Forest works manager

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

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You could take a course at an agricultural college to learn some of the skills needed in this job.

Courses include:

• forestry
• forestry and arboriculture
• T Level in Tree and Woodland Management and Maintenance

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
• search for agricultural colleges|https://nlbc.uk/partners/members/
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• search for courses|/find-a-course

You could apply to do a Forestry Works Manager Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship.

With experience, you could move on to complete a Professional Forester Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• find an apprenticeship|https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship

You could work as a forestry craftsperson or forest works supervisor and move into works management through on-the-job training and promotion.

You may find it useful when looking for jobs to get some relevant practical experience. A free virtual work experience programme is available for students to explore the range of careers in forestry.

You can also find volunteering opportunities with organisations like:

• Trees for Cities
• The Tree Council
• Forestry England
• National Trust
• Woodland Trust

Career Tips

You may find yourself working in community forests close to towns and cities, or more remotely in the National Forests, commercial plantations and National Parks.

Professional and Industry Bodies

You could join the Institute of Chartered Foresters or Society for the Environment for professional development opportunities, industry news and to make contacts in the profession.

Further Information

You can find more information about forestry careers from Lantra and the Royal Forestry Society's Careers Advice Service .

As a forest works manager, you could:

• plan safe and sustainable forest operations, with the forestry management team
• supervise a team of forestry workers
• organise the planting, growing, harvesting, marketing and sale of timber
• survey and mark out work areas for contractors to begin restocking
• monitor and record work progress
• act as a key point of contact for forestry teams and contractors
• make sure forest operations are carried out to professional health and safety standards
• keep accurate records of site visits and audits

We've identified this as a green job

As a forest works manager, you'll look after forests and woodlands. This can have a positive impact on the environment.

Find out more about green careers

You could work in an office, in woodland or on a land reclamation site.

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

You may need to wear protective clothing.