Job Overview
With a major emphasis on trees and woodlands, this is a key role for this 5,000ac+ rural Estate on the edge of Exmoor.
Key Responsibilities
Woodland & Tree Work
- Fell, section, and clear fallen, storm-damaged, or hazardous trees across the Estate
- Carry out routine tree safety inspections and report/act on high-risk trees
- Manage woodland compartments in line with an Estate forestry/woodland management plan
- Coppicing, thinning, and replanting as required for long-term woodland health
Firewood Operation
- Process felled timber into firewood (cross-cutting, splitting, stacking, seasoning)
- Manage log store/seasoning yard and stock levels through the year
- Grade and prepare firewood for sale (loose, bagged, bulk loads) to the required moisture content
- Handle customer orders, deliveries, and basic sales record-keeping
- Ensure firewood sales comply with Ready to Burn / Woodsure standards where applicable
- Monitor and report on the profitability and stock cycle of the firewood enterprise
General Estate & Countryside Management
- Maintain footpaths, tracks, fencing, gates, and drainage across the Estate
- Manage vegetation, hedgerows, and boundaries
- Monitor wildlife and habitats; support conservation objectives alongside commercial land use
- Liaise with the Farm Agent, contractors, and neighbouring landowners
- Manage visitor or tenant access where relevant (shoots, holiday lets, public rights of way)
- Operate and maintain machinery: chainsaws, log splitters, tractors, trailers, ATVs/UTVs
- Ensure all work meets health & safety requirements, particularly for chainsaw and tree work
Apprentice Management
- Recruit and select the Estate's apprentice, including drafting the role/apprenticeship description, shortlisting, and interviewing
- Plan and deliver on-the-job training across all areas of the role: chainsaw and tree work, firewood processing, machinery operation, countryside/estate maintenance
- Support the apprentice's progress toward relevant qualifications (e.g. Level 2 Forestry/Countryside Management apprenticeship standards, NPTC chainsaw tickets)
- Liaise with the apprenticeship training provider/college on progress reviews, off-the-job training requirements, and assessments
- Set and monitor day-to-day tasks, ensuring safe systems of work are followed, especially around chainsaw use and machinery
- Provide regular feedback and conduct informal/formal progress reviews
- Act as the apprentice's day-to-day supervisor and first point of contact for welfare, conduct, and development matters
Person Specification
Essential
- Proven chainsaw experience with valid certification (CS30/CS31 felling small trees; CS38 for larger/complex felling highly desirable)
- Experience operating log splitters and firewood processing equipment
- Full UK driving licence; trailer towing experience useful
- Practical, hands-on approach to estate maintenance and general land-based work
- Candidates must be able to safely perform the essential physical requirements of the role, with reasonable adjustments considered where applicable
- Candidates must be comfortable working outdoors in all weather
- Basic understanding of timber, seasoning, and firewood quality standards
- Experience supervising, mentoring, or training others (formal management experience not necessarily required)
- Willingness and ability to model safe, correct working practices at all times
- Patience and clear communication skills suited to on-the-job teaching
Desirable
- NPTC/LANTRA chainsaw tickets beyond basic felling (e.g. CS39, aerial/rigging)
- Experience running or supporting a small rural business or farm shop-style sales operation
- Knowledge of Woodsure/Ready to Burn certification requirements
- Countryside/land management qualification (BTEC, degree, or land-based NVQ)
- First aid certificate (relevant to lone working and chainsaw use)
- Local knowledge of South West woodland and estate management practices
- A recognised training/mentoring qualification (e.g. Level 3 Award in Education and Training, NPTC assessor status)
- Previous experience recruiting or line-managing junior staff
- Familiarity with apprenticeship standards and funding routes (e.g. via the Apprenticeship Levy or ESFA)
Working Conditions
- Primarily outdoor, physically demanding work in all weather conditions
- Likely to involve lone working — first aid and safe lone-working procedures important
- Some flexibility needed around storm response (fallen trees don't wait for office hours) and seasonal firewood demand (busiest autumn/winter)
- Estate vehicle provided for work purposes (accommodation not provided)
Reporting Line
Reports to: Farm Agent
Line manages: One apprentice
Pay: £30,000.00-£32,500.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company car
- Company events
Work Location: In person
