Capesthorne Estate, Macclesfield
Capesthorne Estate is seeking an experienced, qualified and highly motivated Forestry & Arboriculture Operative to join our estate team. This is a varied, hands-on role offering the opportunity to work across the Estate’s woodlands, parkland and infrastructure, supporting both woodland management and wider estate operations.
We are looking for an individual with a positive, can-do attitude who takes pride in their work, is adaptable to changing priorities and is willing to get stuck in wherever needed. No two days are the same, and the successful candidate will be expected to respond flexibly to seasonal demands, estate projects and events as they arise.
Working closely with the Estate Owner and Estate Manager and Woodland Advisor, you will play a key role in the sustainable management of the Estate’s woodlands, the production of biomass woodchip for the Estate heating system, timber production, arboriculture operations and the ongoing development of a young trainee.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in the management and maintenance of the Estate’s woodlands, ensuring high standards of woodland stewardship.
- Produce and process biomass woodchip to supply the Estate’s biomass heating system.
- Undertake selective felling, thinning, coppicing and woodland improvement works.
- Manage hazardous roadside and estate trees, carrying out inspections and remedial works where required.
- Carry out aerial tree work, including climbing operations and chainsaw use from a harness.
- Produce timber and wood products for Estate projects, events and operational requirements.
- Maintain woodland tracks, rides, drainage systems, ditches and access routes.
- Operate, maintain and undertake basic servicing of chainsaws, chippers, forestry machinery and associated equipment.
- Assist with tree planting, woodland regeneration and biodiversity enhancement projects.
- Monitor and control invasive species to protect native habitats and woodland health.
- Work closely with other Estate departments to support events, projects and wider Estate activities.
- Ensure all work is carried out safely and in accordance with current industry best practice, health and safety legislation and Estate procedures.
- Mentor, support and help develop a young trainee, sharing skills, knowledge and good working practices.
About You
The successful candidate will be:
- An experienced forestry or arboricultural professional with a strong practical skillset.
- A qualified and competent tree climber with experience of aerial tree work.
- Self-motivated, reliable and capable of working independently as well as part of a team.
- Flexible and adaptable, with a willingness to undertake a variety of tasks as Estate priorities change.
- A positive problem-solver with a proactive, can-do approach.
- Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions and physically capable of undertaking demanding manual work.
- Passionate about sustainable woodland management and arboriculture.
- Confident supervising, mentoring and developing less experienced colleagues.
Essential Qualifications & Experience
- Proven experience in forestry, arboriculture or a similar role.
- Lantra or NPTC Chainsaw Maintenance and Cross-Cutting.
- Lantra or NPTC Felling and Processing Trees (up to 380mm diameter or equivalent).
- Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue certification.
- Chainsaw Use from Rope and Harness certification.
- Strong understanding of woodland management, tree biology and sustainable forestry practices.
- Good knowledge of forestry and arboricultural health and safety requirements.
- Full UK driving licence.
Desirable
- Experience operating woodchippers, tractors, winches or other forestry machinery.
- First Aid at Work + Forestry qualification.
- Experience in biomass fuel production.
- Knowledge of habitat management and conservation practices.
- Towing licence and machinery operation certificates.
This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic and capable forestry professional looking for a long-term role within a diverse and historic rural estate. The position offers a wide variety of work, responsibility and the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the ongoing management and development of the Estate’s woodlands and landscapes.
Job Type: Part-time
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
