Forestry worker

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• volunteering
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

College

You could take a course at an agricultural college to learn some of the skills needed in this job.

Courses include:

• arboriculture
• countryside management
• countryside and environment
• T Level in Agriculture, Land Management and Production.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

Apprenticeship

You could get into this job by doing a Forest Craftsperson Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

With experience, you could move on to complete a Professional Forester Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

Volunteering

You may find it useful when looking for jobs to have some relevant practical experience. You can find volunteering opportunities with organisations like:

• Trees for Cities
• The Tree Council
• Forestry England

DirectApplication

You could apply directly to become a forestry worker.

You'll usually need certain licences, for instance, a licence for chainsaw operations or for driving agricultural machinery.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• the ability to use your initiative
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of geography
• the ability to work well with others
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• knowledge of maths
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to work well with your hands
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to read English
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
• active listening skills
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
• concentration skills

What you'll do:

Forestry workers plant, manage and harvest trees and care for the environment in forests and woodland.

As a forest worker, you could:

• clear undergrowth like shrubs and plants so you can plant tree seedlings
• cut down trees and branches and get timber ready to be removed
• put up fences, gates and public information notices
• clear footpaths and nature trails
• maintain equipment, drainage systems and car parks
• protect the forest from pests and diseases and prevent forest fires

Green job

As a forestry worker you'll look after forests and woodlands. This can have a positive impact on the environment.

Find out more about green careers

Location : You could work in woodland.
Environment : Your working environment may be physically demanding and outdoors in all weathers.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £19,000
Experienced : £30,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

42 - 44 hours a week

Working Pattern is between 8am and 6pm

Career Path:

With experience you could:

• become a forest works supervisor, woodland manager or arboricultural officer
• work as forest ranger with wardens or conservation officers to look after wildlife
• educate community groups on the importance of forest and wildlife conservation to sustainability