An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Resident Head Forester, with on-site accommodation provided, to lead the sustainable management of the Estate’s woodland resource.

This is a senior, hands-on leadership role with responsibility for forestry operations, contractor management, compliance, and strategic woodland development. Key aspects of the role include:

The role

• Continuing to restructure the Estate’s woodlands in accordance with CCF
• Maintaining and updating the established Whole Forest Inventory
• Playing a key role in the Estate’s progressive and nationally recognised approach to deer management
• Ensuring compliance with the Estate’s Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification
• Oversee the operation of the Estate’s wood fuel operations

Key priorities

• Lead the continued transformation of the Estate’s woodlands under CCF principles
• Oversee timber production and commercial forestry operations
• Ensure compliance with UKFS and FSC certification
• Maintain and develop the Estate’s forest inventory and management plans
• Contribute to wider Estate objectives including conservation and deer management

Person specification

Essential

• Degree in Forestry, Forest Management, or a related discipline.
• Professional membership of the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF), or working towards
• Strong experience in woodland management (estate or commercial)
• Proven experience in Continuous Cover Forestry (CCF) systems.
• Experience managing contractors and forestry operations
• Full UK driving licence

Technical

• Experience with GIS/mapping software (QGIS, ArcGIS, or similar).
• Ability to complete drone surveys and process imagery for forest management purposes.
• Strong understanding of:
  • Continuous Cover Forestry
  • UK Forestry Standard (UKFS)
  • Environmental and forestry legislation
  • FSC certification systems
  • Woodland ecology and biodiversity enhancement
• Strong IT skills, including data management and report writing.
• Chainsaw Certification

Desirable

• Experience in deer management
• Deer Stalking Certification Level 1
• Experience working in a private Estate environment
• Knowledge of grant schemes and regulatory processes

Personable attributes

• Practical, organised, and proactive
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• High professional standards and accountability
• Comfortable working and living in a rural estate environment

Terms and conditions

• Contract: Full‑time, permanent
• Accommodation: Suitable Estate accommodation provided (on-site residence requited)
• Vehicle: Estate vehicle provided for work duties
• Pension: Employer pension scheme
• Health Insurance: Private health insurance
• Salary: Competitive, commensurate with experience
• Other Benefits: Training support, professional membership fees, and access to Estate amenities (where applicable)

How to apply

For more information contact Beyond HR on 028 2564 4110 or to apply submit your CV to  recruitment@wegobeyondhr.com

Closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday, 28th August 2026