Forester (Machinery Operator)

The Crown Estate; Windsor; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading land management organization located in Windsor Great Park seeks a Forester (Machinery Operator) to manage and enhance forest activities. Key responsibilities include operating specialist machinery for forest maintenance, timber harvesting, and supporting conservation efforts. The ideal candidate has extensive experience with heavy machinery and a passion for forestry. This role promises a competitive salary, pension, and various benefits promoting work-life balance and wellbeing.

Benefits

Competitive salary

28 days holiday with the option to buy more

Private healthcare

Life and critical illness cover

Qualifications

• At least 3 years’ experience in operating heavy machinery.
• Strong understanding of health and safety practices.
• Demonstrable knowledge of engines and hydraulics.

Responsibilities

• Operate specialist forestry machinery to maintain forest management standards.
• Carry out timber harvesting and conservation activities.
• Support the growing and selling of Christmas trees.

Skills

Operating heavy plant machinery

Land-based health and safety practices

Engine and machinery knowledge

Effective communication

Team-oriented and adaptable

Problem-solving skills

Physical fitness

First Aid qualification

Practical skills in machinery operation

Tools

Forestry machinery

Tractor

Telehandler

Chainsaw

Job description

Advert Close date : 31st December 2025

Forester (Machinery Operator) at The Crown Estate, Windsor Great Park.

Purpose of Role

Join The Crown Estate’s Forestry team at Windsor Great Park and play a vital part in delivering a wide range of forest management and maintenance activities. As a Forester (Machinery Operator), you’ll use specialist forestry machinery and equipment to help care for and enhance one of the UK’s most iconic landscapes. This is a multi-skilled role, offering variety and the chance to make a real impact on the environment and the community.

Context of Opportunity / Main Accountabilities

• Operate specialist forestry machinery to maintain high standards of forest management.
• Carry out activities such as timber harvesting, windblow clear-up, mulching, conservation management, access maintenance, site clearance, hedge cutting, mowing, and timber movement.
• Support the growing, harvesting, sales, and delivery of Christmas trees.
• Respond to and help manage unforeseen events in the forest, including storms and wildfires.
• Work collaboratively with the team to deliver wider Estate objectives.
• Ensure all work is carried out safely, following risk assessments, safe systems of work, and relevant health and safety legislation.
• Maintain and secure plant machinery, including timber trailers, cranes, winches, telehandlers, and forestry mowers.

Most Important Skills-Based Requirements

• At least 3 years’ experience operating heavy plant machinery in forestry or similar environments.
• Strong understanding of land-based health and safety practices.
• Demonstrable knowledge of engines, machinery, and hydraulics.
• Effective communicator—confident, friendly, and approachable, able to engage with a wide variety of people.
• Team-oriented, adaptable, and able to work independently when needed.
• Highly organised, with strong attention to detail and effective problem-solving skills.
• Physically fit and comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Emergency First Aid plus F qualification.
• Full, clean manual driving licence.
• Practical skills in tractor driving, telehandler operation, FMO base unit / skidder / trailer / mulcher, pesticide application (PA1 and 6), pole saw, strimmer / clearing saw, side arm flail, excavator-based operations, and chainsaw cross-cutting and maintenance (including felling up to 380cm).

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities. The Crown Estate is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. If you’re passionate about forestry and want to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

Our Offering / benefits :

As well as a competitive salary, pension and performance relatedbonus offering, we have a wealth of benefits available ranging from market leading family policies and shopping discounts in the West End,to private healthcare; life andcritical illness cover and 28 days holiday with the option to buy more. We value work life balance and your wellbeing highly,enabling you to be your best self to work.

Disability Disclaimer :

We are a proud disability confident employer and operate the offer of interview scheme Disability Confident employer scheme - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) .

We are happy to offer alternative application methods or formats and can be flexible on our process to enable you to have the best opportunity.

If you have any questions about our recruitment process or would like to talk about adjustments, please contact us on [e-mail]