Estate Woods Person
Capesthorne Estate, Cheshire
Full-time | Permanent
Capesthorne is a privately owned 5,000-acre rural estate in Cheshire, incorporating approximately 500 acres of woodland. We are looking for an experienced, qualified and enthusiastic Estate Woods Person to join our team and play an important role in the ongoing management and maintenance of the Estate.
The successful candidate will be a practical, hardworking and self-motivated individual with a genuine interest in woodland management, tree work and working outdoors.
The Role
The role will involve a wide range of woodland, tree and wider estate management duties, including:
- Felling and processing medium and, preferably, large trees.
- Chainsaw operations, including dismantling and processing timber.
- Chainsaw maintenance
- Thinning operations as part of the Estate’s five-year woodland management plan.
- Producing approximately 200 tonnes of timber for woodchip each year for the Estate’s biomass boiler.
- Remedial works, particularly alongside the Estate’s extensive network of roads, tracks and footpaths. Following tree safety surveys being completed.
- Tree planting, woodland maintenance and habitat management.
- Carrying out aerial tree work and aerial rescue where appropriately qualified.
- Processing timber and preparing material for the Estate’s biomass operation.
- Maintaining woodland rides, paths and access routes.
- Fencing, strimming and general estate maintenance.
- Assisting with the preparation and operation of events at Capesthorne Hall.
- Working as part of the wider Estate team and assisting with other practical estate duties as required.
- Winter ditching work
About You
We are looking for someone who is:
- Qualified and experienced in chainsaw and tree-felling operations.
- Competent and confident in felling and processing medium-sized trees, with experience of larger trees preferred.
- Qualified and ticketed for aerial rescue, with additional arboricultural qualifications an advantage.
- Hardworking, reliable and self-motivated.
- Flexible and willing to turn their hand to a wide variety of estate work.
- Physically active and comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Safety-conscious, particularly when working around roads, footpaths, visitors and estate events.
- Able to work independently but also as part of a small, practical estate team.
- Enthusiastic about working on a diverse rural estate and taking pride in maintaining its woodland and wider landscape.
A full driving licence is essential. Additional qualifications, including further chainsaw, arboricultural, machinery or countryside management tickets, would be advantageous.
Working at Capesthorne
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working outdoors and wants a varied role within a well-established private estate.
With approximately 500 acres of woodland, a significant annual requirement for timber for our biomass boiler, an established woodland management plan and extensive public access across the Estate, the role offers the opportunity to become closely involved in the practical management of a substantial rural estate.
The successful candidate will also work alongside the wider Estate team in preparing for the numerous weddings, festivals and other events held at Capesthorne Hall. Consequently, the role is varied and will involve much more than woodland work alone.
Practical Assessment
As part of the recruitment process, shortlisted candidates will be invited to spend half a day working on the Estate. This will provide an opportunity for candidates to demonstrate their practical skills and for both parties to assess whether the role and working environment are a good fit.
What We Offer
- A varied and interesting role on a 5,000-acre private rural estate.
- The opportunity to work across approximately 500 acres of woodland.
- A varied workload covering forestry, arboriculture, conservation and wider estate management.
- The opportunity to develop skills and experience across different aspects of estate management.
- A friendly and practical working environment.
- Competitive salary, dependent upon experience and qualifications.
- Full-time position – Monday to Friday 8am to 4:30
To apply: Please send your CV and a brief covering letter outlining your experience, qualifications and why you would like to join the Capesthorne Estate team.
Application question(s):
- Do you have Lantra or NPTC qualification for felling and processing trees (up to 380mm diameter or equivalent)
- Do you have tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue certification?
- Do you have chainsaw use from rope and harness certification?
- Do you have your own form of transport?
- Do you have Lantra or NPTC qualification for Chainsaw Maintenance and Cross-Cutting?
Work Location: In person
