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Forestry worker

Alternative titles for this job include Forest craftsperson

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

Average salary (a year)

£15,000 Starter

to

£27,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

42 to 44 a week

You could work

between 8am and 6pm

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a forestry worker

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • volunteering

College

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

You could do a Level 2 Certificate in Land-based Technology or a T Level in Agriculture, Land Management and Production.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
  • 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 get into this job through a level 3 forest craftsperson apprenticeship. 

With experience, you could then do a professional forester level 6 apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

Volunteering

Volunteering for a woodland or wildlife charity is a good way to get some experience. 

You can find volunteering opportunities with:

More Information

Further information

You can find out more about careers in forestry from the Royal Forestry Society and Forestry England. 

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 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
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

What you’ll do

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

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In this role 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

Working environment

You could work in woodland.

Your working environment may be physically demanding 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:

  • progress to forest works supervisor
  • become a professional forester
  • become a forest ranger, working with wardens or conservation officers to look after wildlife

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a forestry worker right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Arboriculture & Forestry

  • Provider: SUFFOLK NEW COLLEGE
  • Start date: 12 September 2023
  • Location: Ipswich

Forestry & Arboriculture Level 3 Diploma

  • Provider: CHICHESTER COLLEGE GROUP
  • Start date: 19 September 2023
  • Location: Pulborough
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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