At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage diverse woodland sites and lead on conservation projects across the North East.
- Company: Join the Woodland Trust, the UK's leading woodland conservation charity.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Home-based role with occasional travel; we value diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in tackling climate issues while working outdoors.
- Qualifications: Experience in forestry or conservation management and strong project skills required.
The predicted salary is between 39373 - 39373 £ per year.
Location: Homebased
Job Category: Woodland Management
Salary: £39,373 Per Annum
Closing Date: Monday, 18 May 2026
The Woodland Trust is looking for a Site Manager - North East. This role will be responsible for Woodland Trust Sites in Durham and wider north‑east England. This includes Low Burnhall, a woodland creation site in the heart of Durham, Ragpath Wood, a Plantation Ancient Woodland Site in the Deerness valley, several woodlands around Washington and other Woodland Trust sites across north‑east England. A company vehicle will be provided for this role.
The Role
- Manage a diverse portfolio of high‑profile woodland sites in line with the UK Woodland Assurance Standard, including ancient woodland, designated sites, veteran trees and high‑biodiversity areas.
- Lead on specifying, tendering and managing contracts, ensuring high‑quality delivery through effective on‑site contractor monitoring.
- Carry out Woodland Condition Assessments and use findings to develop, write and implement long‑term management plans.
- Ensure site safety and compliance, including tree safety inspections, risk assessments and implementation of Woodland Trust health & safety policies.
- Plan, deliver and monitor a programme of woodland management work, collaborating with foresters, engagement teams, communications specialists and external partners.
- Build positive relationships with local communities, stakeholders and visitors, representing the Woodland Trust professionally and promoting understanding of our work.
- Support delivery of regional projects, fundraising, VIP visits and communications, providing compelling estate‑based information and helping secure funding.
- Coordinate and support volunteers and manage budgets, grants and resources to deliver effective woodland management across the region.
This is a home‑based position. Occasional travel to offices and remote locations will be required.
The Candidate
- You’ll have experience in forestry, conservation, land or woodland management, including sites of high conservation value.
- A background in strong project and contract management skills, including budgeting, tendering, monitoring and coordinating multiple workstreams.
- Knowledge of woodland ecology, legislative requirements, H&S procedures and safe working practices in varied and remote environments.
- Experience working with stakeholders such as government agencies, contractors, and deer managers to meet conservation and statutory objectives.
- Ability to manage tree safety inspections, tree pests, diseases, and invasive species.
- Leadership or people‑management experience.
- Understanding of Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) certification or willingness to develop this knowledge.
- Possess a HND/Degree in forestry, land management or related field (or equivalent experience) and a full driving licence with ability to travel.
Benefits and Wellbeing
Joining our team means you’ll be a big part of tackling environmental and climate issues. We take good care of our staff, offering support and training opportunities. We also offer:
- Enhanced Employer Pension
- Life Assurance
- Flexible & Hybrid Working Options
- Generous Annual Leave - 25 Days Plus Bank Holidays (pro rata’d for part‑time)
- Buy and Sell Holiday Scheme
- Enhanced Parental Pay
- Employee Assistance Programme
About Us
The Woodland Trust is the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity. We want to see a world where trees and woods thrive for people and nature. The Trust engages and inspires people to make their difference tackling the nature and climate crisis helping protect, restore and create our vital woods and trees.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
To achieve our vision of a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature, we need to better reflect society and the communities we work in. All people, no matter their background, identity, ability, or circumstance, should benefit from trees. People of colour and disabled people are currently under‑represented across the environment and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we particularly encourage you to apply. Please contact us to discuss any additional support or adjustments you may need to complete your application.
Site Manager - North East employer: WOODLAND TRUST
Contact Detail:
WOODLAND TRUST Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Site Manager - North East
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the forestry and conservation sectors, especially those connected to the Woodland Trust. Attend local events or online webinars to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your past projects in woodland management or conservation. This can really help you stand out during interviews and give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get ready for interviews by rehearsing answers to common questions related to site management and conservation. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Woodland Trust team and making a difference in woodland conservation.
We think you need these skills to ace Site Manager - North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Site Manager role. Highlight your experience in woodland management and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for forestry and conservation shine through in your application. Share any personal experiences or projects that demonstrate your commitment to woodland management and environmental issues. We love to see candidates who are genuinely passionate about our mission!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures we receive all your details correctly and helps us keep track of your application. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at WOODLAND TRUST
✨Know Your Woodlands
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of woodland management and conservation. Familiarise yourself with the Woodland Trust's sites in the North East, like Low Burnhall and Ragpath Wood. Being able to discuss these locations and their unique challenges will show your genuine interest and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your project and contract management experience. Think about times when you successfully managed budgets, coordinated multiple workstreams, or led teams. Be ready to discuss how you ensured high-quality delivery and compliance with health and safety standards.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since building relationships is key in this role, come prepared with examples of how you've effectively engaged with stakeholders in the past. Whether it’s government agencies or local communities, showing your ability to communicate and collaborate will set you apart.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Conservation
The Woodland Trust is all about making a difference in environmental issues. Share your personal connection to conservation and any relevant experiences that showcase your commitment. This could be volunteer work, projects you've led, or even your educational background in forestry or land management.