Location
Santon Downham Office near Brandon, Suffolk IP27 0TJ

Hours
44 hours per week, Monday to Friday 7am start. Flexible working required to meet team needs including on-call out-of-hours availability. Occasional travel and overnight stays for meetings and training events.

Salary
£37,537 - £39,661 per annum

About the Role
As one of the four Thetford Beat Foresters, you will play a key role in evolving forest management practices by diversifying tree species to sustain timber production under future climate conditions. You will maintain SSSI/SPA habitats for rare Breckland fauna and flora, protect unique heritage, and provide extensive countryside access for visitors. Thetford Forest spans 20,000 hectares divided into four beats, each contributing to an annual timber harvest of 85,000m³ and a tree-planting programme of up to 1 million trees.

The Beat Forester plans and organises forest operations, preparing large-scale silvicultural and estate maintenance programmes, ensuring delivery is safe, timely, and meets professional standards. You will also respond to unexpected situations such as wildfires or windblown trees, organising compliant and effective responses.

This role combines office-based management duties with outdoor work in all seasons, requiring the ability to walk across rough terrain. If you are passionate about forests and trees but lack technical knowledge, there are routes into forestry and qualifications available through professional bodies and volunteering opportunities.

Experience
Relevant experience in silviculture, planning, and delivery of forest operations that meet environmental and safety standards is essential. Experience managing staff is also required.

About you
You are a motivated and adaptable individual with strong leadership skills. You can work effectively both independently and as part of a team. You are prepared to work flexibly, including out-of-hours and occasional travel. You have a passion for forestry, conservation, and sustainable land management.

Behaviours assessed include Leadership, Working Together, Delivering at Pace, and Making Effective Decisions.

Qualifications
Technical forestry knowledge is required. If you do not currently hold the necessary qualifications, information on routes into forestry and relevant qualifications can be found through professional forestry and arboricultural associations. Commitment to continual professional development is expected.