Forest works manager
Forest works managers make sure tasks like tree planting, harvesting and habitat management are done safely and follow environmental good practice.
Also known as: Forest works supervisor, forestry site manager, forestry contracts manager
- Starter salary£30,000 a year
- Experienced£52,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 44 a week
- Green jobYes
What you'll do
As a forest works manager, you could:
- plan safe and sustainable forest operations, with the forestry management team
- supervise a team of forestry workers
- organise the planting, growing, harvesting, marketing and sale of timber
- survey and mark out work areas for contractors to begin restocking
- monitor and record work progress
- act as a key point of contact for forestry teams and contractors
- make sure forest operations are carried out to professional health and safety standards
- keep accurate records of site visits and audits
Working environment
You could work in an office, in woodland or on a land reclamation site.
Your working environment may be physically active and outdoors in all weathers.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- the ability to work well with others
- the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
- knowledge of geography
- maths knowledge
- the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
- the ability to use your initiative
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be flexible and open to change
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become a forest works manager
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You could study for a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:
- forestry
- arboriculture
- countryside management
- forest management
- woodland ecology and conservation
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
College
You could take a course at an agricultural college to learn some of the skills needed in this job.
Courses include:
- forestry
- forestry and arboriculture
- T Level in Tree and Woodland Management and Maintenance
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do a Forestry Works Manager Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship.
With experience, you could move on to complete a Professional Forester Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
Work
You could work as a forestry craftsperson or forest works supervisor and move into works management through on-the-job training and promotion.
Volunteering
You may find it useful when looking for jobs to get some relevant practical experience. A free virtual work experience programme is available for students to explore the range of careers in forestry.
You can also find volunteering opportunities with organisations like:
- Trees for Cities
- The Tree Council
- Forestry England
- National Trust
- Woodland Trust
Restrictions and requirements
You'll need to:
- have a Certificate of Competence , if you carry out hazardous tasks using a chainsaw
- have a full driving licence
All work must be carried out in line with the UK Forestry Standard.
Career path and progression
With experience you could move into related roles, such as:
- harvesting manager
- contracts manager
- professional forester
You could also work in forestry research , investigating the impact of a changing climate, mapping tree health and developing more resilient woodland species.
Career tips
You may find yourself working in community forests close to towns and cities, or more remotely in the National Forests, commercial plantations and National Parks.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the Institute of Chartered Foresters or Society for the Environment for professional development opportunities, industry news and to make contacts in the profession.
Guides for this industry
Related roles
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