Forestry worker

Forestry workers plant, maintain and harvest trees. They also improve public access to woodlands and play an important role in protecting habitats.

Also known as: Forest craftsperson

• Starter salary£26,000 a year
• Experienced£32,000 a year
• Typical hours37 to 42 a week
• Green jobYes

What you'll do

As a forestry worker, you could:

• clear undergrowth to make space for planting tree seedlings
• cut down trees and branches and get timber ready for removal
• put up fences, gates and public information notices
• maintain footpaths, cycle tracks and nature trails
• keep forestry equipment, drainage systems and car parks in good order
• protect the forest from pests and diseases and prevent forest fires

Working environment

You could work in woodland.

Your working environment may be physically demanding 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
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of geography
• the ability to use your initiative
• knowledge of maths
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to work well with your hands
• physical skills like strength, balance and co-ordination
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

How to become a forestry worker

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• volunteering
• applying directly

College

You could take a course at an agricultural college to learn some of the skills needed in this job.

Courses include:

• forestry and arboriculture
• countryside management
• countryside and environment
• T Level in Tree & 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 Forest Craftsperson Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

With experience, you could move on to complete a Level 4 Forestry Works Manager Higher Apprenticeship, or a Professional Forester Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

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 jobs in forestry.

You can also find volunteering opportunities with organisations like:

• Trees for Cities
• The Tree Council
• Forestry England
• National Trust
• Woodland Trust

Direct application

You can apply directly to become a forestry worker.

You'll usually need certain licences, for instance a licence for chainsaw operations, or for driving forestry machinery.

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

Career path and progression

With experience, you could:

• become a forest works supervisor, forest works manager , woodland manager or arboricultural officer
• work as a forest ranger with wardens or conservation officers to look after wildlife and habitats
• educate community groups on the importance of forest and wildlife conservation

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 for professional development opportunities, industry news and to make contacts in the profession.

Guides for this industry

• Environmental Sciences: pay, interviews and getting started →

Related roles

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• Job roleArboricultural officer
• Job roleCountryside ranger
• Job roleTree surgeon
• Job roleHorticultural worker

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0