Forestry Worker

Forestry workers manage trees, plants and the environment in forests and woodland.

Typical Salary

£15,000 To £27,000

Typical Hours

42 to 44 a week
between 8am and 6pm

How To Become a Forestry Worker

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • volunteering
  • graduate training scheme

College / University

You could study for a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:

  • forestry
  • arboriculture
  • countryside management
  • forest management
  • woodland ecology and conservation
  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

    • You could take a college course to learn some of the skills needed in this job. Courses include:

    • Level 2 Certificate in Land-based Technology
    • Level 3 Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture
  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

    • Apprenticeship

    You can get into this role through an intermediate apprenticeship as a forest operative.

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

    • Routes into this Career

    Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

    Other Routes

    You can apply for a graduate training scheme with Forestry England.

    Skills And Knowledge

    You'll need:

    • the ability to use your initiative
    • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
    • leadership skills
    • knowledge of geography
    • the ability to work well with others
    • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
    • knowledge of maths
    • excellent verbal communication skills
    • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

    Day To Day Tasks

    Your day-to-day tasks may include:

    • clearing undergrowth for planting
    • planting new tree seedlings
    • digging drainage systems
    • thinning out densely wooded areas
    • felling trees, stripping branches and chopping up tree trunks
    • protecting the forest against insect pests and disease
    • clearing footpaths and nature trails, and maintaining car parks
    • putting up fences, gates, signs and public information notices
    • checking and maintaining tools and equipment
    • preventing forest fires

    Working Environment

    You could work in a park or in woodland.

    Your working environment may be physically demanding and outdoors in all weathers.

    You may need to wear protective clothing.

    Career Path & Progression

    You could progress to senior forest worker or become a forest or arboricultural officer.

    You could also become a forest ranger, working with wardens or conservation officers to look after wildlife.

    Volunteering Opportunities

    Volunteering for a woodland or wildlife charity is a good way to get experience, which could help you when looking for work. You can find opportunities with the following organisations:

    Tips & Information

    Professional and industry bodies

    You could join the Institute of Chartered Foresters , for professional development, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

    Further information

    You can find out more about careers in forestry from the Royal Forestry Society and Forestry England.

    Restrictions & Requirements

    You'll need to:

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