Forester (Machinery Operator) Forester (Machinery Operator)

The Crown Estate; Windsor; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A national estate management organization is seeking a skilled Forester (Machinery Operator) at Windsor Great Park. The role involves operating specialist forestry machinery, conducting various management tasks, and supporting community impact initiatives. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in machinery operation and a strong commitment to health and safety practices. The position also offers competitive benefits including flexible working and generous holiday options.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Pension and performance-related bonus

Private healthcare

28 days holiday plus options to buy more

Flexible and hybrid working policies

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years experience operating heavy machinery in forestry.
• Strong land-based health and safety knowledge.
• Knowledgeable about engines, machinery, and hydraulics.
• Physically fit for outdoor work in varying weather.

Responsibilities

• Operate forestry machinery for forest management.
• Conduct timber harvesting and site maintenance activities.
• Assist in the management of adverse forest events.
• Collaborate with team on Estate objectives.

Skills

Operating heavy plant machinery

Land-based health and safety practices

Effective communication

Teamwork and adaptability

Attention to detail

Problem-solving skills

Education

Emergency First Aid plus F qualification

Full, clean manual driving licence

Tools

Forestry machinery

Telehandler

Chainsaw

Excavator

Job description

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.,

Responsibilities

• 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.

Qualifications

• 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, 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 & PA6), pole saw, strimmer/clearing saw, side-arm flail, excavator-based operations, and chainsaw cross-cutting and maintenance (including felling up to 380cm).

Benefits

• As well as a competitive salary, pension and performance-related bonus 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 and critical 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.
• 28 days paid holiday, 2 volunteering days and the option to purchase further holiday.
• Flexible and hybrid working policies.
• Market leading family friendly policies.