Location
South Downs & Chiddingfold Beats, Surrey

Hours
37 hours per week

Salary
£26,123 per annum

About the Role
Join Forestry England, a passionate team dedicated to growing the nation’s forests and making a positive difference for people and the environment. As a Tractor Driver Craftsperson, you will spend approximately 80% of your time driving a tractor to carry out flailing and mowing, post knocking, and light timber forwarding operations. The remaining 20% of your time will involve working alongside other forest craftspersons using a variety of practical and countryside skills including chainsaw and clearing saw work, grass strimming, fencing, planting, applying herbicides, path maintenance, and basic surveying.

The role covers two geographic areas with time split evenly between them:
- The South Downs beat, covering 4,300 hectares of mixed woodland across East Hampshire and West Sussex, including ancient broadleaf woodland and well-used recreation and conservation sites. The team is based at Forestry England Operations Yard, Liss, GU33 7QP.
- The Chiddingfold beat, covering 2,800 hectares of mixed woodland in Surrey and East Hampshire, including ancient woodlands and production conifer areas within the Surrey Hills AONB. The team is based at Forestry England Operations Yard, Farnham, GU10 4LS.

Forestry England is committed to adapting landscapes for the future while providing vital habitats for wildlife, cleaner air, and sustainable timber production. This role offers the opportunity to be part of that mission and contribute to creating amazing places and experiences for the public.

Experience
Experience in basic tractor operation and attachments is essential. Knowledge and awareness of risks in the forest environment are required. Practical skills in chainsaw use, clearing saw work, and other countryside tasks are advantageous.

About you
You will be a motivated and safety-conscious individual with a passion for working outdoors and forestry. You should be able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. Strong communication skills and a commitment to delivering quality service are important. You will be assessed on behaviours including Managing a Quality Service, Working Together, and Delivering at Pace.

Qualifications
No specific qualifications are mandated; however, successful candidates will undergo a criminal record check and government baseline personnel security standard check. The ability to communicate accurately in spoken English is essential.