Forest Operations Technical Lead - Heart of England Forest

Scotlink; Dorsington CP; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental organization in the UK is seeking a Forest Operations Technical Lead to oversee woodland creation and management. You will manage contractors, ensure best-practice forestry standards, and lead health and safety compliance efforts. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Forestry Management or Woodland Ecology, proven forestry experience, and GIS competence. This is a full-time role with a salary range of £40,000 - £45,000 per year, located in Dorsington.

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in Forestry Management or Woodland Ecology required.
• Proven experience in practical forestry and woodland creation essential.
• Strong knowledge of UK Forestry Standard expected.
• Experience in contract and health & safety management needed.
• GIS competence is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Plan and oversee woodland creation and management.
• Manage contractors ensuring quality and safety standards.
• Provide technical input for woodland planning and mapping.
• Lead Tree Nursery team for compliance and distribution.
• Champion health and safety across operations.

Skills

Practical forestry and woodland creation

Knowledge of UK Forestry Standard

Health and safety management

GIS competence

Education

Degree or diploma in Forestry Management or Woodland Ecology

Job description

Location: Colletts Farm Office, Dorsington and other forest sites
Salary: £40,000 - £45,000 per year
Employment Type: Full-time (37.5 hours)

Join us in growing England’s largest new native forest!
The Heart of England Forest is on an ambitious mission to create and conserve a vast woodland for generations to come. We’re looking for a passionate and experienced Forest Operations Technical Lead to help us deliver this vision.

About the Role

As our Forest Operations Technical Lead, you’ll be at the heart of our woodland creation and management efforts. Reporting to our Director of Forest Operations, you’ll oversee operational programmes, ensure best-practice forestry standards, and lead on health and safety compliance. From managing contractors and supporting our forestry teams to guiding our tree nursery operations, this is a role where your expertise will make a lasting impact.

What You’ll Do

• Plan and oversee delivery of woodland creation, management, wildlife enhancement, and tree nursery programmes.
• Manage contractors from tendering to completion, ensuring quality, cost, and safety standards.
• Provide technical input for woodland planning and use GIS for mapping and surveys.
• Lead the Tree Nursery team, ensuring compliance and efficient stock distribution.
• Champion health and safety across all operations, aligning with FISA guidance.

What We’re Looking For

• Degree or diploma in Forestry Management, Woodland Ecology, or a related subject. (or equivalent)
• Proven experience in practical forestry and woodland creation.
• Strong knowledge of UK Forestry Standard and native woodland management.
• Contract and health & safety management experience.
• GIS competence and professional membership of ICF (or willingness to achieve).

Desirable

• Experience in tree nursery operations.

Click here to apply

Closing date: Saturday 31st January 2026