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Forest works manager

Alternative titles for this job include Forest works supervisor, forestry site manager, forestry contracts manager

Forest works managers make sure tasks like tree planting, harvesting and habitat management are done safely and follow environmental good practice.

Average salary (a year)

£30,000 Starter

to

£52,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 44

You could work

between 7am and 6pm

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

You could study for a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:

  • forestry
  • arboriculture
  • countryside management
  • forest management
  • woodland ecology and conservation

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

College

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

Courses include:

  • forestry
  • forestry and arboriculture
  • T Level in Tree and Woodland Management and Maintenance

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

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

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Forestry Works Manager Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship.

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

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You could work as a forestry craftsperson or forest works supervisor and move into works management through on-the-job training and promotion.

Volunteering

You may find it useful when looking for jobs to get some relevant practical experience. A free virtual work experience programme is available for students to explore the range of careers in forestry.

You can also find volunteering opportunities with organisations like:

More Information

Career tips

You may find yourself working in community forests close to towns and cities, or more remotely in the National Forests, commercial plantations and National Parks.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Institute of Chartered Foresters or Society for the Environment for professional development opportunities, industry news and to make contacts in the profession.

Further information

You can find more information about forestry careers from Lantra and the Royal Forestry Society's Careers Advice Service.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
  • knowledge of geography
  • maths knowledge
  • the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

All work must be carried out in line with the UK Forestry Standard.

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a forest works manager, you could:

  • plan safe and sustainable forest operations, with the forestry management team
  • supervise a team of forestry workers
  • organise the planting, growing, harvesting, marketing and sale of timber
  • survey and mark out work areas for contractors to begin restocking
  • monitor and record work progress
  • act as a key point of contact for forestry teams and contractors
  • make sure forest operations are carried out to professional health and safety standards
  • keep accurate records of site visits and audits

We've identified this as a green job

As a forest works manager, you'll look after forests and woodlands. This can have a positive impact on the environment.

Find out more about green careers

Working environment

You could work in an office, in woodland or on a land reclamation site.

Your working environment may be physically active and outdoors in all weathers.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience you could move into related roles, such as:

You could also work in forestry research, investigating the impact of a changing climate, mapping tree health and developing more resilient woodland species.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Level 6 Woodland Officer Apprentice

  • Wage: £21,000 a year Annually
  • Location: Thirlmere, Keswick

Development Woodland Officer - Degree Apprenticeship - South West Area Team

  • Wage: £26,959 a year Annually
  • Location: Bullers Hill, Kennford, Exeter
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Are you interested in becoming a forest works manager?

Search for training courses near you.

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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