject (or equivalent).
- Proven experience in practical forestry and woodland creation.
- Strong knowledge of UK Forestry Standard and native woodland management.
- Contract and health & safety management experience.
- GIS competence and professional membership of ICF (or willingness to achieve).
Desirable
- Experience in tree nursery operations.
Closing date: Saturday 31st January 2026
Forest Operations Technical Lead employer: Heart of England Forest
Contact Detail:
Heart of England Forest Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Forest Operations Technical Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the forestry sector, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of UK Forestry Standards and health & safety regulations. We want you to showcase your expertise and passion for woodland management when you get that chance to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to highlight your GIS skills! If you’ve got experience with mapping and surveys, make sure to bring it up during conversations. We love seeing candidates who can leverage technology in forestry.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals ready to join us in creating England’s largest new native forest!
We think you need these skills to ace Forest Operations Technical Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for forestry and woodland management shine through. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about contributing to the Heart of England Forest's mission!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in forestry and woodland creation. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills and knowledge, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your qualifications and experiences are easy to understand. This helps us see how you fit into our team!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Heart of England Forest
✨Know Your Forestry Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK Forestry Standards and woodland management practices. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your expertise in practical forestry and woodland creation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Forest Operations Technical Lead, you'll be managing teams and contractors. Prepare to share instances where you've successfully led projects or teams, focusing on how you ensured quality and safety standards were met.
✨Get Familiar with GIS
Since GIS competence is key for this role, make sure you can talk about your experience with mapping and surveys. Bring examples of how you've used GIS in past projects to enhance woodland planning or management.
✨Health and Safety First
Health and safety compliance is crucial in forestry operations. Be prepared to discuss your approach to health and safety management, including any relevant training or certifications you have, and how you've implemented FISA guidance in previous roles.