Forest Craftsperson

Role overview

Based in Santon Downham, East of England (IP27 0TJ), this position supports the Beat Forester in managing the land through a mix of practical forestry work, inspections, and on-the-ground problem solving. The role also plays an important part in promoting a strong health and safety culture, reflecting the principle of looking out for yourself and others while working.

What you will do

• Carry out restocking and beat-up planting across establishment sites.
• Use manual vegetation control methods such as brush-cutting, knapsack chemical application, and hand weeding to manage competing growth.
• Operate tractor-based machinery for vegetation control on forest rides and establishment areas.
• Maintain forest estate infrastructure, including gates and fences.
• Perform tree clearance and maintenance work, including chainsaw felling and both manual and mechanical pruning.
• Help ensure work programmes are delivered effectively and on schedule.
• Complete surveying tasks such as measuring, tariffing, and beat-up assessments.
• Collect operational data accurately, keep records current, and maintain the required standard of documentation.
• Work safely with tools and equipment, making sure sites and methods meet health and safety expectations.
• Coordinate with colleagues and stakeholders to plan and deliver efficient work that supports Forestry England’s objectives.
• Respond professionally to customers and represent the organisation positively in the marketplace.
• Complete risk assessments and follow high safety standards guided by FISA (Forest Industry Safety Accord).
• Carry out any other reasonable duties requested by the line manager.

What we are looking for

• Hands-on experience in forestry or countryside/environmental management.
• A broad understanding of forestry, arboriculture, conservation, outdoor recreation, and countryside-related issues.
• Confidence using a variety of hand tools and the ability to demonstrate safe and competent use.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Good awareness of health and safety systems used in practical countryside work, including risk assessments, FISA guidance, and lone-working procedures.
• Basic computer literacy and comfort using simple technology.
• A full UK driving licence is essential; if you can propose another means of doing the job, this may be considered.

Desirable background

• Training or qualifications in forestry or land management.
• NPTC and Lantra certifications related to forestry skills.
• Previous experience driving a tractor.
• Emergency First Aid at Work plus Forestry (F).
• GCSE grade C or above in Maths and English Language, or an equivalent qualification.

Selection and assessment

Applicants will be assessed using Success Profiles, with a focus on behaviours. During screening, you will be asked to provide a 200-word statement on relevant experience and career history, along with a personal statement of up to 500 words. Shortlisted candidates will also be assessed on experience, a technical skill, and strength-based questions at interview. The behaviours assessed at interview are Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pace, Working Together, and Making Effective Decisions.

Checks and requirements

Successful candidates must pass a criminal record check, complete the baseline personnel security standard check, and attend a medical. The role also requires compliance with Civil Service nationality rules, which are open to UK nationals, Irish nationals, eligible Commonwealth citizens, certain EU/Swiss/Norwegian/Icelandic/Liechtenstein nationals and family members with settled or pre-settled status or valid EUSS applications, some individuals with limited or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible for EUSS by 31 December 2020, and eligible Turkish nationals and certain family members.

AI and application guidance

Artificial intelligence may be used to help prepare an application, but all information submitted must be truthful, accurate, and based on your own experience. If plagiarism or misrepresentation is identified, applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may face disciplinary action.

Working for the Civil Service

Recruitment is based on merit through fair and open competition. The Civil Service supports diversity and equal opportunity, including a Disability Confident Scheme for applicants who meet the minimum criteria and a Redeployment Interview Scheme for civil servants at risk of redundancy. This vacancy is also part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative, and applications from people with an unspent conviction or those who have recently left prison are welcomed.

Benefits

• Annual salary of £26,959.
• Employer pension contribution of £7,810 towards the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
• Learning and development tailored to the role.
• Flexible working options.
• An inclusive culture that supports diversity.
• Employer pension contribution rate of 28.97%.

Additional information

The role is full time and based onsite in Santon Downham, England, United Kingdom. Candidates who need reasonable adjustments can contact fcrecruitmentteam@forestryengland.uk. Feedback is provided only to candidates who attend an interview or assessment. If the advert closes, it will no longer be available, so saving a copy for your records is recommended. Complaints about whether recruitment principles have been followed should first be raised with FCE by email at englandhr.services@forestryengland.uk; if needed, the Civil Service Commission may then be contacted.

Contact

• Job contact email: fcrecruitmentteam@forestryengland.uk
• Recruitment team email: fcrecruitmrntteam@forestryengland.uk