The Forestry Supervisor role is focused on supporting the Estate Manager, Forestry Consultant and wider forestry team in delivering the long-term forest management plan. It is a hands-on position combining operational oversight with strategic input, particularly in managing traditional woodland activities such as planting, harvesting and estate husbandry. A key aspect of the role is ensuring safe, compliant and efficient delivery of forestry operations, while also contributing to grant delivery (including WD2 and Higher Tier schemes) and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and standards.
Operationally, the Forestry Supervisor is responsible for planning and scheduling works, maintaining timber supply for the firewood business, and ensuring all health and safety checks are completed and documented. The role also includes supporting wildlife management, contributing to budget setting and KPIs, and assisting with wider estate objectives such as heritage management. Close collaboration with internal teams, particularly firewood and conservation functions, is essential to maximise commercial opportunities and ensure integrated land management.
A significant component of the position is contractor management. This involves tendering, reviewing quotes, booking and overseeing works, and ensuring quality and progress align with instructions from the Forestry Consultant. The Forestry Supervisor is also responsible for delivering contractor inductions, enforcing health and safety compliance, and maintaining high standards across all site activities. Alongside this, the role includes stakeholder engagement, acting as a point of contact for local communities, delivering educational outreach, and maintaining relationships with organisations such as the Forestry Commission and Natural England.
The ideal candidate will have strong technical forestry knowledge, practical experience in woodland management, and a solid understanding of UK forestry legislation, environmental best practice and contractor supervision. They should also possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, commercial awareness and the ability to manage competing priorities. Desirable attributes include specialist certifications (e.g. chainsaw, tree inspection), ecological knowledge and experience in sensitive landscapes. Overall, the role requires a proactive, safety-conscious individual committed to high-quality woodland management and continuous professional development.