Forest Operations Technical Lead

Heart of England Forest; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent conservation organization in the United Kingdom seeks to hire a Forest Operations Technical Lead. In this role, you will manage woodland creation, oversee operations, and ensure the highest forestry standards. The ideal candidate possesses a degree in Forestry Management and significant practical experience in forestry. You will work closely with teams to support health and safety measures while leading projects that enhance biodiversity and ecological contributions.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in practical forestry and woodland creation.
• Strong knowledge of native woodland management.
• Contract and health & safety management experience.

Responsibilities

• Plan and oversee woodland creation and management.
• Manage contractors ensuring quality and safety standards.
• Provide technical input for woodland planning using GIS.

Skills

Practical forestry experience

Knowledge of UK Forestry Standard

Contract management

Health and safety management

GIS competence

Education

Degree or diploma in Forestry Management or Woodland Ecology

Job description

Location: Colletts Farm Office, Dorsington and other forest sites. Salary: £40,000 - £45,000 per year. Employment Type: Full-time (37.5 hours).

Join us in growing England’s largest new native forest! The Heart of England Forest is on an ambitious mission to create and conserve a vast woodland for generations to come. We’re looking for a passionate and experienced Forest Operations Technical Lead to help us deliver this vision.

About the Role

As our Forest Operations Technical Lead, you’ll be at the heart of our woodland creation and management efforts. Reporting to our Director of Forest Operations, you’ll oversee operational programmes, ensure best-practice forestry standards, and lead on health and safety compliance. From managing contractors and supporting our forestry teams to guiding our tree nursery operations, this is a role where your expertise will make a lasting impact.

What You’ll Do

• Plan and oversee delivery of woodland creation, management, wildlife enhancement, and tree nursery programmes.
• Manage contractors from tendering to completion, ensuring quality, cost, and safety standards.
• Provide technical input for woodland planning and use GIS for mapping and surveys.
• Lead the Tree Nursery team, ensuring compliance and efficient stock distribution.
• Champion health and safety across all operations, aligning with FISA guidance.

What We’re Looking For

• Degree or diploma in Forestry Management, Woodland Ecology, or a related subject. (or equivalent)
• Proven experience in practical forestry and woodland creation.
• Strong knowledge of UK Forestry Standard and native woodland management.
• Contract and health & safety management experience.
• GIS competence and professional membership of ICF (or willingness to achieve).

Desirable

• Experience in tree nursery operations.

Closing date: Saturday 31st January 2026