Forest Worker
What is the work like?
As a forest worker, you would help to develop, maintain and protect forests. Your duties would typically include:
- planting, pruning, thinning and felling trees
- removing weeds, clearing leaves and preparing ground for tree planting
- spraying to control weeds and insects
- cutting coppice (small bushes and trees)
- stripping branches and sawing timber
- putting up fences, digging drainage ditches and clearing trails
- building roads.
You could work as a self-employed contractor, which would mean doing the administrative tasks associated with running a business.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You do not need any particular qualifications to start as a forest worker, but you will have an advantage if you have relevant experience. A good way to get experience is to volunteer with organisations such as:
- the National Trust
- the Woodland Trust
- the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers.
To find out about opportunities for volunteering in your area, check Volunteering England, or look in Yellow Pages for local organisations that may need volunteers.
Agricultural colleges offer part- and full-time courses that you could attend before looking for work. Although they are not essential, you may find them useful to develop your knowledge. Relevant courses include:
- BTEC First Diploma in Countryside and Environment
- BTEC National Certificate/Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture (Forestry).
Please check with colleges for their entry requirements.
You may be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship scheme. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. To find out more about Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
What further training and development can I do?
If your job involves operating chainsaws or using pesticides, you will need certificates of competence from the National Proficiency Test Council (NPTC). Employers may organise and pay for these, or you can get details of providers from NPTC. If you have completed a relevant qualification before finding work the certificates may have been included.
Once you are employed at a basic level you may be able to do in-service training and college courses that will help you to progress to forest craftsperson (skilled worker), foreperson or manager.
To become a craftsperson, relevant qualifications include:
- NVQ Level 2 in Forestry
- BTEC First Diploma in Countryside and Environment.
To qualify as a foreperson you will usually need:
- BTEC National Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture (Forestry), or
- NVQ Level 3 in Treework.
To progress to management level you will usually need one of the following:
- BTEC HND in Forestry
- BSc or postgraduate degree in Forestry
- City & Guilds NVQ Level 4 in Forestry.
Where can I go for more information?
Stoneleigh Park
Nr Coventry
Warwickshire
CV8 2LG
Tel: 0845 707 8007
Stoneleigh
Warwickshire
CV8 2LG
Tel: 024 7685 7300
Tring
Hertfordshire
HP23 4AF
Tel: 01442 822028
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries can be around £12,000 a year.
- Experienced workers can earn from £14,500 to £17,000.
- Supervisors can earn around £20,000.
Employers may sometimes provide accommodation.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would usually work around 39 hours a week. This may include some late nights, early starts and weekends.
If you are self-employed your work would usually be seasonal, and may involve long days at peak times.
Your work would include walking long distances, lifting and climbing. For some tasks you would need to wear protective clothing, such as safety helmets and goggles.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- a high level of physical fitness
- an interest in working outdoors
- practical skills
- the ability to work alone and as part of a team
- awareness of health and safety
- good communication skills.
What opportunities are there?
You would usually work on a contract-by-contract basis, rather than in direct employment. Employers include the Forestry Commission, private forestry companies, contractors and organisations such as the National Trust, the Woodland Trust and county Wildlife Trusts.
With experience, you could be promoted to foreperson and then to supervisory or management levels, usually after studying for further qualifications.
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