Tree Felling Lecturer (Variable Hours)

Wiltshire College & University Centre; Lacock; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Teachers' Pension Scheme

Generous holiday entitlement

Employee Assistance Programme

Free on-site gyms

Lifestyle discounts

Cycle-to-Work Scheme

Professional development and CPD

Job summary

Wiltshire College & University Centre is seeking a Tree Felling Lecturer for a variable hours role at Lackham Campus. You will teach adult learners in tree felling, chainsaw safety, and woodland management with practical demonstrations and safe practices.

Experience in forestry operations or arboriculture is required, with a relevant Level 3 qualification or equivalent. The position offers flexible hours and opportunities for CPD across college sites.

Qualifications

• A relevant Level 3 qualification in forestry/arboriculture or related subject, or substantial industry experience.
• Practical experience in tree felling, forestry operations, or arboriculture is essential.
• Appropriate chainsaw and forestry qualifications for teaching practical activities.
• Solid understanding of risk assessment, PPE, and safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver engaging tree felling, forestry and arboriculture sessions.
• Prepare lesson plans, demonstrations, and learning resources for adult learners.
• Teach tree assessment, site prep, and planning of forestry operations.
• Explain chainsaw safety, equipment maintenance and PPE requirements.
• Explain tree biology, woodland management, and environmental considerations.
• Introduce safe procedures, hazard identification, risk assessment and emergency planning.
• Promote safe working practices and professional standards in forestry.
• Assess learner progress and provide constructive feedback.

Skills

Tree felling

Forestry operations

Arboriculture

Chainsaw safety

Woodland maintenance

Safety procedures

Education

Level 3 qualification in forestry/arboriculture

Significant industry experience

Teaching/adult education qualifications desirable

Job description

Tree Felling Lecturer (Variable Hours)

Location: Cross College/Lackham

Salary: £21.13- £25.34 per hour, plus holiday pay

Are you passionate about forestry, arboriculture, and practical woodland management, and keen to share your knowledge with adult learners? Whether you're an experienced lecturer, qualified tree feller, forestry professional, or arborist with a passion for sharing your knowledge and practical expertise, we'd love to hear from you!

Join our team and help adult learners develop their understanding of tree felling, chainsaw safety, woodland management, and forestry practices through practical demonstrations and structured learning in a safe and supportive environment.

We're particularly interested in candidates with experience in tree felling, forestry operations, arboriculture, chainsaw use, woodland maintenance, or related land-based industries who can share their expertise and promote safe working practices.

Please note: This is a Variable Hours position, with work offered as required, subject to adult learning course provision, curriculum delivery, learner demand, and the needs of individual college sites.

Course Structure: Courses typically run for approximately 3 hours per week over 10 weeks, subject to the course content, practical requirements, facilities, and learner needs. Delivery may include classroom teaching, demonstrations, and supervised practical activities where appropriate.

What We Offer

• Salary: Unqualified Lecturer: £21.13 per hour plus holiday pay
• Salary: Qualified Lecturer: £25.34 per hour plus holiday pay

Contract Type: Variable Hours

Location: Lackham Campus, with opportunities to teach at other college sites as required.

Working Pattern: Approximately 3 hours per week over 10 weeks, depending on course provision and learner demand.

Benefits

• Teachers' Pension Scheme
• Generous holiday entitlement
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Free on-site gyms
• Lifestyle discounts
• Cycle-to-Work Scheme
• Professional development and CPD opportunities

A flexible and rewarding opportunity to share your forestry expertise, develop learners' practical knowledge, and promote safe and responsible woodland management.

What You'll Do

• Plan and deliver engaging tree felling, forestry, and arboriculture sessions.
• Prepare lesson plans, demonstrations, and learning resources for adult learners.
• Teach the principles of tree assessment, site preparation, and planning forestry operations.
• Develop learners' understanding of chainsaw safety, equipment maintenance, and appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Explain tree biology, tree identification, woodland management, and environmental considerations.
• Introduce safe working procedures, hazard identification, risk assessment, and emergency planning.
• Explain directional felling principles, tree lean, site conditions, and factors affecting safe operations.
• Promote responsible forestry practices, biodiversity, and the protection of surrounding habitats.
• Help learners understand relevant legislation, industry guidance, and professional standards.
• Use demonstrations, case studies, and supervised practical activities appropriate to learners' experience and course requirements.
• Assess learner progress and provide constructive feedback to support skills development.
• Ensure practical activities follow appropriate risk assessments, site controls, and safety procedures.
• Maintain high standards of health and safety, safeguarding, and professional practice.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to support high-quality adult learning across college sites.

What You'll Bring

• A relevant Level 3 qualification or higher in forestry, arboriculture, land-based studies, or a related subject, and/or significant relevant industry experience.
• Relevant practical experience in tree felling, forestry operations, or arboriculture.
• Appropriate chainsaw, tree felling, and forestry qualifications for the practical activities being taught.
• A strong understanding of risk assessment, personal protective equipment, equipment safety, and emergency procedures.
• Knowledge of tree biology, woodland management, and environmental considerations.
• The ability to explain technical information clearly and support learners with different levels of experience.
• A commitment to safe working practices and responsible forestry management.
• Good communication, organisational, and interpersonal skills.
• Flexibility to teach at Salisbury Campus and other college sites as required.
• Teaching or adult education qualifications are desirable but not essential. Experienced tree fellers, arborists, forestry workers, and land-based professionals with appropriate technical qualifications who are looking to develop their teaching experience are encouraged to apply.

Why Join Us?

• Flexible working opportunities: Variable hours that reflect course provision and learner demand.
• Share your expertise: Bring your forestry and tree felling experience into adult education.
• Develop practical skills: Help learners build their knowledge of forestry techniques and equipment.
• Promote safety: Support learners to understand the importance of professional standards and safe working practices.
• Encourage sustainability: Promote responsible woodland management and environmental awareness.
• Make a meaningful difference: Support learners' personal development and progression into land-based industries.
• Short-course delivery: Typically around 3 hours per week over 10 weeks, depending on course requirements.
• Professional development: Access opportunities for continuing professional development and CPD.

Inspire Skills Through Forestry and Tree Felling

If you're ready to share your forestry expertise, inspire adult learners, and help people develop the knowledge and skills required for safe and responsible tree work, we'd love to hear from you!

Please note: Your Application Form will be shortlisted against how your skills, qualifications and experience match the Essential and Desirable points on the Person Specification for this role, located at the top of this page as a downloadable document. Vacancies may close early if sufficient applications have been received; therefore, we would encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.

Safer Recruitment

Wiltshire College & University Centre follows Safer Recruitment Guidance outlined by the Department for Education in ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’. This involves conducting enhanced DBS checks, including checks against the children’s barred list, and other employment verifications, including an online presence review for shortlisted candidates.

We embrace diversity, recognising the valuable perspectives, ideas, knowledge, and cultures individuals from different backgrounds bring. Committed to safeguarding, we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we pledge to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for a job vacancy and assess them based on their abilities.

Closing date: 9th November 2026

Shortlist date: 10th November 2026

Interview date: TBC