Forestry worker
Forestry workers plant, manage and harvest trees and care for the environment in forests and woodland.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a forest worker, you could:
- clear undergrowth like shrubs and plants so you can plant tree seedlings
- cut down trees and branches and get timber ready to be removed
- put up fences, gates and public information notices
- clear footpaths and nature trails
- maintain equipment, drainage systems and car parks
- protect the forest from pests and diseases and prevent forest fires
We've identified this as a green job
As a forestry worker you'll look after forests and woodlands. This can have a positive impact on the environment.
Find out more about green careers
Working environment
You could work in woodland.
Your working environment may be physically demanding and outdoors in all weathers.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Career path and progression
With experience you could:
- become a forest works supervisor, woodland manager or arboricultural officer
- work as forest ranger with wardens or conservation officers to look after wildlife
- educate community groups on the importance of forest and wildlife conservation to sustainability
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- the ability to use your initiative
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- 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
- the ability to work well with your hands
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:
- have a Certificate of Competence, if you carry out hazardous tasks using a chainsaw
- have a full driving licence
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- volunteering
- applying directly
You could take a course at an agricultural college to learn some of the skills needed to find a trainee position. Courses include:
- forestry and arboriculture
- arboriculture
- countryside management
- T Level in Agriculture, Land Management and Production.
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
You could apply to do a Forest Craftsperson Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.
With experience, you could move on to complete a Forestry Works Manager Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship or Professional Forester Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
- 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
You may find it useful when looking for jobs to have some relevant practical experience. You can find volunteering opportunities with organisations like:
You could apply directly to become a forestry worker.
You'll usually need certain licences, for instance, a licence for chainsaw operations or for driving agricultural machinery.
Further information
You can find out more about careers in forestry from the Royal Forestry Society.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.