Apprentice Forest Operative at Balcombe Estate Forestry & Sawmills

About Us

Balcombe Estate Forestry and Sawmill is a thriving business dedicated to  managing local woodlands sustainably and producing timber products  through our own sawmill from these local resources. A suitable candidate will experience all aspects of practical woodland management as well working with the sawmill team.

This is a great opportunity to learn forestry skills from planting trees, to harvesting and creating an end product.

Vacancy description

Forestry is the art, science and practice of woodland establishment, maintenance and management, and timber harvesting.

A Forest Operative will carry out the practical operations required to create, maintain and harvest forests and woodlands.

Some will carry out operations across the range from planting to harvesting whilst others will specialise in a particular part of the process. All will need to be able and willing to do challenging work outdoors and, in all weathers, would be expected to be aware of the full range of forestry operations, and to understand the relationship between commercial, environmental and social forestry.

Candidates will work outdoors, harvesting and extracting timber, assist in the sawmill, restocking trees and help with the creation of new woodlands. Other duties will include working with brush cutters, Christmas tree pruning, fencing and general estate maintenance.

Desired skills

• Chainsaw and tractor experience although training will be given.

Personal qualities

• Candidates should be self-motivated and hard working with an appreciation for woodlands, the countryside and working outdoors.

Desired qualifications

• English and maths  GCSE

• Other GCSE passes will be taken into consideration

Future prospects

• The right candidate will have the opportunity to become a park of our team.

Things to consider

• Driving license or reliable transport
• This role offers an excellent opportunity to work with an experienced team in a rewarding job. 

Company Benefits

• 21 days holiday including bank holidays and weekends.

Training to be provided WHAT IS AN APPRENTICESHIP?

An apprenticeship is a real job that combines hands on work with the opportunity to train and develop your skills, knowledge and behaviours in your chosen profession. 

An apprenticeship is a real job that combines hands on work with the opportunity to train and develop your skills, knowledge and behaviours in your chosen profession. 

At least 20% of your contracted hours will be spent in training and development, either with us at college, via online learning or even in your workplace. The rest of your time will be spent applying your skills and knowledge in your workplace, doing the job you have been employed to do.

WHAT APPRENTICES WILL LEARN

• Identifying trees and plants
• Controlling pests and diseases
• Understanding the timber industry
• Principles of plant growth and development
• How to use equipment correctly

QUALIFICATIONS AWARDED

• Apprenticeship Certificate
• Level 3 award in emergency first aid at work (in a forestry context known as +F)
• Level 2 award in chainsaw maintenance
• Level 2 award in crosscutting timber using a chainsaw
• Level 2 award in felling and processing trees up to 380mm
• Level 1 in maths and English (if applicable)

 Harvesting pathway

• Level 3 award in felling and processing trees over 380mm