Job Title: Estate Forester
Location: Halifax Estates, Based from Garrowby Sawyard, YO41 1QA
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Job type: Permanent, Full-time
About the Role:
We are seeking a motivated Estate Forester to join our small woodland management team of three. This is a hands-on, varied role suited to someone with formal forestry training who is comfortable working outdoors in all weather, both independently and as part of a tight-knit crew. You will play an active part in the day-to-day management of the Estate’s 1,400 acres of woodland, covering everything from planting and maintenance to timber extraction and firewood processing.
Key Responsibilities:
- Carry out forwarding operations, extracting timber from felling sites to roadside or processing areas
- Undertake tree planting programmes, including ground preparation, planting, and aftercare (weeding, beating up, protection from browsing)
- Perform general woodland maintenance, including ride and boundary clearance, drainage upkeep, fencing, and deer/rabbit protection measures
- Process felled timber to required specifications using a chainsaw, including cross-cutting, debranching, and stacking, in addition to operating the firewood processor as part of the Estates’ commercial firewood business
- Operate and carry out routine maintenance on chainsaws, forwarding equipment, and other forestry machinery
- Work safely and efficiently as part of a 3-person team, supporting colleagues across all aspects of the operational programme
- Maintain accurate records of work completed, timber volumes, and stock movements
- Adhere to all health and safety procedures and relevant forestry legislation (e.g. UKFS, felling licence conditions)
- Contribute to habitat and biodiversity management as part of wider estate conservation objectives
About you:
Essential Requirements
- Competent and experienced in operating tractors safely and effectively
- Strong understanding and appreciation of woodland maintenance practices and silvicultural systems
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and undertake physically demanding tasks
- A strong commitment to health and safety in a forestry environment
- A full, clean driving licence (tractor/trailer licence an advantage)
- Good teamwork and communication skills
Desirable Requirements:
- A valid chainsaw certificate of competence (e.g. CS30/31 felling and processing; CS38 maintenance) – units in cross-cutting and small tree felling required as a minimum
- A relevant forestry or arboriculture qualification (e.g. National Diploma/HND in Forestry, Forest Management, or similar)
- Additional tickets such as CS39 (winching), brushcutter, or first aid at work
- Experience operating a forwarder or similar extraction machinery
- Knowledge of pesticide/herbicide application (PA1/PA6 certification)
- Familiarity with deer management or wider estate conservation work
What We Offer:
- On-the-job training and opportunities for further qualifications
- Provision of accommodation can be discussed
- Working as part of a supportive, experienced small team in a beautiful rural setting
Candidates with the relevant experience of; Estate Forester, Experienced Forester, Woodland Maintenance, Woodland Manager, Forestry Operative, Forestry Manager, Tractor Driver, Farm Worker & Agricultural Worker may also be considered for this role.
