Forester

Cowdray; Midhurst; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

23 Days holiday plus bank holidays

Salary £27,000

Job summary

Cowdray Estate in Midhurst, West Sussex, is seeking a Forester to deliver forestry operations across more than 2,000 hectares of woodland. You will harvest timber, apply pesticides, establish plantations, and manage habitats while operating forestry machinery.

The role requires safety awareness, the ability to work independently or in a team, and a full driving licence. The estate offers training, a pension, and holiday entitlement; closing date 30 September 2026.

Qualifications

• Experience working in forestry.
• Good understanding of practical forestry operations.
• Full, valid driving licence.
• Chainsaw: crosscutting & maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Delivery of forestry operations including timber harvesting and pesticide applications.
• Establishing and maintaining young plantations.
• Conservation and habitat management projects.
• Operating forestry vehicles, machinery, and equipment.

Skills

Forestry experience

Practical forestry

Driving licence

Chainsaw use

Job description

Cowdray Estate

Location: Midhurst, West Sussex.

Contract: Full-time

Cowdray Estate is seeking a skilled and motivated Forester to join our dedicated Forestry team. You’ll play a key role in delivering a wide range of forest management and maintenance activities across more than 2,000 hectares of beautifully managed woodland.

About The Role

As a Forester, you’ll be involved in the day‑to‑day delivery of high‑quality forestry operations, including:

• Timber harvesting
• Pesticide applications
• Establishing and maintaining young plantations
• Conservation and habitat management projects
• Operating forestry vehicles, machinery, and equipment

You’ll need to be adaptable, safety‑conscious, and comfortable working both independently and as part of a team — in all weather conditions.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Experience working in forestry
• Possess a good understanding of practical forestry operations
• Full, valid driving licence
• Chainsaw: crosscutting & maintenance

Desirable (Not Essential)

• PA1 & PA6 pesticide application
• Small tree felling (up to 380mm)
• Safe use of a manually fed chipper
• First Aid +F
• Brushcutter / clearing saw operations

  Why Join Cowdray

  You’ll be part of a respected estate with a longstanding commitment to sustainable woodland management, conservation, and environmental stewardship. This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a varied, rewarding outdoor role within a supportive team. We offer excellent training opportunities to develop core skills and qualifications to grow within this role.

  Benefits

  • Pension scheme
  • 23 Days holiday plus bank holidays
  • Salary £27,000

  Closing date 30/09/26