This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and enthusiastic Forest Manager to join the team at Clinton Devon Estates. The successful candidate will lead the teams that manage the Estates’ 1,800 hectares of commercial woodland, in East and North Devon and the 1,000 hectare East Devon Pebblebed Heaths, and also the 80 hectare Otter Estuary, National Nature Reserves.   As a member of the Senior Management Team, tasked with delivering the 2030 Strategy, the Head of Forestry and Reserves will contribute directly to the Land Use and Investment strategy themes.

Based in the Rolle Estate Office in East Devon, the Head of Forestry and Reserves will have direct management control of Estate woodlands as well as non-woodland trees, providing strategic direction and line management support to the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths National Nature Reserves management team.

The successful candidate will be required to lead and manage all aspects of the forestry operation, including planning, marketing timber, preparing and managing budgets, maximising grant schemes that align with management objectives and identifying woodland creation opportunities.

The Head of Forestry and Reserves is required to maintain the Estate’s external recognition of sustainable woodland management, through continued membership of the UK Woodland Assurance Scheme and quality assurance of the Estate’s biomass production, through continued membership of the Woodsure scheme.  Proactive management of safe systems of work is a prerequisite as is the management of the tree risk management programme.

The Candidate

 The ideal candidate will be expected to have:

• Professional membership of the Institute of Chartered Foresters
• A minimum of 10 years management experience in productive forestry; knowledge of Single Tree Selection would be a distinct advantage
• Experience of working with contractors and line managing teams
• Experience in dealing with statutory bodies and stakeholders
• A proven ability to prioritise work, plan operational programmes and control budgets
• Proficient IT skills, including GIS mapping
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

What you can expect – the package

 Salary offered commensurate with candidate’s experience; salary range £50,000 – £60,000 (there may be more for an exceptional candidate).

• An Estate vehicle for business and private use
• The opportunity to rent Estate accommodation
• Pension and life insurance
• Cycle to work scheme
• Weekly wellness hour with personal trainer
• Transitional support from retiring manager

For further information about the role please contact john.wilding@clintondevon.com.