Forestry Technician

Plumpton College; Lewes; On-site; GBP 17,857 - 29,762; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 26 days

LGPS pension

CPD opportunities

Free eye tests

Onsite gym

Cycle-to-work

Employee assistance programme

Job summary

Plumpton College, a leading land and environmental education provider in the UK, seeks a Forestry Trainer/Technician to support high-quality teaching within the Forestry & Arboriculture department. This hands-on role combines practical teaching support, resource management and machinery upkeep to enhance student experiences.

You will oversee department resources, maintain safety records and contribute to curriculum delivery, with a pro rata salary up to £29,762 per annum and 22.5 hours per week.

Qualifications

• Strong forestry and arboriculture knowledge.
• Experience with machinery maintenance and safety.
• Good communication and organisational skills.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day running of the Forestry & Arboriculture department, ensuring facilities and equipment are ready for teaching.
• Oversee purchasing, ordering, deliveries and supplier liaison per College finance procedures.
• Maintain teaching areas and equipment to a high standard, with accurate records.
• Support teaching sessions and provide subject input to enhance the curriculum and student experience.
• Contribute to quality improvement, compliance and wider College activities.

Skills

Forestry knowledge

Machinery maintenance

Health & safety

Driving licence

Education

Level 3 in Forestry & Arboriculture

Job description

• Salary: Up to £29,762 per annum (pro rata)
• Hours: 22.5 hours per week
• Contact Email: [e-mail]

Description

Plumpton College is a leading provider of land and environmental education in the UK, situated in the heart of the South Downs National Park. We offer a wide range of vocational and academic courses for students of all ages studying from Level 1 to Masters degree and across nineteen subject areas including agriculture, animal management, veterinary sciences, horticulture, equine studies, wine, and environmental studies.

Our approach is underpinned by our core values — Professional, Ambitious, Passionate, Supportive, Progressive, and Enterprising — which guide everything we do. We are proud to foster a culture that expects high standards, encourages innovation, and prioritises the learner experience.

About the role

We are seeking a knowledgeable and proactive Forestry Trainer/Technician to support the delivery of high-quality teaching and practical learning within our Forestry & Arboriculture department. This is a varied, hands-on role that combines technical support, resource management, machinery upkeep, and practical teaching support to help deliver an excellent student experience.

You will:

• support the day-to-day running of the Forestry & Arboriculture department, ensuring resources, facilities and equipment are ready for teaching and learning
• oversee departmental purchasing, ordering, deliveries and supplier liaison in line with College finance procedures
• maintain practical teaching areas, machinery, plant and equipment to a high standard, keeping accurate maintenance and health and safety records
• support practical teaching sessions and provide subject specialist input that enhances the curriculum and student experience
• contribute to departmental quality improvement, housekeeping, compliance, open events and wider College activities

About you

You will bring:

• a Level 3 qualification in Forestry & Arboriculture, or equivalent industry experience
• Strong practical knowledge of forestry and arboriculture machinery, plant, equipment maintenance and associated health and safety requirements
• NPTC or Lantra competency tickets in Chainsaw Maintenance & Cross Cutting and Manually Fed Woodchipper
• Excellent communication, organisation and digital skills, including the ability to work effectively with staff, students, suppliers and other departments
• a professional, collaborative and self‑motivated approach, with a full UK driving licence.

You’ll benefit from:

• We offer a competitive salary and a generous benefits package, including 26 days' annual leave plus bank holidays and efficiency days, pro rata.
• The role is eligible for the Local Government Pension Scheme, including employer contributions and life assurance.
• Staff also benefit from high-quality CPD and professional development opportunities.
• As a Disability Confident Committed employer and signatory of the Menopause Pledge, we are proud to support an inclusive working environment.
• New colleagues benefit from a structured induction, a supported four-month probationary period, and a strong coaching culture led by in‑house Level 5 trained coaches.
• Employees also enjoy lifestyle and wellbeing benefits, including eligibility for a TOTUM and Blue Light Card, free eye tests, free use of our onsite gym, cycle‑to‑work scheme, electric vehicle salary sacrifice, discounted Plumpton produce and courses, free onsite parking, and access to our Employee Assistance Programme.

Our commitment to wellbeing and community is further demonstrated through active EDI and Sustainability committees, regular staff events and social activities throughout the year.

We reserve the right to interview or close the vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications. Early applications are strongly encouraged.

Plumpton College is committed to the promotion of equal opportunities and is dedicated to pursuing non-discriminatory policies and practices and eliminating unfair discrimination on any basis.

Plumpton is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of learners and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

From beekeeping to winemaking, charcoal making to dog grooming you can try a new hobby or expand your horizons on one of our part-time courses today.