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- Tasks: Lead sustainable forestry operations and manage Wales' natural assets for future generations.
- Company: Join a passionate team dedicated to environmental resilience and woodland legacy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, permanent contract, and opportunities for personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Wales' landscapes while promoting biodiversity and community engagement.
- Qualifications: Experience in land management and knowledge of sustainable forestry practices required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with hands-on responsibilities and collaboration across diverse teams.
Location: Welshpool - Coed y Gororau
Grade/Salary range: 5: £37,594 - £41,428
Working pattern: Full time
Contract type: Permanent
Closing date: 19/02/2026
The role
Are you passionate about sustainable forestry and motivated by the opportunity to help shape the future of Wales woodlands? As a Forest Operations Officer, you will play a leading role in managing some of the nation’s most valued natural assets, ensuring they flourish for generations to come. In this dynamic and hands-on position, you will oversee a full spectrum of forestry operations across the Welsh Government Woodland Estate. From silviculture and harvesting to thinning, restocking, and long-term forest stewardship, you will be central to delivering high quality, sustainable outcomes. Your work will directly support our strategic management plans, ensuring compliance with legal, environmental, and certification standards while championing best practice in sustainable land management.
No two days will look the same. You will lead on contract management, and collaborate closely with a dedicated and knowledgeable team, developing operational plans, supporting senior officers and supervisors, and helping ensure the safe, efficient, and responsible delivery of all forestry activities. Your professional insight will be key to maintaining excellence in operational performance and promoting a strong culture of health, safety, and environmental responsibility. This is more than a forestry role. It is a meaningful opportunity to contribute to Wales’ environmental resilience, rural economy, and woodland legacy. If you are ready to lead with purpose and make a tangible impact on the landscapes we all cherish, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Interviews will be face to face 4th - 6th March 2026 (details of location will be shared in advance). Successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) check. Appointments are normally made within 4 to 8 weeks of the closing date.
About us
Our team plays a vital role in the sustainable management of the Welsh Government Woodland Estate, practising multifunctional forestry that delivers for both nature and people. We balance high quality timber production with a commitment to protecting biodiversity, improving ecosystem resilience, and enhancing public access to some of Wales’ most cherished landscapes. As a member of the Mid North East Forest Operations team, you will work closely with Technical Support colleagues, Senior Officers and the Team Leader to deliver well designed, well managed forest programmes across our area. Collaboration sits at the heart of everything we do, and you’ll regularly partner with teams across forest operations, land management, engineering and wildlife as part of the wider Mid Wales Operations network. Based in Welshpool, you’ll help manage a remarkably varied landscape stretching from Dyfnant Forest in the north, through the expansive Hafren Forest in the west, to the rolling woodlands of Radnor and Presteigne in the south. Your role will focus on specific forest blocks, combining thoughtful desk based planning with hands on site visits that connect you directly with the places we look after.
What you will do
- Support technical advice for specific sector or technical issues.
- Implementation of team work plans, and delivery of agreed actions to contribute to business planning.
- Participate in NRW technical or represent NRW on external forums as a technical representative.
- Interact with peers in NRW to promote consistent industry and specialist subject practices.
- Have responsibility for direct delivery of delegated programmes and agreed delegated budgetary control, including all relevant compliance and adhering to procurement process.
- Undertake health and safety duties and responsibilities appropriate to the post.
- Be committed to Natural Resources Wales Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy, together with an understanding of how it operates within the responsibilities of the post.
- Be committed to your own development through the effective use of your personal development plan (known as Sgwrs).
- Required to take part in incident response activities.
- Any other reasonable duties requested commensurate with the grade of this role.
Your qualifications, experience, knowledge and skills
In your application and interview you will be asked to demonstrate the following skills and experience using the STAR method.
- Experience of working across a wide range of land management disciplines.
- Knowledge of sustainable forest management, UKWAS and forest certification schemes.
- Experience of community liaison and public engagement activities.
- Knowledge and experience of designated sites, and all aspects of forest practice, including land liabilities, forest planning and forest operations.
Welsh Language level requirements
Essential: Level 1 able to pronounce Welsh and use basic phrases. Please note if you do not meet the A1 requirement i.e., ability to understand basic phrases and ability to pronounce Welsh names correctly, then NRW offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal requirements during the course of your employment with us.
Forest Operations Officer in Wales employer: Natural Resources Wales
Contact Detail:
Natural Resources Wales Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Forest Operations Officer in Wales
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research their values, projects, and recent news. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and even lead to referrals, which can be a game-changer in landing that Forest Operations Officer role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Use the STAR method to structure your answers, focusing on your experience in sustainable forestry and land management. Practice makes perfect, so consider mock interviews with friends or mentors.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission to manage Wales' woodlands sustainably.
We think you need these skills to ace Forest Operations Officer in Wales
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for sustainable forestry shine through. We want to see how motivated you are to help shape the future of Wales' woodlands and make a real impact!
Use the STAR Method: Make sure to demonstrate your skills and experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). This helps us understand how you've tackled challenges in the past and how you can contribute to our team.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant experiences that align with the Forest Operations Officer role. We love seeing how your background fits with what we do.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply through our website by clicking the 'Apply Now' button. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Natural Resources Wales
✨Know Your Forestry Stuff
Make sure you brush up on sustainable forestry practices and the specific operations mentioned in the job description. Familiarise yourself with UKWAS and forest certification schemes, as these will likely come up during your interview.
✨Use the STAR Method
When discussing your experience, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help you clearly demonstrate your skills and how they relate to the role of Forest Operations Officer.
✨Show Your Passion for Sustainability
Be prepared to talk about why you’re passionate about sustainable forestry and how you can contribute to Wales' environmental resilience. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment to protecting natural resources.
✨Engage with the Team Spirit
Since collaboration is key in this role, think of examples where you've successfully worked in a team. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to a positive team culture and support your colleagues in achieving operational goals.
